Basic Data:
Country ISO Code: KI
Official Language: Gilbertese (Kiribati) and English
Language ISO Code: gil (Gilbertese), en (English)
Current Official Currency: Australian Dollar
Current Currency ISO Code: AUD
Complete Financial History of Kiribati and Currency:
Current Official Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Currency ISO Code: AUD
Designs / Symbols: Kiribati uses the Australian dollar, which features Queen Elizabeth II on coins’ obverse and native Australian fauna on the reverse; banknotes depict notable Australians and cultural symbols. The currency symbol is "$" or "A$".
Singular Name: dollar
Plural Name: dollars
Monetary Subdivision: 1 dollar = 100 cents
Fraction Name Singular: cent
Fraction Name Plural: cents
Initial Production Date: Australian dollar introduced in 1966 (Kiribati adopted it upon independence)
End Production Date: still in circulation
Initial Circulation Date: 1966 (in Kiribati since independence in 1979)
End Circulation Date: still in circulation
Mint: Royal Australian Mint (Canberra, Australia)
Issuing Bank: Reserve Bank of Australia
Coin Denominations Currently Minted: 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1 and 2 dollars (Australian coins used in Kiribati)
Banknote Denominations Currently Issued: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollars (Australian banknotes used in Kiribati)
Historical and Economic Context:
Kiribati became independent in 1979 and adopted the Australian dollar as its official currency, reflecting close economic ties with Australia.
Kiribati does not issue its own currency; Australian currency circulates as legal tender.
The economy of Kiribati is small and largely dependent on fishing, copra production, and remittances, with limited monetary policy autonomy.
The use of Australian currency facilitates trade and economic stability but limits Kiribati’s monetary sovereignty.
Mints / Production Locations:
Coins and banknotes are produced by the Royal Australian Mint and Note Printing Australia, respectively.
Designs / Symbols on Coins and Banknotes:
Coins and banknotes bear Australian national designs, including native animals and prominent Australians.
Current Circulation Status:
The Australian dollar is the official and only legal tender currency circulating in Kiribati.
Issuing Authority:
Reserve Bank of Australia issues and regulates the currency.
Relevant Monetary Legislation:
Kiribati’s monetary system is governed by its own laws but relies on Australian currency and monetary policy.
Persons Honored on Banknotes and Coins:
Australian historical figures and cultural symbols appear on the currency used in Kiribati.
Summary of Coins and Banknotes Currently in Circulation in Kiribati:
Type | Denominations in Circulation |
---|---|
Coins | 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1 and 2 dollars |
Banknotes | 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollars |
This report summarizes Kiribati’s financial history focusing on its use of the Australian dollar as official currency since independence, with no separate national currency issued.