Valyuta

Valyuta is the term used in several languages to denote the money that a country or monetary union uses for daily transactions. In most contexts it refers to the national currency, issued and regulated by a central bank or monetary authority, and accepted as legal tender within its jurisdiction. A currency exists as physical coins and banknotes and, in modern economies, as digital money in bank accounts and payment systems. Each currency is identified internationally by a three-letter code (for example USD, EUR, JPY) under the ISO 4217 standard, and by its symbol and subdivision (such as the cent or kopek).

Valyuta serves three primary functions: medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value. As fiat money, it has value not because it is backed by a physical commodity, but because of government decree and trust in the issuing authority. The supply of valyuta is managed by the central bank through instruments such as interest rates, reserve requirements, and open-market operations, shaping inflation and economic stability.

The value of valyuta relative to others is determined in foreign exchange markets and can be governed by different exchange-rate regimes: floating, fixed, or a managed float. Movements in exchange rates affect import prices, inflation, and competitiveness. International use often involves multiple currencies, hedging strategies, and currency risk. Regulation covers counterfeiting, anti-money-laundering measures, and consumer protection.