15. Portugal
Value of reserves: $19.7 billion
Holdings total: 421.6 tons
The westernmost nation in mainland Europe is home to the 15th largest gold reserve in the world. At 421.6 tons, Portugal’s holdings are overseen by Banco de Portugal and are valued at roughly $19.7 billion, accounting for 89.2 percent of the country’s foreign reserves.
13. The European Central Bank
Value of reserves: $25.8 billion
Holdings total: 553.4 tons
Established in 1998 by the European Union, the European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for the monetary policy of the member nations of the euro zone and is headquartered in Frankfurt.
The ECB's 553.3 tons of gold accounts for 35 percent of the bank's foreign reserves and would be worth $25.8 billion in today's market.
11. The Netherlands
Value of reserves: $31.5 billion
Holdings total: 675.2 tons
The Netherlands has the 11th largest reserve on the list, with 675.2 tons of gold. De Nederlandsche Bank manages the country’s national finances, including the gold reserves, which amount to approximately $31.5 billion and account for 61.9 percent of the country's foreign reserves.
[you would expect the Swiss to high up on the list]
8. Switzerland
Value of reserves: $53.5 billion
Holdings total: 1,146.5 tons
The Swiss National Bank conducts Switzerland's monetary policy and manages the country's 1,146.5 tons of gold.
With the world's eighth largest reserve of the precious metal, Switzerland's supply is worth approximately $53.5 billion in today's gold market. It accounts for 15.8 percent of the country's foreign reserves, though this proportion has dropped in the past year.
7. China
Value of reserves: $54.22 billion
Holdings total: 1,161.9 tons
At 1,161.9 tons, the world's most populated country has the world's seventh largest gold reserve. Expect it to be higher on the list? Well, bear in mind that China's gold only accounts for 1.8 percent of its foreign reserves. With a population of 1.34 billion, the country holds about $40.46 worth of gold per person, totaling $54.22 billion.
6. SPDR Gold ETF (GLD)
Value of holdings: $64.53 billion
Holdings total: 1,213.9 tons
Unlike other major gold holdings, this is one that investors can actually buy in to. As the price of gold fluctuates, so does the value of SPDR Gold Trust, also known the GLD. The fund held 38,845,889 ounces, or 1,213.9 tons of gold as of its 10-Q filing on June 30, 2011.
Although gold is off it’s all time highs, during the week of August 22, 2011, the SPDR Gold Trust surpassed the heavily-traded S&P 500 SPDR (SPY) for the first time. Like many investors, the ETF has indicated they have increased their holdings of gold since their most recent filing.
Pictured: Gold bars are displayed at the GLD Fifth Anniversary Celebration Hosted By SPDR Gold Shares in New York
[France gets us to the 1st holder with 2000 tons or more]
5. France
Value of reserves: $125.28 billion
Holdings total: 2,684.6 tons
The French National Bank, Banque De France, is home to the country's gold holdings, which comprise 71.8 percent of its foreign reserves. With 2,684.6 tons of gold in reserve, France's holdings are worth approximately $125.28 billion.
[The IMF gets us to the 1st holder with 3000 tons or more]
3. The International Monetary Fund
Value of reserves: $144.76 billion
Holdings total: 3,101 tons
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) oversees international economic operations of 185 member countries. Its gold policies have changed in the last 25 years, but the reserves remain to stabilize international markets and aid national economies.
In one such instance, the IMF sold a portion of its reserves in December 1999 to aid the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. The 3,101 tons of IMF Gold would fetch roughly $144.76 billion in the open market.
2. Germany
Value of reserves: $174.7 billion
Holdings total: 3,743.7 tons
The Deutsche Bundesbank, Germany's central bank, has 3,743.7 tons of gold reserves, which are valued at about $174.7 billion. According to the World Gold Council, Germany’s gold coffers account for 73.7 percent of total foreign reserves.
and No. 1
The World's Biggest Gold Reserves
