No texto a seguir vamos estudar sobre o processo de dolarização da economia que alguns países passaram. O texto foi elaborado para o nível B2.
Preparation
Why can we not choose the currency we use?
Should we be able to do it?
Reading
Apart from the United States, several countries and territories either use the U.S. dollar as their official currency or have it circulating alongside their own. Here's a quick tour around the globe highlighting some of these places:
Ecuador: In 2000, Ecuador said "Adiós" to its sucre and adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency. This was a move to stabilize the economy after some serious financial turmoil.
El Salvador: Since 2001, El Salvador has been using the U.S. dollar as its official currency. It's like they went shopping for a stable currency and picked the dollar off the shelf!
Panama: Panama has been using the U.S. dollar alongside its own currency, the balboa, since 1904. It's like they're having a currency party and both the dollar and the balboa are invited.
East Timor (Timor-Leste): Since gaining independence, East Timor has used the U.S. dollar as its official currency. It’s like choosing a reliable old car over a flashy new one.
Zimbabwe: After a spell of hyperinflation that made their currency look like Monopoly money, Zimbabwe adopted a multi-currency system including the U.S. dollar. In this case, the dollar is like a financial superhero swooping in to save the day.
The Caribbean: Some Caribbean nations, like the Bahamas and Barbados, use the U.S. dollar alongside their own currencies, especially in tourist areas. It's like having a barbecue and serving both burgers and local cuisine.
U.S. Territories: Places like Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa use the U.S. dollar as their official currency. It's like living in the family house and using the family's favorite currency!
