El Salvador's Bitcoin Gamble: High Costs, Low Adoption, and Bukele's Unwavering Commitment
October 17, 2024Public skepticism towards Bitcoin remains high, with many citizens citing its volatility and complexity as barriers to adoption.
Experts emphasize the need to address barriers such as public education, digital literacy, and technology access to improve Bitcoin adoption rates.
This latest survey marks a decline in Bitcoin usage compared to earlier findings, with 88% of Salvadorans indicating they did not use the cryptocurrency in 2023.
Despite the challenges, Bukele's government remains committed to Bitcoin adoption, hoping that future international interest will boost domestic usage.
President Bukele's administration has implemented significant security measures, resulting in a crackdown on gangs and the imprisonment of nearly 2% of the population, which has garnered mixed reactions.
In September 2021, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender under President Nayib Bukele, who aimed to enhance the economy and attract foreign investment.
Despite government efforts to promote Bitcoin adoption, a recent survey revealed that only 7.5% of Salvadorans use the cryptocurrency for transactions, with 92% opting for traditional currency.
The survey indicated that just 1.3% of respondents believe Bitcoin should be the primary focus for the country's economic future, highlighting a strong preference for education and industrial development instead.
Interestingly, despite the low adoption rates, President Bukele enjoys a high approval rating of 8.43 out of 10, with around 60% of citizens expressing support for his leadership.
The government has invested approximately $329 million in Bitcoin initiatives, including a $150 million trust fund aimed at stabilizing Bitcoin's value and ensuring liquidity.
Acknowledging the lower-than-expected adoption rates, Bukele has faced criticism for his aggressive Bitcoin investment strategies from both U.S. politicians and the International Monetary Fund.
The International Monetary Fund has recently shifted its stance, indicating a lack of financial risks associated with El Salvador's Bitcoin adoption.
Summary based on 5 sources
Get a daily email with more Crypto stories
Sources
Cointelegraph • Oct 16, 2024
Over 90% of Salvadorans don’t transact with Bitcoin: SurveyDecrypt • Oct 15, 2024
Salvadorans May Like Bukele But They Aren’t Using Bitcoin, Survey FindsCryptonews • Oct 14, 2024
El Salvador Survey: Only 7.5% of Citizens Use Bitcoin