A recent NPR story stated that Germany now has 12 "local currencies" in circulation. The euro is now being used by 16 out of the 27 EU members, including Germany, but regional businesses are using local currencies in addition to the euro. Similar to script, the money is connected to a region - you can only spend it there - and thus promotes a "buy local" mentality. The currencies are not backed by any government, though some banks are offering loans and checking accounts in regional currencies. Obviously Germans are not wild about using their savings in bailing out less-economically responsible European nations.

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