The Pound Sterling, often simply referred to as the Pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is symbolized by "£" and is subdivided into 100 smaller units called pence. The Pound Sterling is one of the oldest currencies still in use today, with a history dating back over 1,200 years. The currency is issued by the Bank of England, which is responsible for maintaining its value and stability. The Pound is widely used in international trade and is considered one of the major currencies in the global market, alongside the US Dollar and the Euro.