ETBEthiopian BirrEthiopian Birr (ETB)
The Ethiopian birr is Ethiopia's national currency and a key monetary unit in the Horn of Africa.
- ISO code
- ETB
- Symbol
- Br
- Region
- Africa
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- The National Bank of Ethiopia manages the birr monetary system, currency issue and the country's regulated foreign-exchange framework.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
ETB at a glance
Currency profile
How ETB works
The Ethiopian birr is Ethiopia's national currency and a key monetary unit in the Horn of Africa.
The National Bank of Ethiopia manages the birr monetary system, currency issue and the country's regulated foreign-exchange framework.
- ETB is divided into 100 santim and was formerly called the Ethiopian dollar in English-language official usage.
- The word birr became the standard official English name in the 1970s while the underlying national unit continued.
Context
Why this currency matters
ETB is important because Ethiopia has one of Africa's largest populations and a long independent monetary history. The change from the English label Ethiopian dollar to birr can confuse historical records even though it concerns the name of the national unit rather than a modern one-for-one foreign-currency peg.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
The National Bank of Ethiopia manages the birr monetary system, currency issue and the country's regulated foreign-exchange framework.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for ETB
Postwar national currency restored
Ethiopia restored its national monetary system and issued the Ethiopian dollar after the occupation period.
National Bank of Ethiopia - historyNational Bank framework established
The National Bank of Ethiopia began operating under the modern central-bank structure.
National Bank of Ethiopia - historyBirr name adopted in English
Official English usage shifted from Ethiopian dollar to birr for the national currency.
National Bank of Ethiopia - history
Usage and economy
How ETB is used
- Prices, wages, taxes and payments throughout Ethiopia.
- Horn of Africa and Gulf comparisons involving KES, EGP, SAR and AED.
Country currency guides
Banknotes and coins
ETB currency units
The National Bank of Ethiopia publishes current birr banknotes and currency-management information.
Official Ethiopian currency information documents birr and santim circulation coins.
One Ethiopian Birr unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Santim as its minor unit.
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Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
ETB questions
Was ETB once called the Ethiopian dollar?
Yes. English-language official usage called the unit the Ethiopian dollar before birr became the standard name in the 1970s.
Why is ETB important in the Horn of Africa?
ETB serves one of Africa's largest domestic economies and supports regional agriculture, manufacturing and trade.
Who manages the Ethiopian birr?
The National Bank of Ethiopia manages the birr currency system and national monetary framework.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.