🇲🇬Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
The ariary replaced the Malagasy franc in 2003 and is one of only two currencies in the world — alongside Mauritania's ouguiya — that isn't divided decimally: one ariary equals 5 iraimbilanja rather than 100 subunits, a legacy of older French colonial-era denominations. In practice, iraimbilanja coins are rarely used today because their value is too small to matter, and prices are quoted in whole ariary.
MGA ⇄ USD Converter
History
The ariary replaced the Malagasy franc in 2003 and is one of only two currencies in the world — alongside Mauritania's ouguiya — that isn't divided decimally: one ariary equals 5 iraimbilanja rather than 100 subunits, a legacy of older French colonial-era denominations. In practice, iraimbilanja coins are rarely used today because their value is too small to matter, and prices are quoted in whole ariary.
Denominations
Malagasy Ariary banknotes commonly circulate in these denominations:
- 100, 200 ariary — small notes, though increasingly replaced by coins
- 500, 1,000, 2,000 ariary — common notes for everyday transactions
- 5,000, 10,000 ariary — higher-value notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency symbol for the ariary?
The ariary's symbol is Ar. Its ISO 4217 currency code is MGA.
Why isn't the ariary divided into 100 subunits?
It's one of only two non-decimal currencies left in the world — 1 ariary equals 5 iraimbilanja rather than 100 of a subunit, a holdover from older French colonial-era coinage. The subunit is rarely used in practice today.
Which other currency shares this unusual system?
Mauritania's ouguiya is the only other currency in the world that isn't divided decimally — it splits into 5 khoums rather than 100 subunits.
Where can I see rates for other African currencies?
Check the full currency directory on the African Currencies homepage, which covers all 54 African countries.