The Brazilian real is the official currency of Brazil, introduced in 1994 to stabilize the economy. It is abbreviated as BRL and is symbolized by the sign R$. The real is subdivided into 100 centavos, similar to how dollars are divided into cents. The currency is managed by the Central Bank of Brazil, which regulates its supply and value. The exchange rate of the real can fluctuate based on various economic factors, including inflation, interest rates, and trade balances, making it an important aspect of Brazil's economic landscape.