Only Ethiopian birr is weaker than Belarusian ruble (Diagram)

• 30.12.2009, 11:29

Over the year 2009 Belarusian ruble was devaluated against US dollar at almost 30% and become weaker in relation to many currencies.

The National Bank promises to support the exchange rate of the national currency and reports that ruble won’t become weaker than by 10%. But as noted by “Nasha Niva”, if we compare the today’s situation with the situation in Belarus a year ago, an unpleasant picture is beginning to emerge.

Out of 82 currencies for which the National Bank fixes exchange rates, either daily or monthly, the Belarusian ruble has become cheaper against 81 currencies.

Only Ethiopian birr is a currency which is weaker. Last year it cost 219.85 rubles, and now costs 219.83 rubles. Our currency wins with a score 0.01%...

The situation is more difficult with currencies which are more popular among Belarusians. Dollars costs 2,850 Br instead of 2,200. The result is 29.5% in favour of the US currency.

Euro has grown even more, by 33.6%. Last year it was equal to 3,077 Br, and now 4,112 Br.

Russian ruble has overcome the crisis similar to the Belarusian one. However, it has grown from 77 to 95.5 Br, 24% growth.

Ukrainian hryvnia, which sometimes was not admitted in Belarusian exchange offices, as it was very cheap, is nevertheless stronger than Belarusian ruble. Over the year hryvnia has become stronger by 30.7%, from 273 to 357 Br.

All currencies of neighbouring nations have grown: litas, lats and Polish zloty.

World leaders are Chilean peso and South African rand are world leaders. They have grown by 72%.

The third position is occupied by Australian dollar, which has become 70% more expensive than in the last year. Norwegian krone was the strongest among European currencies (plus 62%).

What currency is the closest to the Belarusian ruble except Ethiopian birr? It is most close to Tajik, Armenian and Nigerian currencies. Mongolian currency is in the end of the five positions “neighbouring” to us. Belarusian ruble has dropped by 5% against the Mongolian tögrög.