Swiss Franc (CHF)

Basic Concepts of the Swiss Franc

The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the legal tender of Switzerland and Liechtenstein and is issued by the Swiss National Bank. It is known for its stability and safe-haven properties, and is often used as an international reserve currency with the ISO code CHF.

Countries of Use

The Swiss franc circulates mainly in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In addition, the Italian enclave of Campione also uses the Swiss franc due to its geographical location, but it is not the official currency.

Units and Denominations

The unit of the Swiss franc is the franc (CHF), with 1 franc equal to 100 centimes. Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 francs; coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 ducats and 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 francs.

Historical Background

The Swiss franc was first issued in 1850, replacing the different currencies of the cantons and unifying the Swiss monetary system. Once pegged to gold and silver, it now has a free-floating exchange rate and is known globally for its long-term stability and resistance to inflation.