ZAR

Zar, often written as Zār, refers to a traditional belief system and ritual centered on possession by spiritual beings known as zār. The practice is documented in parts of North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East. Ceremonies typically involve music, dance, and trance intended to heal individuals or resolve social tensions. Many accounts emphasize gender dynamics and social stress as factors that contribute to the ritual's persistence and variation across communities.

ZAR is the ISO 4217 currency code for the South African rand, the official currency of South Africa since 1961. The code is used in international finance and markets, and the currency is commonly abbreviated with the symbol R. The rand is subdivided into 100 cents. Banknotes currently issued include R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200, while coins are issued in several smaller denominations. The rand's name derives from Witwatersrand, the “ridge of white waters” where Johannesburg is located. The South African Reserve Bank administers monetary policy and currency issuance; the value of ZAR fluctuates with market conditions.

Zar may also appear as a personal name or surname in various cultures, or in place names, separate from the currency or ritual usage.