Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Canada and Norway Hold Zero Gold Reserves
Gold is becoming more important for central banks around the world because it helps protect against problems like inflation and political risks.
However, Canada and Norway are different.
They don't keep any gold in their central banks.
Canada is a big producer of gold but has sold all its reserves over the past 20 years.
Norway sold most of its gold in 2004.
Instead, both countries prefer to hold other types of assets that are easy to use, like government bonds.
Most other countries, like Poland and China, are buying more gold to add to their reserves.
The United States has the most gold reserves in the world.
This shows that different countries have different ways of managing their money.
Canada and Norway hold zero gold reserves in their central banks.
Canada is a major gold producer but has sold all its reserves over the past two decades.
Norway sold nearly all its gold reserves in 2004, keeping only a few bars and coins for historical purposes.
Most central banks are increasing their gold reserves to hedge against geopolitical risks and economic uncertainty.
The United States holds the largest gold reserves in the world, followed by Germany, Italy, France, China, and Russia.
- Who
- Canada and Norway
- What
- Hold zero gold reserves in their central banks
- When
- Canada has been reducing gold reserves over the past two decades; Norway sold its reserves in 2004
- Where
- Canada and Norway
- Why
- Both countries prefer highly liquid assets like U.S. Treasury securities and government bonds over gold reserves
Countries Holding Gold Reserves
Countries Not Holding Gold Reserves
Gold as a Reserve Asset
Countries Holding Gold Reserves
Many countries are increasing their gold reserves to hedge against geopolitical risks, inflation, and economic uncertainty.
Countries Not Holding Gold Reserves
Canada and Norway do not hold gold reserves, opting for highly liquid assets like U.S. Treasury securities and government bonds.
Central Bank Strategies
Countries Holding Gold Reserves
Central banks like Poland, Kazakhstan, and China are actively buying gold to diversify their reserves.
Countries Not Holding Gold Reserves
Canada and Norway have sold their gold reserves, focusing on liquid financial assets for reserve management.
- Canada's Gold Reserves
- 0 tonnes
- Norway's Gold Reserves
- 0 tonnes (7 gold bars and coins for historical purposes)
- Top Gold Buyers in 2025
- Poland (102 tonnes), Kazakhstan (57 tonnes), Azerbaijan (53.4 tonnes), Brazil (42.8 tonnes), China (26.8 tonnes), Turkey (25.8 tonnes)
- Largest Gold Holders
- United States (8,133.46 tonnes), Germany (3,349.48 tonnes), Italy (2,451.83 tonnes), France (2,436.97 tonnes), China (2,331.50 tonnes), Russia (2,292.31 tonnes), India (880.52 tonnes)
- Bank of Canada's View on Gold
- Gold no longer fits the country's 'asset-matching framework'
- Norway's Gold Sale
- Sold nearly all remaining gold reserves in 2004