World record size
On 1st July 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) entered into force. The purpose of the convention is to regulate international trade in endangered animals and plants in order to protect them from extinction. Also known as the “Washington Convention”, it has so far been signed by 184 countries and the European Union. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this important agreement, the central bank of the Republic of Burundi decided on a symbolic act of truly gigantic proportions: the introduction of the largest banknote in the world.
The 10 000-franc note measures 400 x 288 mm (15.75 x 11.34 inches). It is issued by the Banque de la République du Burundi and, despite its commemorative nature, is legal tender in Burundi. However, the print run is strictly limited to a total of 1 000 pieces. Burundi is located in East Africa, between Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a landlocked country, but borders Lake Tanganyika, the second largest lake in Africa. The most famous geographical feature is situated just 50 km (31 mi) east of the lake in the south of Burundi. The Ruvyironza River rises at Mont Gikizi in Bururi Province. It is the southernmost source river of the Nile. The distance to the Nile estuary at the Mediterranean Sea is around 6 650 km (4 130 mi), which is why most scientists consider the Nile to be the longest river in the world, even longer than the Amazon.
The Banknote
In keeping with the banknote's unusual format, the main motif on the obverse of the banknote is dedicated to African megafauna. The reverse focuses on Burundi and shows the State House, the national flag, the national coat of arms, a map of the country with the source of the Nile, as well as dancers and drummers. Traditional patterns and the design of the national flag were incorporated into the creation process and then combined with state-of-the-art security features. Due to their size alone, the banknote offers a wealth of interesting details, some of which are not visible to the naked eye.
Security
The banknote is equipped with state-of-the-art security features, such as holographic foil, gold coating, haptic elements, serial numbers and an innovative UV design. It is the first banknote ever with photorealistic RGB UV printing.
Facts
| Size: |
400 x 288 mm15.75 x 11.34 inches |
| Print run: |
Strictly limited to 1 000 pieces |
| Issuing bank: |
Banque de la République du Burundi |
| Denomination: |
10 000 Francscommemorative banknote |
| Issue year: |
2025 |
| Commemorative issue: |
50th anniversary of CITES |
Video
Take a moment to marvel at the Giant Banknote's detailed intaglio printing and its incredible dimensions in direct comparison with a normal-sized banknote. You will also have the opportunity to see the unique design under UV light.
Click here to watch a longer video in which both the banknote and the accessories are shown and explained in more detail.
This note is an official issue of the Banque de la République du Burundi.