Basic Country Data:

• Country ISO Code: BY

• Official Language: Belarusian

• Language ISO Code: be

• Current Official Currency: Belarusian ruble

• Current Currency ISO Code: BYN

Complete Financial History of the Republic of Belarus:

1. Current Official Currency: Belarusian ruble (BYN)

• ISO Code: BYN (933)

• Singular Name: ruble

• Plural Name: rubles

• Monetary Subdivision: 1 ruble = 100 kopecks

• Subdivision Name Singular: kopeck

• Subdivision Name Plural: kopecks

• Initial Production Date: 1992 (post-independence, replacing Soviet ruble)

• Initial Circulation Date: 1992

• Final Production Date: ongoing

• Final Circulation Date: currently in circulation

• Issuing Bank: National Bank of Belarus

• Coin Denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 kopecks; 1 and 2 rubles

• Banknote Denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 rubles

• Designs / Symbols:

  • Banknotes feature architectural and cultural themes, each note dedicated to a region and its architectural heritage.

  • Coins display traditional Belarusian ornamental patterns reflecting folk art.

• Current Circulation Status: official and active currency

• Economic Historical Context:

  • Introduced in 1992 following the dissolution of the USSR.

  • Underwent redenominations in 2000 (1,000:1) and 2016 (10,000:1), with coin issuance beginning in 2016.

  • Monetary policy focused on stabilizing the currency, controlling inflation, and maintaining exchange rate stability.

• Relevant Legislation: national laws and regulations of the National Bank of Belarus

• Signatories on Banknotes: National Bank officials (not publicly specified)

• Persons Honored: no individuals depicted; only cultural and architectural symbols

• Curiosities:

  • First issuance of “calculation tickets” in 1992 with images of native animals and the national emblem.

  • Current banknotes feature advanced anti-counterfeiting elements.

  • Coins were first issued in 2016 following the redenomination.

2. Previous Currencies

• Soviet ruble until 1992

• In 1992, “calculation tickets” were used alongside the Soviet ruble during transition.

• Three redenominations occurred: 1994, 2000, and 2016 to adjust the currency to economic realities.

This report provides the financial history of Belarus, highlighting the current Belarusian ruble, its subdivisions, redenominations, currency issuance characteristics, and economic context since independence.