Kyrgyzstani Som
Сом
Currency Code
KGS
ISO 417
Symbol
KGS
Native: с
Decimal Digits
2
Rounding: 0
Countries
KG
Using this currency
Currency Units
Major Unit
Name: som
Symbol: с
Minor Unit
Name: tyiyn
Symbol:
Value: 0.01
Banknotes
Frequently Used
20 с50 с100 с200 с500 с1000 с5000 с
Rarely Used
10 с
Coins
Frequently Used
1 tyiyn10 tyiyn50 tyiyn1 с3 с5 с10 с
Plural Forms
English Plural
Kyrgyzstani soms
Native Plural
Сом
Overview
The Kyrgyzstani Som is the currency of Kyrgyzstan, managed by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic. It has experienced volatility due to the country's economic challenges and dependence on remittances and commodity exports.
Economy
- Kyrgyzstan is a member of CSTO, SCO, CIS, EAEU (observer), OSCE.
- Main industries include: Gold, Rare earth metals, Hydroelectric power, Agriculture, Tourism.
- Kyrgyzstan is part of the World Trade Organization.
- Imports are oil, gas, machinery, chemicals, food products.
- Major exports include gold, cotton, wool, garments, meat, hydroelectric power.
- GDP: $10.9 billion (2023 est.).
- GDP per capita: $1,632 (2023 est.).
- Unemployment rate: 6.6% (2021 est.).
- Inflation rate: 14.8% (2023 est.).
- Main trading partners: Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Turkey, Uzbekistan.
- Trade agreements: CIS agreements, Eurasian Economic Union agreements.
History
- Previous currencies used: Soviet ruble, Russian ruble (briefly).
- The som was introduced in 1993, replacing the Soviet ruble. The name 'som' means 'pure' in Kyrgyz and is also used for the currencies of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
- 1993: KGS introduced, replacing Soviet ruble
- 1997: National Bank of Kyrgyz Republic established
- 2005: Tulip Revolution political upheaval
- 2010: Ethnic conflicts and economic disruption
- 2015: Russia economic crisis impact
- 2022: Regional tensions affect economy
- Exchange rate peg: Free floating with interventions.
General Information
- ISO 4217 Code: KGS
- Symbols: KGS/лв
- Currency Subunits: 100 tyiyn
- Central Bank: National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
- Monetary Policy: Inflation targeting with flexible exchange rate. Focus on price stability while managing external vulnerabilities.
- Bills: 20 KGS, 50 KGS, 100 KGS, 200 KGS, 500 KGS, 1000 KGS, 2000 KGS, 5000 KGS
- Coins: 1 tyiyn, 10 tyiyn, 50 tyiyn, 1 som, 3 som, 5 som, 10 som
- USD Exchange Rate: Variable (approximately 87-90 KGS per USD)
- Pegged To: None (Floating)
- Capital: Bishkek
- Population: 6,735,347 (2023 est.)
- Area: 199,951 km²
- Languages: Kyrgyz (official), Russian (official)
- Time Zones: UTC+6 (Kyrgyzstan Time)
- Government Type: Parliamentary republic
- Head of Government: President (head of state), Prime Minister (head of government)
- Independence: August 31, 1991 (from Soviet Union)
- Ethnic Groups: Kyrgyz 73.8%, Uzbek 14.8%, Russian 5.1%, Dungan 1.1%, Other 5.2%
- Religions: Muslim 90%, Russian Orthodox 7%, Other 3%
- Literacy Rate: 99.6% (2018 est.)
- Transport: Manas International Airport, limited road network, mountainous terrain challenges
- Communications: Adequate telecommunications, 38% internet penetration, mobile network expansion
- Energy: Hydroelectric 85%, Coal 10%, Oil 3%, Natural gas 2%
- Countries Using This Currency: Kyrgyzstan
- Data Sources: Central Bank: National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (nbkr.kg), Economic Data: National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, World Bank, IMF, Trade Data: State Customs Service, Demographic Data: National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, Geographic Data: Kyrgyz Hydrometeorological Service, Historical Data: National Bank archives
- Last Updated: 2025