The National Bank of Georgia published remarks by Natia Turnava marking 30 years since the lari became Georgia’s sole legal tender on 2 October 1995 and highlighting progress in reducing foreign-currency use in deposits. The release links increased confidence in the lari to de-dollarization policies, monetary policy and supervisory approaches, noting that whereas 70–80% of deposits were previously denominated in foreign currency, nearly half of all deposits are now held in lari (50%), with residents’ lari-denominated deposits at 57%. The anniversary programme includes a major international forum, the relaunch of the central bank’s scientific and analytical journal, commemorative 5 lari collector coins in gold, silver and copper-nickel, and a special 50 lari commemorative banknote, alongside a thematic postage stamp and a documentary produced by the Public Broadcaster; further events, including educational initiatives, are planned through year-end.
National Bank of Georgia 2025-10-02
National Bank of Georgia marks the lari’s 30th anniversary with commemorative issues and updated de-dollarization figures
The National Bank of Georgia marked the 30th anniversary of the lari as Georgia's sole legal tender, highlighting reduced foreign-currency use in deposits due to de-dollarization policies. Nearly half of all deposits are now in lari, with residents' lari-denominated deposits at 57%. The anniversary includes an international forum, the relaunch of the central bank's journal, commemorative coins and banknotes, and further events planned through year-end.