In the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital innovation, few companies have left a mark as deep as Amazon. From a modest online bookstore in a Seattle garage to one of the world’s most influential companies, Amazon’s story is not just about technological success but also about visionary leadership, strategic expansion, and global relevance.
This article explores the ownership of Amazon, the country it belongs to, the journey of its founder Jeff Bezos, and how this company became a cornerstone of the digital economy in the 21st century.
1. The Origin of Amazon: A Dream Takes Shape
Amazon was founded by Jeffrey Preston Bezos on July 5, 1994, in Seattle, Washington, USA. The initial idea was to create an online bookstore, but Bezos had a much larger vision — to create the “Everything Store.” Drawing inspiration from the rapid growth of the internet, Bezos left his job at D.E. Shaw (a hedge fund) to pursue this venture.
He initially considered naming the company “Cadabra,” but later chose “Amazon” because it was exotic and vast, just like his vision.
2. Who Is Jeff Bezos? The Man Behind Amazon
Early Life:
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Born: January 12, 1964, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Education: Princeton University (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)
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Early Career: Worked at Fitel, Bankers Trust, and D.E. Shaw
Bezos was fascinated by technology, space, and the future from a young age. His risk-taking nature, combined with analytical brilliance, laid the foundation for Amazon’s success.
3. Amazon’s Growth Over the Years
Timeline:
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1995: Launches as an online bookstore
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1997: Goes public on the NASDAQ
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1999: Introduces marketplace for third-party sellers
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2005: Launches Amazon Prime
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2006: Amazon Web Services (AWS) launches
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2012: Acquires Kiva Systems (robots for warehouses)
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2017: Acquires Whole Foods for $13.7 billion
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2021: Jeff Bezos steps down as CEO, replaced by Andy Jassy
Amazon expanded into everything from cloud computing, logistics, entertainment, advertising, AI, and smart devices.
4. Ownership of Amazon: Who Owns It Today?
Jeff Bezos:
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Though Bezos stepped down as CEO in 2021, he remains the Executive Chairman and largest individual shareholder.
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As of 2025, Jeff Bezos owns around 9–10% of Amazon’s shares, making him a key decision-maker and influencer in its operations.
Other Major Shareholders:
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Institutional Investors: BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street
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Retail Investors: Millions of individuals worldwide own shares in Amazon
CEO: Andy Jassy
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Took over leadership in July 2021
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Former CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS)
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Known for scaling AWS into a $90+ billion business annually
So, Amazon is a publicly traded company, and while Bezos no longer controls it alone, he remains the symbolic and strategic pillar of its identity.
5. Which Country Does Amazon Belong To?
Amazon is an American multinational technology company:
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Incorporated and headquartered in the United States
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Main base: Seattle, Washington
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Listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under ticker AMZN
Global Presence:
Amazon has a footprint in:
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India
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United Kingdom
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Germany
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Japan
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Australia
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UAE, and many more
But its core operations, legal registration, tax base, and leadership are rooted in the United States of America.
Would You Like Me to Continue the Next Sections?
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Amazon’s global expansion strategy
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Jeff Bezos’ investments beyond Amazon (Blue Origin, Washington Post)
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Economic impact of Amazon
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Controversies and criticisms
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Technological innovations by Amazon (like Alexa, Prime Air drones, Go stores)
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The future of Amazon under Andy Jassy
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Amazon’s workplace culture, logistics, and labor policies
