Tenge is the currency of which country____________?

The correct answer to this question is Kazakhstan.

The Tenge (ISO code: KZT) is the official currency of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Its introduction on November 15, 1993, marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history, representing its transition from a Soviet republic to a fully sovereign state. Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, Kazakhstan was the last of the former republics to introduce its own national currency, as the leadership initially sought to maintain a unified "ruble zone." However, economic shifts in the region forced a rapid change, leading to the birth of the Tenge.

The Secret Birth of the Tenge

The creation of the Tenge was a massive logistical and artistic undertaking shrouded in secrecy. In 1992, President Nursultan Nazarbayev established a creative group of designers, including Timur Suleimenov and Mendybay Alin, to develop the currency's appearance. The group worked in complete confidentiality for months to prevent economic panic.

Because Kazakhstan lacked its own printing facilities at the time, the first batch of Tenge was printed in the United Kingdom by the company Harrison & Sons. To move the newly printed currency into the country, four IL-76 aircraft made 18 secret flights between London and Uralsk. On November 12, 1993, the government issued the decree for the currency's adoption, and on November 15, it replaced the Soviet ruble at an exchange rate of 1 Tenge to 500 Rubles. Today, November 15 is celebrated as the "Day of the National Currency" and "Professional Holiday of Financial System Workers" in Kazakhstan.

Etymology and Cultural Roots

The name "Tenge" is deeply rooted in the history of the Turkic peoples. It is derived from the Turkic word "teñge," which refers to a set of scales or a balance. Historically, in the Middle Ages, "tanga" or "danga" were names for silver coins used in Central Asia. Interestingly, this Turkic root also influenced the Russian word for money, "dengi." By choosing this name, Kazakhstan’s leadership signaled a return to its historical and cultural roots, connecting the modern state to the ancient Silk Road trade traditions where weight and balance were the foundations of commerce.

Award-Winning Design and Global Recognition

The Tenge is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and secure currencies in the world. Since its inception, Kazakhstani banknotes have frequently won top honors from international organizations like the International Bank Note Society (IBNS). For example, the 10,000 Tenge note (2011), the 5,000 Tenge note (2012), and the 1,000 Tenge note (2013) were all named "Banknote of the Year" consecutively.

The designs often feature a mix of modern and traditional elements. Early series prominently featured the portrait of the philosopher Al-Farabi. Later series, such as the "Baiterek" and "Saka Style" series, moved toward showcasing national landmarks like the Baiterek Tower in Astana, the Charyn Canyon, and artifacts from the ancient Saka nomads.

Modern Evolution and the ₸ Symbol

In 2006, the National Bank of Kazakhstan introduced a new series of banknotes with advanced security features, including color-shifting ink and unique watermarks. In 2007, a public contest was held to design a unique symbol for the Tenge, resulting in the "₸" sign—a letter "T" with a horizontal bar above it.

The currency continues to evolve with the "Saka Style" series introduced recently, which incorporates cutting-edge holographic technology and high-relief printing to aid the visually impaired. Today, the Tenge stands not only as a medium of exchange but as a powerful symbol of Kazakhstan’s identity, resilience, and economic progress on the global stage.