About the Brazilian Real
The Brazilian Real was introduced as part of the 'Plano Real', a major monetary reform plan to combat hyperinflation. It replaced the Cruzeiro Real.
The name 'Real' means 'royal' in Portuguese, and was the name of Brazil's first currency used from colonial times until 1942.
Interesting Facts
Taming Hyperinflation
The introduction of the Real in 1994 is a famous case study in successfully ending a long period of chronic and extreme hyperinflation.
Republic's Effigy
All Real banknotes feature the 'Effigy of the Republic', a personification of the nation, on the obverse side.
The Maned Wolf Note
A 200 Real banknote was introduced in 2020 featuring the maned wolf, an animal native to the Brazilian cerrado.
Historical Timeline
The first Cruzeiro is introduced.
The Cruzado replaces the Cruzeiro.
The Cruzeiro returns, replacing the Cruzado.
The Cruzeiro Real is introduced.
The Real is introduced, successfully ending decades of hyperinflation.
Denominations
Banknotes
Coins
Security Features
Quick Facts
- ISO Code
- BRL
- Symbol
- R$
- Numeric Code
- 986
- Subunit
- Centavo (1/100)
- Introduced
- 1994-07-01
Central Bank
- Name
- Central Bank of Brazil
- Headquarters
- Brasília, Brazil
- Founded
- 1964
- Current Governor
- Roberto Campos Neto (since 2019)
Economic Data
- Reserve Currency Share
- 0.0%
- Forex Volume Share
- 0.5%
- Inflation Rate
- 3.9%
- Interest Rate
- 10.50%
Exchange Rates
What Affects the BRL Exchange Rate?
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