BITCOIN is a decentralized digital currency that allows for peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a middleman like a bank or government. It was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto and has since become one of the most well-known and widely used cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional currencies, BITCOIN has a finite supply, with only 21 million bitcoins ever to be created, which makes it a deflationary asset and potentially valuable for long-term holders. The technology behind BITCOIN, known as the blockchain, is a decentralized ledger that records all transactions and makes them publicly visible while maintaining privacy through cryptographic methods. BITCOIN has been subject to extreme price volatility, with its value rising and falling rapidly over short periods. It has also faced regulatory challenges and criticisms for its association with illegal activities, but has continued to gain mainstream adoption as an alternative form of currency and store of value.