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About the Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

What Is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN)?

The Bulgarian Lev, abbreviated as BGN and often denoted by the currency sign" лв", is the official currency of Bulgaria. BGN is a fiat currency, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity but rather by the government that issued it. The name 'lev' means 'lion' in old Bulgarian, symbolizing strength and valor. It is divided into 100 stotinki, reflecting the currency's precision and stability. The Bulgarian Lev is the sole legal tender in Bulgaria, and it is used for all transactions within the country.

The Bulgarian Lev is issued by the Bulgarian National Bank, which is the central bank of Bulgaria. The Bulgarian National Bank is responsible for the issuance and regulation of the nation's currency, as well as overseeing monetary policy and maintaining financial stability in Bulgaria.

What Is the History of BGN?

The lev was introduced in 1881, mirroring the value of the French franc. It underwent various transformations, including changes in its gold and silver backing and its pegging to other currencies like the German Reichsmark and the Soviet ruble. Post-World War II inflation led to the introduction of a new lev in 1952, pegged to the U.S. dollar. Subsequent redenominations in 1962 and 1999 aimed to stabilize the currency amidst fluctuating economic conditions, reflecting the country's efforts to maintain economic stability.

The most recent redenomination in 1999 pegged the lev to the Deutsche Mark, and later to the euro, at a fixed rate of 1.95583 BGN to 1 EUR. Bulgaria's accession to the EU in 2007 and its participation in the ERM II since 2020 are significant steps towards adopting the euro, expected in 2024.

Notes and Coins of BGN

The banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 leva, featuring prominent Bulgarian historical figures and landmarks, symbolizing the nation's pride and history. The coins, known as stotinki, come in smaller denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 stotinki, and 1 lev, showcasing intricate designs that often include the Madara Rider, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other national symbols.

Is BGN Pegged to EUR?

Yes, the Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is pegged to the Euro (EUR). The peg is set at a fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 BGN to 1 EUR. This fixed rate has been in place since the redenomination of the lev in 1999, when Bulgaria aligned its currency with the Deutsche Mark, which was subsequently replaced by the Euro.

Will Bulgaria Adopt the Euro as Its Currency?

As of January 2024, Bulgaria is on track to adopt the Euro as its official currency. Having joined the European Union in 2007, the country made a significant step by entering the Exchange Rate Mechanism II (ERM II) in July 2020. This is a crucial stage in the process of adopting the Euro, requiring Bulgaria to maintain economic stability and meet the European Union's convergence criteria. The Bulgarian Lev is currently pegged to the Euro, which is a part of aligning Bulgaria's monetary policy with that of the Eurozone. The exact date when Bulgaria will fully adopt the Euro depends on meeting all the necessary economic requirements and obtaining approval from the European Union's institutions.