# Swiss franc

> currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein

**Wikidata**: [Q25344](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25344)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_franc)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/swiss-franc

## Summary
The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, issued and managed by the Swiss National Bank. It is one of the world's major reserve currencies, known for its stability and use in international finance.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Swiss franc (CHF).
- **Countries Using CHF**: Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- **Central Bank**: Swiss National Bank (founded June 20, 1907).
- **Inception**: Introduced on May 7, 1850.
- **Currency Code**: CHF (ISO 4217).
- **Symbol**: Fr, S₣, or CHF.
- **Preceded By**: Zürich thaler (used until 1798).
- **Aliases**: Swiss franco, Franc, Swiss francs, Schweizer Franken, Chf, S₣, Swiss Frank, Swiss Franken, Franc suisse, Franco svizzero.
- **Related Entities**:
  - **Switzerland**: Federal republic in Central Europe, using CHF as its currency.
  - **Liechtenstein**: Microstate using CHF, with monetary policy managed by the Swiss National Bank.
  - **Swiss Stock Exchange**: Switzerland’s main stock exchange, operating in CHF.
- **International Identifiers**:
  - GND ID: `4180480-6`.
  - LCCN: `sh2002007537`.
  - BNF ID: `12015445x`.
  - Freebase ID: `/m/01_h4b`.
  - Library of Congress Authority ID: `57085`.
  - Dewey Decimal Classification: `332.49494`.
  - Nomisma ID: `currency/6`.
  - Wikidata ID: `Q960662`.
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Article exists in 97 language editions.

## FAQs
**What is the Swiss franc?**
The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, recognized for its stability and role in global finance. It is issued by the Swiss National Bank and has been in use since 1850.

**Which countries use the Swiss franc?**
The Swiss franc is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. While Liechtenstein does not have its own central bank, it relies on the Swiss National Bank for monetary policy.

**What is the history of the Swiss franc?**
The Swiss franc was introduced on May 7, 1850, replacing earlier currencies like the Zürich thaler. It has since become a major global reserve currency due to Switzerland's political neutrality and economic stability.

**How is the Swiss franc managed?**
The Swiss National Bank, founded in 1907, is responsible for issuing and managing the Swiss franc. It oversees monetary policy to ensure price stability and economic growth.

**What are the symbols and codes for the Swiss franc?**
The Swiss franc is denoted by the ISO code CHF and symbols such as Fr, S₣, or CHF. It is also referred to by various aliases in different languages, including Schweizer Franken and Franc suisse.

**Why is the Swiss franc significant in international finance?**
The Swiss franc is considered a safe-haven currency due to Switzerland's political neutrality, strong economy, and stable financial system. It is widely used in global trade and as a reserve currency by central banks.

## Why It Matters
The Swiss franc plays a critical role in global finance as a stable and reliable currency. Its use in Switzerland and Liechtenstein reflects the economic integration and monetary cooperation between these countries. The Swiss National Bank's management of the franc ensures its stability, making it a preferred currency for international transactions and investments. The franc's history, from replacing regional currencies like the Zürich thaler to becoming a global reserve currency, highlights its evolution and enduring importance in the financial world.

## Notable For
- **Stability**: Recognized as one of the world's most stable currencies.
- **Global Reserve Currency**: Widely held by central banks as a reserve asset.
- **Dual-Country Usage**: Official currency of both Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- **Historical Continuity**: In use since 1850, with roots tracing back to earlier regional currencies.
- **Swiss National Bank**: Managed by one of the world's most respected central banks.
- **Multilingual Aliases**: Known by various names across different languages, reflecting its international relevance.

## Body

### History and Evolution
The Swiss franc was introduced on May 7, 1850, as part of efforts to unify Switzerland's monetary system. Before its introduction, various regional currencies, such as the Zürich thaler, were used across different cantons. The franc replaced these currencies, providing a standardized monetary unit for the newly formed federal state. Over time, the Swiss franc has become synonymous with stability and reliability, reflecting Switzerland's political neutrality and strong economic policies.

### Management and Monetary Policy
The Swiss National Bank (SNB), founded on June 20, 1907, is responsible for issuing and managing the Swiss franc. The SNB's primary mandate is to ensure price stability and support the Swiss economy through prudent monetary policy. The bank operates independently and is known for its conservative approach to monetary management, contributing to the franc's reputation as a safe-haven currency.

### Usage and Geographic Scope
The Swiss franc is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. While Switzerland is a federal republic with a robust economy, Liechtenstein is a microstate that relies on the Swiss National Bank for its monetary policy. This arrangement highlights the close economic ties between the two countries and the franc's role in facilitating cross-border trade and financial transactions.

### Symbols and Identifiers
The Swiss franc is represented by the ISO code CHF and symbols such as Fr, S₣, or CHF. It is also known by various aliases in different languages, including Schweizer Franken (German), Franc suisse (French), and Franco svizzero (Italian). These multilingual identifiers reflect the franc's international relevance and usage in diverse linguistic contexts.

### Related Entities and Economic Context
The Swiss franc is closely associated with key institutions and entities in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Swiss Stock Exchange, for example, operates in CHF and is a major financial hub in Europe. Additionally, the franc's role in Liechtenstein's economy underscores its importance in a country that, despite its small size, maintains a high standard of living and economic stability.

### International Recognition and Documentation
The Swiss franc is documented in various international databases and classification systems. It has identifiers in the German National Library (GND ID: `4180480-6`), Library of Congress (LCCN: `sh2002007537`), and other authoritative sources. These references highlight the franc's global recognition and its role in academic and financial literature.

### Cultural and Economic Impact
The Swiss franc's stability and reliability have made it a cornerstone of Switzerland's economic success. Its use in international finance, combined with Switzerland's reputation for banking and financial services, has cemented the franc's status as a global reserve currency. The franc's history, management, and usage reflect its enduring significance in both national and international contexts.

## References

1. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=57085)
2. Nuovo soggettario
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Swiss franc (CHF)](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/policy_and_exchange_rates/euro_reference_exchange_rates/html/eurofxref-graph-chf.de.html)
6. [Foreign Exchange Rates—H.10](https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/20260112/)
7. Quora
8. FactGrid
9. National Library of Israel