According to the latest available statistics for the year 2021, the largest countries in the world in terms of gold reserves are as follows:

1. United States - 8,134 tons
2. Germany - 3,362 tons
3. Italy - 2,451 tons
4. France - 2,436 tons
5. Russia - 2,299 tons
6. China - 1,948 tons
7. Switzerland - 1,040 tons
8. Japan - 851 tons
9. India - 695 tons
10. Netherlands - 612 tons

 

Please note that these figures are subject to change as new data becomes available and gold reserves are updated periodically.

 

Regarding gold reserves in the ground, determining the exact amount of gold is challenging due to various factors such as incomplete data and variations in gold distribution and quality across different regions. However, there are countries known for having significant gold deposits. Some of the notable countries with substantial gold reserves in the ground include:

1. South Africa: South Africa is the largest gold producer globally and possesses significant gold deposits, including major mines like Mponeng, Driefontein, and Kusasalethu.
2. Australia: Gold is a significant export for Australia, with large areas containing substantial gold reserves, particularly in Western Australia and its southwest region.
3. Russia: Russia ranks among the top gold producers globally, with gold mines distributed across regions such as Siberia, the Urals, and the Altai Mountains.
4. Canada: Canada is known for its substantial gold reserves, with notable mines like the Red Lake mine, one of the largest gold mines worldwide.
5. United States: The United States has a rich history of gold extraction, and gold mines are found in various states, including California, Alaska, Nevada, and Georgia.
6. Peru: Gold mining plays a significant role in Peru's economy, with mines known for extracting high-quality gold.

 

It's important to note that the quantities mentioned are subject to change due to ongoing production, exploration, and potential discovery of new gold mines in the future.