13/03/2020: COVID-19 Impact
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused global economic uncertainty, leading to a decline in the value of the Georgian Lari and affecting the country's financial stability.
01/01/2020: New Currency Symbol
A new currency symbol for the dobra, resembling the letters 'STD' with horizontal lines through them, was introduced for official use.
24/05/2018: Dobra Pegged to Euro
The dobra's exchange rate was pegged to the euro, aiming to stabilize the currency and boost economic cooperation with the European Union.
25/01/2016: Currency Restructuring
The National Bank of Georgia implemented currency restructuring measures to stabilize the value of the Lari and restore confidence in the national currency.
01/01/2016: Introduction of Polymer Banknotes
São Tomé and Príncipe started issuing polymer banknotes as a means to enhance durability and reduce counterfeiting of the dobra.
10/03/2011: Lari Depreciation
The Georgian Lari experienced a sharp depreciation, reaching a record low against the U.S. dollar, due to various economic factors and a global financial crisis.
01/01/2010: Currency Redenomination
The third dobra was introduced, with 1 new dobra equalling 1,000 old dobras, aiming to simplify transactions and boost confidence in the currency.
13/08/2008: Russian Invasion
During the Russo-Georgian War, the Georgian Lari faced significant devaluation due to the economic and political instability caused by the invasion.
01/01/2002: Euro Conversion Rate
The conversion rate of 1 Euro = 1936.27 GEL was fixed, as Georgia adopted the Euro as its main reference currency.
27/04/1999: Introduction of New Lari
The New Lari was introduced as the second and current official currency of Georgia, replacing the old Lari at a rate of 1 New Lari = 1,000 old Lari.
01/01/1997: Introduction of the New Dobra
A new currency, the 'second dobra,' was introduced at a rate of 1,000 to 1 to combat hyperinflation and stabilize the economy.
25/07/1995: Introduction of the Lari
The Georgian Lari was introduced as the official currency of Georgia, replacing the Russian ruble at a rate of 1 Lari = 1 million rubles.
24/12/1979: First Currency Devaluation
The first devaluation of the dobra occurred, reducing its value by 53% as a result of economic instability and inflation.
30/06/1977: Introduction of the Dobra
The São Tomé and Príncipe dobra was introduced as the official currency of the country after gaining independence from Portugal.