The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British pound sterling, often simply referred to as the pound. It is denoted by the symbol "£" and has the ISO code GBP. The pound is divided into 100 pence (singular: penny). Historically, the pound has been one of the strongest and oldest currencies still in use today, with its origins dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The Bank of England is responsible for issuing banknotes and managing the currency's stability. The pound plays a critical role not only in the UK economy but also in international financial markets.