South African rand exchange rate – ZAR/PLN

South Africa's currency came into circulation on 14 February 1961, when South Africa declared itself a republic and cut its ties with the Commonwealth, replacing the South African pound at a ratio of 2:1. Initially, the ZAR exchange rate was linked to the value of gold and was floated in the 1970s. This period was a time of significant challenges for the rand. The South African economy, dependent on commodity exports, particularly gold, was facing instability in international markets and sanctions imposed by the international community in response to apartheid policies. As a result, the ZAR was losing value, adding to the country's economic instability. In 1994, after the abolition of apartheid and the first democratic elections, the economic situation began to change. ZAR became more stable due to growing investor confidence in the new democratic administration and economic reforms. In the 21st century, the ZAR became more volatile, reacting to global changes in commodity prices and the political situation in the country. A significant decline in the value of South Africa's currency was evident during the 2008 global financial crisis and during periods of political instability in the country.

The South African rand is divided into 100 cents. There are coins in circulation with denominations of 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and 5 rand. The obverses of the coins feature symbols associated with South African culture and heritage. The 1 cent coin features an image of two sparrows, symbolising the diversity of fauna, the 1 ZAR coin depicts the springbok antelope – South Africa's national symbol, and the 5 ZAR coin is decorated with the African buffalo, which is one of the members of the „The Big Five of Africa”. The reverse of the coins shows the denomination and the name of the country, written in several official South African languages. South African currency in the form of banknotes comes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand. The front of the banknotes features a portrait of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first democratically elected president. The backs of the banknotes depict animals from the ‘The Big Five of Africa’: on the 10 ZAR it is a rhinoceros, on the 20 ZAR a buffalo, on the 50 ZAR a lion, on the 100 ZAR a leopard and on the 200 ZAR an elephant. These animals symbolise South Africa's rich wildlife and highlight the importance of wildlife to the country's culture and identity. Being able to see these five in person is a dream for those taking trips to Africa.