The Unicode Standard is a character coding system that supports the worldwide interchange, processing, and display of written texts in diverse languages. Unlike the previous ASCII-only character coding, Unicode uses 16 bits (as opposed to 8 bits) to represent information, allowing for more symbol capacity. Unicode is critical to the adoption of Universal Acceptance, as its use in domain names and email addresses allows for all Internet-enabled applications to be accessed in many languages. The Unicode Standard is defined by core specifications, code charts, Unicode Standard Annexes, and the Unicode Character Database.[1]

Latest Version

Unicode 13.0 adds 5,930 characters, for a total of 143,859 characters. It includes four new scripts, for a total of 154 scripts, and 55 new emoji characters.[2]

Unicode Reviews

Periodically, drafts of new versions of the Unicode Standard, including its database and annexes, made available for review and public feedback.[3]

Maintenance

The Unicode Standard is maintained by the Unicode Technical Committee of the Unicode Consortium.