Belarusian Ruble flag

Belarusian Ruble

Беларускі рубель

Currency Code

BYN

ISO 933

Symbol

BYN

Native: Br

Decimal Digits

2

Rounding: 0

Countries

BY

Using this currency

Currency Units

Major Unit

Name: ruble

Symbol: Br

Minor Unit

Name: kopeyka

Symbol: k

Value: 0.01

Banknotes

Frequently Used

5 Br10 Br20 Br50 Br100 Br200 Br500 Br

Coins

Frequently Used

1k2k5k10k20k50k1 Br2 Br

Plural Forms

English Plural

Belarusian rubles

Native Plural

Беларускія рублі

Overview

The Belarusian Ruble (BYN) is the currency of Belarus, introduced in 2016 as part of a redenomination that replaced the old Belarusian ruble (BYR) at a rate of 1:10,000. It is managed by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus and has experienced significant volatility due to political events, sanctions, and economic challenges. The currency's exchange rate is determined based on a basket consisting primarily of the Russian ruble (50%), US dollar (30%), and Chinese yuan (10%), reflecting Belarus's economic reorientation toward Eastern partnerships.

Economy

  • Belarus is a member of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Union State with Russia.
  • Main industries include: Heavy machinery manufacturing, Tractors and agricultural equipment, Petrochemicals, Food processing, Textiles, Potash mining, Oil refining, Information technology.
  • Belarus is part of the World Trade Organization.
  • Imports are mineral fuels, machinery and equipment, chemicals, food products, metals, textiles.
  • Major exports include machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, food products, metals, textiles, potash, tractors.
  • GDP: $68.2 billion (2023 est., nominal).
  • GDP per capita: $7,500 (2023 est.).
  • Unemployment rate: 4.2% (2023 est.).
  • Inflation rate: 7.1% (May 2024).
  • Main trading partners: Russia (66% of trade), China, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Lithuania.
  • Trade agreements: EAEU agreements, CIS trade agreements, Union State arrangements with Russia.

History

  • Previous currencies used: Soviet ruble, Russian ruble (briefly), First Belarusian ruble (BYB), Second Belarusian ruble (BYR).
  • The current Belarusian ruble (BYN) was introduced on July 1, 2016, replacing the previous Belarusian ruble (BYR) at a rate of 1 BYN = 10,000 BYR. This marked the third iteration of the Belarusian ruble since independence, with the original currency introduced in 1992 to replace the Soviet ruble.
  • 1992: First Belarusian ruble (BYB) introduced, replacing Soviet ruble at 1:10 rate
  • 2000: Second ruble (BYR) introduced due to inflation
  • 2007: National Bank abandoned peg to Russian ruble
  • 2011: Major currency crisis, 56% devaluation against USD in one day
  • 2016: Current ruble (BYN) introduced with 10,000:1 redenomination
  • 2016: First coins issued in Belarusian history (due to previous hyperinflation)
  • 2020-2021: Political crisis and protests impact currency stability
  • 2022: Western sanctions following Ukraine war support affect economy
  • 2022: Euro removed from currency basket, Chinese yuan added
  • Exchange rate peg: Soviet ruble (1992).
  • Exchange rate peg: Russian ruble (1992-2007).
  • Exchange rate peg: Currency basket system (2007-present).

General Information

  • ISO 4217 Code: BYN
  • Symbols: BYN/Br
  • Currency Subunits: 100 kopecks
  • Central Bank: National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB)
  • Monetary Policy: Managed floating exchange rate regime based on currency basket. Focus on controlling inflation while supporting economic growth amid external sanctions and political challenges. The central bank uses refinancing rate (9.75% as of May 2023) and other monetary tools to maintain financial stability.
  • Bills: 5 rubles, 10 rubles, 20 rubles, 50 rubles, 100 rubles, 200 rubles, 500 rubles
  • Coins: 1 kopeck, 2 kopecks, 5 kopecks, 10 kopecks, 20 kopecks, 50 kopecks, 1 ruble, 2 rubles
  • USD Exchange Rate: 3.27 (end 2024)
  • Pegged To: None (Floating)
  • Capital: Minsk
  • Population: 9.06 million (2025 est.)
  • Area: 207,600 km²
  • Languages: Belarusian (official), Russian (official, dominant - 71.3% speak at home), Polish, Ukrainian
  • Time Zones: UTC+3 (Moscow Time)
  • Government Type: Presidential republic (authoritarian)
  • Head of Government: President Alexander Lukashenko (in power since 1994)
  • Independence: August 25, 1991 (from Soviet Union)
  • Ethnic Groups: Belarusian 84.9%, Russian 7.5%, Polish 3.1%, Ukrainian 1.7%, Jewish 0.1%, Other 2.6%
  • Religions: Eastern Orthodox 59%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant 2%, Other Christian 2%, Other/None 17%
  • Literacy Rate: 99.8% (2018 est.)
  • Transport: Extensive road network, Minsk Metro system, Minsk National Airport, limited high-speed rail, major transit hub between Russia and Europe
  • Communications: Good telecommunications coverage, 84% internet penetration, 4G networks nationwide, developing 5G infrastructure
  • Energy: Nuclear power (Ostrovets NPP), natural gas from Russia, oil refining, growing renewable energy sector, electricity exports to neighboring countries
  • Countries Using This Currency: Belarus
  • Data Sources: Central Bank: National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (nbrb.by), Economic Data: Belstat (Belarus Statistics), World Bank, IMF, EBRD, Trade Data: Belarus Customs Committee, CIS Statistical Committee, Demographic Data: Belstat, UN Population Division, Geographic Data: Belarus Geographic Institute, CIA World Factbook, Historical Data: NBRB archives, Belarus government statistics
  • Last Updated: 2025