https://www.bitstamp.net/learn/crypto-101/what-are-bitcoin-blockchain-nodes/Keeping Bitcoin decentralized
There are currently over
10,000 reachable full nodes distributed across the world.
It is likely that the actual number of nodes is much higher. These are just those that can be reached by any node. Many nodes are inaccessible for several reasons. They might have gone offline or their owners might have chosen to disable incoming connections and, therefore, can’t be reached.
Roughly 16K, at least according to BitNodes though there isn't an accurate methodology to prove this; their crawler sends getaddr to nodes to get a list of IPs which are running a full node and the realtime number can vary drastically.
Thanks for the information. Both are pointing towards same direction. There is atleast 10k active full nodes. According to the quote provided by bitmover, the number could be higher and I believe it is higher.
Anyhow, the number shouldn't matter but the geographical distribution is by far more important.
Let's assume there are 10k active full nodes, and 85 percent of these nodes are concentrated in one country. What is the implication?
- Will it mean any form of centralization?
- I think the major concern should be if the government of that country rises against bitcoin mining