Roughly how many different official currencies are in use across the world's countries today?
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Answer
About 180 currencies
The British pound sterling is the oldest currency still in use, with a history going back about 1,200 years.
How to estimate it
Start from about 195 countries and correct for sharing. Twenty use the euro, 14 African states share two CFA francs, 8 Caribbean islands share one dollar, and several countries simply use the US dollar: about 45 currencies fewer. Then add about 30 for territories with their own money, such as Hong Kong or Gibraltar. 195 - 45 + 30 = 180. The United Nations recognises about 180 currencies.
Source: United Nations; ISO 4217
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