About the Ethiopian Birr
The modern Ethiopian Birr was introduced in 1945, replacing the East African Shilling. The name 'Birr' was adopted in 1976.
The word 'Birr' means 'silver' in Ge'ez and Amharic.
Interesting Facts
Meaning 'Silver'
The name of the currency, Birr, literally means 'silver' in local languages, a common etymology for currencies dating back to when coins were made of precious metals.
Ancient Aksumite Heritage
Ethiopia was one of the first civilizations to mint its own coins, dating back to the Kingdom of Aksum in the 3rd century AD.
Coffee's Homeland
As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia's economy and the value of the Birr are significantly influenced by the global price and export of coffee beans.
Historical Timeline
The first Ethiopian currency, the Talari, is introduced.
The modern Birr is introduced, initially called the Ethiopian Dollar.
The currency's name is officially changed to Birr.
New banknotes are introduced to combat counterfeiting and hoarding.
Denominations
Banknotes
Coins
Security Features
Quick Facts
- ISO Code
- ETB
- Symbol
- Br
- Numeric Code
- 230
- Subunit
- Santim (1/100)
- Introduced
- 1945-01-01
Central Bank
- Name
- National Bank of Ethiopia
- Headquarters
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Founded
- 1963
- Current Governor
- Mamo Mihretu (since 2023)
Economic Data
- Reserve Currency Share
- 0.0%
- Forex Volume Share
- 0.0%
- Inflation Rate
- 28.7%
- Interest Rate
- 10.0%
Exchange Rates
What Affects the ETB Exchange Rate?
Ready to Convert ETB?
Get real-time exchange rates and convert Ethiopian Birr to any currency.
