Basic Country Data:

• Country ISO Code: GE

• Official Language: Georgian

• Language ISO Code: ka

• Current Official Currency: Georgian Lari

• Current Currency ISO Code: GEL

Georgian Lari (GEL) — Current Official Currency

• ISO Code: GEL

• Singular Name: ლარი (lari)

• Plural Name: ლარები (larebi)

• Monetary Subdivision: 1 lari = 100 თეთრი (tetri)

• Subdivision Name Singular: თეთრი (tetri)

• Subdivision Name Plural: თეთრები (tetrebi)

• Initial Production Date: 1995

• Final Production Date: ongoing

• Initial Circulation Date: 1995

• Final Circulation Date: currently in circulation

• Mint: National Bank of Georgia

• Issuing Bank: National Bank of Georgia

• Coin Denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 თეთრი (tetri); 1, 2, 5 ლარი (lari)

• Banknote Denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 ლარი

• Designs / Symbols:

  • Coins feature national Georgian symbols reflecting the country’s culture and history.

  • Banknotes depict historical figures, architecture, and cultural symbols of Georgia.

• Economic Historical Context:

  • The lari was introduced in 1995 to replace the kuponi, a temporary currency used after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

  • Since introduction, the lari has been a stable currency with periodic reforms and modernization.

• Mint Locations: Coins and banknotes are produced under the supervision of the National Bank of Georgia, with printing and minting done at specialized facilities.

• Mintages / Commemoratives:

  • Banknotes feature images of prominent Georgian historical figures such as the poet Shota Rustaveli.

• Curiosities / Commemorative Coins:

  • The National Bank of Georgia issues commemorative coins for important national and cultural events.

• Current Circulation Status: active and widely used throughout the country.

• Issuing Authority: National Bank of Georgia.

• Relevant Legislation: Georgian national laws and regulations of the National Bank of Georgia.

• Signatories on Banknotes: signatures of the Governor of the National Bank of Georgia and the Minister of Finance (vary by issuance).

• Persons Honored on Coins and Banknotes: historical figures, poets, cultural leaders, and national symbols of Georgia.

This report provides a complete financial history of Georgia, highlighting the lari as the official currency since 1995, its characteristics, historical context, cultural symbols, and current status.