The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency used by eight countries and territories in the Eastern Caribbean. It was introduced in 1983, replacing the East Caribbean Dollar at a rate of 1:1. The currency is managed by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, which is responsible for maintaining its stability and overseeing monetary policy in the region. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is subdivided into 100 cents and is commonly represented by the symbol "$" or "EC$" to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It is widely used in countries such as Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda, facilitating trade and tourism within the region.