The eurozone was introduced as a virtual currency in 1999 and became physical currency in 2001. It has 17 member countries and is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, led by ECB President Mario Draggi. In 2011, the eurozone had a population of 332.9 million people, GDP of $13.1 trillion, and GDP per capita of $39,268, with an unemployment rate of 10.4% and government debt of 74.1% of GDP.

1. Quick facts about
the eurozone
Neven Valev
www.theglobaleconomy.com

2. Introduction of the euro:
1999 as “virtual currency”
2001 physical implementation

3. Headquarters of the European Central Bank:
Frankfurt, Germany

4. President of the European Central Bank:
Mario Draghi

5. Members of the eurozone:
17
Austria, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Malta, Estonia,
Netherlands, Finland, Portugal, France, Slovak Republic,
Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Spain, Ireland

6. Members of the EU that are not in the EMU:
10
Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania,
Poland, Romania, Sweden, UK

7. Population of the EMU in 2011:
332.9 million

8. GDP of the EMU in 2011:
13.1 trillion dollars

9. GDP per capita of the EMU in 2011:
39,268 dollars

10. Unemployment rate of the EMU in 2011:
10.4 percent

11. Government debt of the EMU in 2010
(latest number):
74.1 percent of GDP

12. For more information on the eurozone:
www.theglobaleconomy.com