lekë

The lek is the official currency of Albania. Its ISO code is ALL, and its symbol is L or Lek. The currency is issued by the Bank of Albania, the country’s central bank, and is subdivided into 100 qindarka. Banknotes and coins are produced by the central bank and circulate in a range of denominations.

The lek was introduced in 1926, replacing earlier monetary units, and has undergone several reforms and redenominations over the years. After the collapse of communism, Albania undertook monetary stabilization and modernization of its financial system. The Bank of Albania, established as the central bank in 1992, remains responsible for currency issuance, monetary policy, and financial supervision.

In daily use, the lek serves as the legal tender for most transactions within Albania. The Bank of Albania manages the currency’s value through monetary policy and exchange-rate operations, with the goal of price stability and financial system soundness. Prices and wages are quoted in lek, and foreign currencies are generally used only in specific formal or international contexts.

Banknotes feature Albanian historical figures, cultural motifs, and architectural imagery, while coins represent a range of denominations aligned with the lek’s subunit system. The lek’s development reflects Albania’s economic history and its ongoing integration into global financial practices.