Turkmenistan has redenominated its national currency, the manat, cutting off three zeroes while also removing the image of its autocratic former leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, from all coins and all but one banknote. The government says the procedure will strengthen the manat and promote foreign investment. Some Turkmen, however, are anxious about the move, saying any currency change will create more uncertainties in markets and could drive prices up.
