# ariary

> currency of Madagascar

**Wikidata**: [Q4584](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4584)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malagasy_ariary)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariary

## Summary
The ariary is the official currency of Madagascar, introduced in 2003 to replace the Malagasy franc. It is issued by the Central Bank of Madagascar and is subdivided into 5 centimes. The ariary is a fiat currency used for all financial transactions in the country.

## Key Facts
- **Introduction**: The ariary was introduced on January 1, 2003, replacing the Malagasy franc at a rate of 1,000 francs to 1 ariary.
- **ISO Code**: The official ISO 4217 code for the ariary is **MGA**.
- **Subdivision**: The ariary is divided into 5 centimes, with coins and banknotes available in various denominations.
- **Issuer**: The Central Bank of Madagascar is responsible for the production and circulation of the currency.
- **Country**: The ariary is the sole legal tender in Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean.
- **Symbol**: The currency symbol is **Ar**.
- **Banknotes**: Current denominations include 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 ariary banknotes.
- **Coins**: Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, and 50 ariary denominations.
- **Related Entities**: The ariary is connected to the Malagasy franc, its predecessor, and the Malagasy language, one of Madagascar’s official languages.
- **Wikipedia Title**: The currency is documented under the title "Malagasy ariary" across 50 language editions.
- **Wikidata Description**: The ariary is described as the "currency of Madagascar" in Wikidata.

## FAQs
- **When was the ariary introduced?** The ariary replaced the Malagasy franc on January 1, 2003, at a rate of 1,000 francs to 1 ariary.
- **What is the ISO code for the ariary?** The official ISO 4217 code for the ariary is **MGA**.
- **How is the ariary subdivided?** The ariary is divided into 5 centimes, with coins and banknotes available in various denominations.
- **Which bank issues the ariary?** The Central Bank of Madagascar is responsible for the production and circulation of the currency.
- **What is the currency symbol for the ariary?** The symbol is **Ar**.
- **What are the denominations of ariary banknotes?** Current denominations include 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 ariary banknotes.
- **What are the denominations of ariary coins?** Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, and 50 ariary denominations.
- **How does the ariary relate to the Malagasy franc?** The ariary replaced the Malagasy franc in 2003, with 1,000 francs equaling 1 ariary.
- **Where is the ariary used?** The ariary is the sole legal tender in Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean.

## Why It Matters
The ariary plays a crucial role in Madagascar’s economy, facilitating trade, savings, and investment. Its introduction in 2003 helped stabilize the country’s financial system after decades of economic challenges. As Madagascar’s official currency, the ariary is essential for daily transactions, business operations, and government functions. Its status as a fiat currency reflects the country’s sovereignty and economic development. The ariary’s subdivision into centimes and its issuance by the Central Bank of Madagascar ensure its reliability and acceptance across the nation.

## Notable For
- **Official Currency**: The ariary is Madagascar’s sole legal tender, issued by the Central Bank of Madagascar.
- **ISO Standardization**: The currency is recognized under the ISO 4217 standard with the code **MGA**.
- **Denominations**: Banknotes and coins are available in various denominations, including 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 ariary banknotes, and 1, 5, 10, and 50 ariary coins.
- **Historical Replacement**: The ariary replaced the Malagasy franc in 2003, marking a significant monetary reform in Madagascar.
- **Wikipedia Documentation**: The currency is documented under the title "Malagasy ariary" across 50 language editions.
- **Wikidata Classification**: The ariary is classified as an instance of both "currency" and "unit of account" in Wikidata.

## Body
### Introduction and History
The ariary was introduced on January 1, 2003, replacing the Malagasy franc at a rate of 1,000 francs to 1 ariary. This monetary reform was part of Madagascar’s efforts to modernize its financial system and stabilize its economy. The Central Bank of Madagascar is responsible for the production and circulation of the currency, ensuring its reliability and acceptance across the country.

### Denominations and Subdivision
The ariary is subdivided into 5 centimes, with coins and banknotes available in various denominations. Banknotes include 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 ariary denominations, while coins are available in 1, 5, 10, and 50 ariary denominations. The currency symbol for the ariary is **Ar**, and the official ISO 4217 code is **MGA**.

### Economic Role
As Madagascar’s official currency, the ariary is used for all financial transactions in the country. It plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, savings, and investment, supporting the nation’s economic activities. The ariary’s issuance by the Central Bank of Madagascar ensures its stability and reliability, making it an essential medium of exchange.

### Related Entities
The ariary is connected to the Malagasy franc, its predecessor, and the Malagasy language, one of Madagascar’s official languages. The currency is also linked to the country’s economic development and financial system, reflecting its significance in Madagascar’s socio-economic landscape.

### Documentation and Classification
The ariary is documented under the title "Malagasy ariary" across 50 language editions of Wikipedia. In Wikidata, it is classified as an instance of both "currency" and "unit of account," with a description as the "currency of Madagascar." The currency is recognized under the ISO 4217 standard with the code **MGA**, ensuring its global recognition and acceptance.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013