- Bitcoin reaches unprecedented prices in Turkey and Nigeria, fueled by massive inflation and diminishing trust in local fiat currencies.
- Despite trading 50% below its peak in U.S. dollar terms, bitcoin’s popularity surges in these countries, highlighting the crypto’s role as a potential alternative to fiat in economically unstable regions.
On the morning of October 27, 2023, the decentralized digital currency, Bitcoin, marked a historic milestone, achieving record-breaking values against the Turkish lira and the Nigerian naira. This remarkable surge comes despite Bitcoin’s current standing at 50% below its peak in U.S. dollar terms, illustrating a significant shift in its global market dynamics.
Economic Instability Driving Crypto Adoption
Turkey and Nigeria have witnessed their national fiat currencies undergo considerable devaluation, accompanied by soaring inflation rates and dwindling purchasing power. In Turkey, inflation has skyrocketed to 51%, with the lira experiencing a 31% decline over the past six months. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, inflation rates have escalated by 25% compared to the previous year, with the naira depreciating by 45% in the same period.
These harsh economic conditions have seemingly paved the way for Bitcoin to emerge as a viable alternative, as individuals seek refuge in its decentralized nature. As of the latest data, Bitcoin traded at an impressive 960,000 against the Turkish lira and 27.4 million against the Nigerian naira, boasting a 30% increase in local currency terms over the month.
Local cryptocurrency exchanges in these regions have witnessed a substantial trading volume, accumulating to $40 million worth of Bitcoin transactions in the past 24 hours, according to CoinGecko. It’s important to note that this figure may not encompass the full extent of the trading activity, as it excludes transactions occurring on global platforms like Binance and Coinbase.
The adoption of cryptocurrency in Turkey and Nigeria has seen a steady rise, with both nations exhibiting a strong presence in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and crypto trading spaces. A report by Chainalysis in September positioned Nigeria as the second-most active country in DeFi participation, trailing behind India, while Turkey secured the twelfth spot among twenty countries analyzed.
Adding to the fervor in the crypto space, anticipations surrounding the approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF in the United States have injected a sense of euphoria among investors. This sentiment propelled Bitcoin to a 20% gain over the week and sparked a surge in options activity, bringing back price volatility that had been absent in recent months.
As Bitcoin continues to defy expectations, achieving unparalleled heights in select markets, its role as a potential alternative to traditional fiat currencies in regions grappling with economic instability becomes increasingly evident.
