The euro currency is used in 16 of the member countries in the European Union, with a population of more than 300 million. It was first used as a virtual currency in 1999 and the paper currency and coins were introduced in 2002.
Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland are the major countries who have adopted the Euro in 1999. Denmark and UK will continue using their national currency.