Here is the complete financial historical report of Ethiopia, in International English, as requested:

Financial Historical Report of Ethiopia

Basic Data

• Country ISO Code: ET

• Official Language: Amharic

• Language ISO Code: am

• Current Official Currency: Ethiopian Birr

• Currency ISO Code: ETB

Currencies That Have Circulated in Ethiopia

1. Maria Theresa Thaler and Amolete (Before the 19th Century)

• Before adopting the Birr, Ethiopia used foreign currencies such as the Maria Theresa Thaler, a widely accepted silver coin in regional trade.

• The amolete, a traditional salt-based currency, was also used.

2. Abyssinian Birr (1855–1936)

• Introduced in 1855, the Abyssinian Birr was Ethiopia’s first official currency.

• The Birr was subdivided into 100 santim (cents).

• Coins and banknotes featured traditional symbols and images of emperors, such as Emperor Menelik II.

• The currency was issued by the Bank of Abyssinia.

3. Ethiopian Birr (1945–Present)

• Officially established in 1945, the Ethiopian Birr replaced other foreign and local currencies.

• Initially pegged to the British pound sterling, the Birr experienced various exchange rate fluctuations due to political and economic changes.

• In 1976, a monetary reform introduced a new series of banknotes and coins, retaining the name Birr.

• The National Bank of Ethiopia is the official issuer of the currency.

Details of the Current Currency

• Singular Name: Birr

• Plural Name: Birrs

• Subdivision: 1 Birr = 100 Santim

• Singular Fraction Name: Santim

• Plural Fraction Name: Santim

• Mint: Coins are generally minted domestically and occasionally abroad.

• Issuing Bank: National Bank of Ethiopia

Common Coin and Banknote Denominations

Designs and Symbols

• Coins and banknotes feature images of historical figures, cultural monuments, and national symbols of Ethiopia, such as Emperor Menelik II, the Lion of Judah, and St. George’s Cathedral.

• Banknotes bear signatures of the Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia and the Minister of Finance.

Historical and Economic Context

• Ethiopia has experienced periods of inflation and monetary reforms, especially during the Derg regime and after the transition to the current federal government.

• The currency has undergone devaluations at times but has maintained relative stability in recent decades.

• The economy is based on agriculture, industry, and services, with the Birr widely used for domestic transactions.

Curiosities

• The Birr is one of Africa’s longest-standing currencies, used in various forms since the mid-19th century.

• Commemorative coins are occasionally issued to celebrate historical and cultural events.

Current Status

• The Ethiopian Birr is actively circulating and is the sole legal tender for official transactions in Ethiopia.