29/06/2018: East African Community Currency Integration
Burundi joins the East African Community (EAC) currency integration, paving the way for a future unified currency within the region.
17/10/2011: Introduction of New Banknotes
New banknotes with enhanced security features and updated designs are introduced in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 Francs.
10/09/2008: Introduction of Birr Denominations
Ethiopia introduced new banknotes of different denominations in an effort to combat counterfeiting and improve security features.
30/06/2003: Second Currency Revaluation
The Burundian Franc undergoes another significant devaluation as part of the second currency revaluation program.
30/04/1995: Printing of Banknotes
The first locally printed banknotes, issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 Francs, are circulated.
27/05/1991: Introduction of Birr Coins
Ethiopia introduced coins for the birr denominations, replacing the previous notes.
20/10/1990: Introduction of New Coins
New coins are introduced in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 Francs.
22/09/1985: First Currency Revaluation
The Burundian Franc is significantly devalued as part of a currency revaluation program.
17/09/1976: Introduction of New Birr
A new birr was introduced, replacing the previous Ethiopian birr and being equal to 100 old birr.
30/06/1960: Independence from Belgium
Burundi gains independence from Belgium, establishing the Burundian Franc as its official currency.
08/07/1945: Decree to Change Birr Decimalization
Ethiopia changed the birr decimalization from talari and ghersh to dollars and cents.
31/12/1931: Introduction of Ethiopian birr
The Ethiopian birr was introduced as the official currency, replacing the Maria Theresa Thaler.
05/07/1931: Ethiopian Monetary Authority Established
The Ethiopian Monetary Authority was established to regulate the country's monetary system and issue currency.
14/02/1894: Introduction of Maria Theresa Thaler
Ethiopia adopted the Maria Theresa Thaler as the official currency, which remained in circulation until 1935.