Everyday world · Updated September 2026
Currencies of the world
World currencies: the US dollar, euro, pound sterling, yen, yuan and rupee — ISO codes (USD, EUR, GBP) and why some countries share a currency.
A currency is the money a country (or union) issues. Travellers search the code: USD (United States dollar), EUR (euro), GBP (pound sterling), JPY (yen), CNY (yuan/renminbi), INR (Indian rupee), AUD, CAD.
The euro is used by 20 EU members in 2026 — not by all 27. Dollar is a name used by the US, Canada, Australia and others; the code tells them apart. Several countries also use the US dollar unofficially or officially (dollarisation).
ISO 4217 is the three-letter standard. Pair this page with ISO country codes. Exchange rates move every minute — this is a names-and-codes sheet, not a live ticker.
Currencies of the world — key facts (2026)
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| US dollar | USD — United States |
| Euro | EUR — euro area (20 EU states in 2026) |
| Pound sterling | GBP — United Kingdom |
| Japanese yen | JPY |
| Chinese yuan / renminbi | CNY |
| Indian rupee | INR |
| Standard | ISO 4217 three-letter codes |
| Shared currency example | Euro; also CFA francs in parts of West and Central Africa |
Figures are the usual classroom and news-desk numbers for 2026. Border disputes and membership votes can change a count by one or two.
People also ask
What is the currency of the European Union?
The euro in the euro-area members. Some EU countries still use a national currency (Poland’s zloty, Sweden’s krona).
Is the dollar only American?
No. Canada, Australia, New Zealand and others use a dollar. The code (USD vs CAD vs AUD) is the safe label.
What is ISO 4217?
The international list of currency codes — USD, EUR, GBP and the rest.