Cryptocurrencies are a type of decentralized digital currency, which is not issued by any government or financial institution. They are based on blockchain technology , which is a distributed ledger system that guarantees the security and transparency of transactions.
Cryptocurrencies emerged in the 2000s, with the launch of Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency to be created. Since then, hundreds of other cryptocurrencies have emerged, each with its own characteristics and functionalities.
Cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionize the financial system by offering an alternative to traditional currency systems, which are controlled by governments and financial institutions. They can also be used for innovative applications such as crowdfunding and creating peer-to-peer marketplaces .