Not every country prints its own money. For reasons ranging from economic stability to trade convenience, some nations adopt stronger currencies from global powerhouses like the US dollar or the euro. Business analysts note that this approach helps curb inflation, attract investors, and promote confidence in fragile economies.
“Currency is more than paper—it is trust,” said economist Dr. Emmanuel Adewale. “When local money fails, adopting a stronger one can save a nation from collapse.”
Here are five countries that no longer use their own currency and the reasons behind their decision:
Ecuador
Ecuador used the sucre from 1884 until 2000. However, a devastating currency collapse and hyperinflation in the late 1990s forced the government to adopt the US dollar. “Dollarisation was the only way out,” a former Ecuadorian finance official explained. “It stabilised prices, restored investor confidence, and allowed trade to thrive again.”
Kosovo
Once reliant on the Yugoslav dinar, Kosovo adopted the euro to ensure stability, especially after declaring independence from Serbia in 2008. “The euro gave Kosovo a chance to escape the uncertainty of the past,” said a senior trade adviser in Pristina. “It connected our economy to Europe, which accounts for the bulk of our commerce
Panama
Panama has used the US dollar since 1903 when it gained independence from Colombia. The dollar, alongside the local balboa coin, has served as the foundation of Panama’s financial system. “The dollar removed exchange risks and made Panama a hub for global business,” a Panamanian banker said. “Our service-based economy, especially the canal, depends on this stability.”
Montenegro
In 1999, Montenegro abandoned the unstable Yugoslav dinar in favour of the German Deutsche Mark, later switching to the euro in 2002. Tourism and trade drove the decision. “European visitors wanted familiarity, and businesses wanted stability,” explained Montenegro’s Chamber of Commerce. “The euro gave both.”
El Salvador
From 1892 to 2001, El Salvador used the colón. To fight inflation and attract foreign investors, the country officially adopted the US dollar under the Monetary Integration Law. “Dollarisation was about survival,” an economist in San Salvador said. “It brought stability, reduced risks for investors, and integrated our economy with global markets.”
Experts argue that while giving up national currencies may limit monetary policy options, it has also proven to be a lifeline for fragile economies. “For these countries, adopting a stronger currency is less about surrender and more about survival,” Dr. Adewale added.
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