About the Euro
The Euro was introduced as an accounting currency on January 1, 1999, with physical coins and banknotes entering circulation on January 1, 2002.
The name 'Euro' was officially adopted in 1995 at the Madrid European Council, chosen for being easy to pronounce in all EU languages.
Interesting Facts
Second Most Traded
The Euro is the second most traded currency in the world after the US Dollar and the second largest reserve currency.
Fictional Architecture
The bridges and windows on Euro banknotes don't represent real buildings - they're fictional designs to avoid favoring any country.
National Coin Sides
While one side of Euro coins is common across all countries, each nation designs its own national side, creating 23 different versions of each denomination.
347 Million Users
The Euro is used by approximately 347 million people in the Eurozone, plus millions more in countries that use it unofficially.
Anti-Counterfeiting
Euro banknotes are among the most secure in the world, featuring holograms, watermarks, and other security features that change with each series.
Historical Timeline
Maastricht Treaty signed, establishing the Euro
European Central Bank established
Euro introduced as electronic currency
Euro coins and banknotes enter circulation
European debt crisis tests the Euro's stability
Croatia becomes 20th Eurozone member
Denominations
Banknotes
Coins
Security Features
Quick Facts
- ISO Code
- EUR
- Symbol
- €
- Numeric Code
- 978
- Subunit
- Cent (1/100)
- Introduced
- 1999-01-01
Central Bank
- Name
- European Central Bank
- Headquarters
- Frankfurt, Germany
- Founded
- 1998
- Current Governor
- Christine Lagarde (since 2019)
Economic Data
- Reserve Currency Share
- 20.47%
- Forex Volume Share
- 30.5%
- Inflation Rate
- 2.9%
- Interest Rate
- 4.50%
Exchange Rates
Used In
What Affects the EUR Exchange Rate?
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