The euro was conceived in the 1960s as a goal of the European Union. The Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992, aiming for a single currency by 1999. The name "euro" was adopted in 1995, replacing the previous "ECU"
Slovak koruna was the official currency from 1993 to 2008. Currency was subdivided into 100 haliers (h). ISO code was SKK, local abbreviation was Sk
Markka was Finland's currency from 1860 to 2002. Replaced Russian ruble at 4 markkaa to 1 ruble rate. Senator Fabian Langenskiöld is called "father of the markka". First loan from Carl Mayer von Rotschild funded markka's creation
ECU was a basket of member country currencies used by European Economic Community. Launched on March 13, 1979, replacing European Unit of Account. Not a circulating currency but used for international financial transactions. Used "snake in the tunnel" mechanism to manage currency fluctuations
There are 180 currencies recognized as legal tender in UN member states. Only 130 currencies are independent or pegged to a basket. Dependencies and unrecognized states are listed only if using different currencies
EU established in 1993 through Maastricht Treaty after UK's exit in 2020. Started with six founding members: Luxembourg, France, Netherlands, Belgium, West Germany, Italy. Currently consists of 27 member states and 16 overseas territories. Six countries seeking EU membership: Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia