The pound sterling, often simply called 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 has a long history, dating back over a thousand years, and is one of the oldest currencies still in use today. The pound sterling is issued by the Bank of England, which is responsible for maintaining its value and stability. It is widely used in international trade and is one of the most traded currencies in the world, making it an important part of the global economy.