The euro is a new form of official currency in 12 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
In 2002, these countries began using euro bills and coins instead of their own currencies.
The three remaining European Union countries, Denmark, Sweden, and Great Britain, still use their own forms of money, but they may switch to the euro someday.
European leaders hope that a single currency will strengthen Europe’s position as a world economic power.
