1. First Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, created by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, was the first decentralized digital currency, sparking the cryptocurrency revolution.
2. Fixed Supply: Bitcoin has a maximum supply of 21 million coins, which ensures scarcity and drives demand, leading some to compare it to "digital gold."
3. Decentralized and Peer-to-Peer: Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network without any central authority, like a government or bank, making it resistant to censorship and manipulation.
4. Mining Process: New bitcoins are created through mining, a process where powerful computers solve complex mathematical problems. The reward for mining is halved approximately every four years in an event known as the "halving."
5. Bitcoin's First Use: The first real-world Bitcoin transaction was in 2010 when Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. Today, those bitcoins would be worth millions!
6. Blockchain Technology: Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain, which makes the network transparent and tamper-proof.
7. Anonymous But Traceable: Bitcoin transactions don’t require personal details, making it pseudonymous. However, transactions are recorded publicly, so with advanced analysis, it's sometimes possible to trace activity back to individuals.
8. Volatile Price: Bitcoin is highly volatile, with dramatic price fluctuations over time. It has seen highs of over $60,000 and lows of under $1, making it a risky investment.
9. Widely Accepted: Bitcoin has become more accepted globally. Some countries recognize it as legal tender, and several major companies, like Tesla and Microsoft, have accepted Bitcoin as payment at various times.
10. Environmental Impact: Bitcoin mining consumes a lot of energy due to the computational power required. This has led to concerns about its environmental impact, prompting efforts toward more sustainable mining practices.