Mauritania vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Mauritania
El Salvador
Mauritania has a restrictive stance on cryptocurrency. Islamic finance principles influence the financial regulatory approach. The central bank has warned against crypto use.
El Salvador made history in September 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender through the Bitcoin Law. However, under a January 2025 IMF agreement (Decreto 199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles. There is no capital gains tax on Bitcoin. The CNAD regulates digital assets.
Key Points
- Central bank has warned against cryptocurrency use
- Islamic finance principles influence regulatory approach
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Limited crypto infrastructure
- Financial institutions discouraged from dealing in crypto
Key Points
- First country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021 via the Bitcoin Law
- Government developed the Chivo wallet for citizens, offering $30 USD in BTC incentive
- January 2025 Decreto 199 made merchant Bitcoin acceptance voluntary (IMF condition)
- No capital gains tax on Bitcoin transactions for individuals
- Government has been accumulating Bitcoin reserves and launched Bitcoin-backed bonds