Convert Ethiopian Birr (ETB) to Iranian Rial (IRR)

Details for Ethiopian Birr (ETB) Currency

Introduction : The Ethiopian Birr (ETB), symbolized as Br, is the official currency of Ethiopia. It is issued and regulated by the National Bank of Ethiopia. The birr plays a fundamental role in Ethiopia’s large and diverse economy, being used in all forms of trade, service payments, and daily transactions. The currency is subdivided into 100 santim and features colorful banknotes that depict Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and historical icons. As a developing nation with an ambitious economic growth plan, Ethiopia relies on the birr as a tool for monetary policy, public sector development, and financial inclusion across both urban and rural communities.

History & Origin : The history of the Ethiopian Birr dates back to the early 20th century, with its initial introduction in 1894 during the reign of Emperor Menelik II. It was originally referred to as the 'Ethiopian dollar' before being renamed the 'birr'. During the Italian occupation (1936–1941), the Italian lira was used, but the birr was reinstated following liberation. The National Bank of Ethiopia was established in 1963, taking over full responsibility for monetary issuance. The birr has undergone several redesigns and demonetizations to strengthen security, stabilize the economy, and reduce counterfeit currency, most notably the 2020 currency reform.

Current Use : The Ethiopian Birr is the standard unit of payment throughout Ethiopia, used for everything from large business transactions to small-scale marketplace purchases. It underpins sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services, supporting a growing yet largely cash-dependent economy. Despite Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to encourage digital payments and banking modernization, a significant portion of the population still relies on physical currency. Exchange controls and the dual exchange rate system have historically affected the birr’s international value, but monetary authorities continue to reform and modernize the financial infrastructure to increase transparency and strengthen the currency’s role in the national economy.

Details of Ethiopia

Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is one of the continent’s most historically and culturally rich nations. It is the second-most populous country in Africa, home to over 120 million people. The capital, Addis Ababa, is a political and diplomatic hub, hosting the headquarters of the African Union and numerous international organizations. Ethiopia's diverse population comprises over 80 ethnic groups, each contributing to the country’s rich cultural mosaic.

Often regarded as the cradle of humanity, Ethiopia has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. It is the site of the Aksumite Empire, one of the great civilizations of the ancient world, and was among the first regions to adopt Christianity. The nation also holds deep Islamic historical significance and remains religiously and culturally diverse. Iconic sites such as Lalibela's rock-hewn churches and the Simien Mountains underscore Ethiopia’s historical and natural allure.

The Ethiopian economy is largely driven by agriculture, which employs the majority of the population. Coffee, one of its most important exports, has global recognition. Over the past two decades, Ethiopia has made significant strides in infrastructure development, particularly in transportation, energy, and industrialization, though it still faces challenges like inflation, unemployment, and periodic droughts.

Despite recent political tensions and regional conflicts, Ethiopia remains a country of immense potential. Its government is focused on economic reform, regional integration, and attracting foreign investment. With a youthful population, expanding education systems, and growing urban centers, Ethiopia is on a path to becoming one of Africa’s leading economies, while preserving its deep-rooted traditions and rich heritage.

Details for Iranian Rial (IRR) Currency

Introduction : The Iranian Rial (IRR) is the official currency of the Islamic Republic of Iran and is denoted by the symbol ﷼. As the primary medium of exchange, it is used across all sectors of the Iranian economy for commercial, governmental, and personal financial transactions. While the rial is officially the standard unit, in daily practice, people commonly use the 'toman,' which equals 10 rials. This colloquial usage often causes confusion for foreigners. Issued by the Central Bank of Iran, the rial features culturally and historically significant figures and landmarks and plays a central role in Iran’s state-controlled economy.

History & Origin : The Iranian Rial has a complex monetary history rooted in centuries of economic evolution. The rial was introduced in 1798 but did not become Iran’s official currency until 1932, replacing the qiran. Originally pegged to major global currencies like the British pound and later the US dollar, the rial maintained relative stability until the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Post-revolutionary political isolation, international sanctions, and economic mismanagement have since led to chronic inflation and multiple devaluations. In recent years, Iran has proposed replacing the rial with the toman to simplify transactions and restore public confidence. Despite this, the rial remains the legal tender, with currency reforms under consideration.

Current Use : The Iranian Rial is used for all financial operations within Iran, including banking, government salaries, retail transactions, and international trade settlements. Due to persistent inflation and currency volatility, the use of foreign currencies like the US dollar and euro is common in unofficial exchanges. Although the rial is not freely traded on international markets, Iran has developed internal platforms and barter systems to facilitate cross-border trade under sanctions. The rial is managed by the Central Bank of Iran, which frequently updates exchange rates and implements monetary policy to stabilize the economy. Despite challenges, it remains the foundation of Iran’s domestic financial infrastructure.

Details of Iran

Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a vast country in Western Asia, bordered by countries like Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and flanked by the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south. It spans a diverse landscape that includes mountains, deserts, and coastlines, offering both environmental richness and strategic geopolitical significance.

Historically known as Persia, Iran has one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back thousands of years to the Elamite kingdoms and later to the mighty Achaemenid Empire. Its legacy includes profound contributions to art, literature, architecture, and science. The country transitioned into a modern nation-state in the 20th century under the Pahlavi dynasty before the Islamic Revolution of 1979 reshaped its governance and society.

Today, Iran operates as a theocratic republic led by a Supreme Leader, combining elements of Islamic ideology with republican institutions. The country has a population exceeding 85 million people, predominantly Persian, with rich ethnic diversity including Azeris, Kurds, Lurs, and Balochs. Persian (Farsi) is the official language, and Shia Islam is the state religion, deeply influencing Iran's legal and social systems.

Iran’s economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, which make up the bulk of national revenue. However, it also has robust agricultural, industrial, and scientific sectors. Ongoing international sanctions have impacted economic growth, prompting efforts to develop self-sufficiency and expand regional trade alliances.

Iranian culture remains vibrant, characterized by poetry, cinema, traditional music, and hospitality. Cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz are centers of historical and modern significance. Despite facing political and economic challenges, Iran’s strategic location, rich heritage, and resilient population continue to shape its role in regional and global affairs.

Convert Ethiopian Birr to Other Currencies

FAQ on Ethiopian Birr (ETB) to Iranian Rial (IRR) Conversion: