Historic Mauritanian ouguiya Eritrean nakfa

01/01/2022: Planned Introduction of New Banknotes

Mauritania plans to introduce a new series of banknotes with modern security features and improved durability to enhance the overall quality and functionality of the currency.

01/07/2020: Replacement of Commemorative Banknote

A new 20,000 MRO commemorative banknote was issued to mark the 60th anniversary of independence, replacing the older version. It showcases significant historical landmarks and figures.

08/04/2020: COVID-19 impact on currency circulation

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, circulation of nakfa banknotes decreased as people relied more on digital transactions.

25/02/2019: Introduction of new nakfa banknotes

Eritrea introduced new banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 nakfa.

30/10/2018: Currency devaluation

Eritrea devalued the nakfa by 14%, reducing its official exchange rate to 1 USD = 15 ERN.

01/10/2018: New Banknotes and Coins

Mauritania introduced a new series of banknotes and coins denominated in Ouguiya, featuring enhanced security features and updated designs to combat counterfeiting.

01/01/2018: Floating of the Ouguiya

The Mauritanian Ouguiya transitioned from a fixed exchange rate regime to a floating exchange rate system. The currency's value is now determined by market forces within a managed float.

22/01/2015: Dollarization policy imposed

Eritrea imposed a dollarization policy, making the US dollar the predominant currency for most transactions.

14/11/2005: Currency redenomination

The Eritrean nakfa underwent a redenomination where old nakfa notes were replaced with new nakfa notes in a ratio of 1:1,000.

01/05/2004: Redenomination of the Ouguiya

The Mauritanian Ouguiya underwent a redenomination, where 1 new MRO was equivalent to 10 old MRO. This measure aimed to simplify transactions and improve economic stability.

08/11/1997: Introduction of the Eritrean nakfa

The Eritrean nakfa was introduced as the official currency of Eritrea, replacing the Ethiopian birr.

08/11/1997: Currency exchange rate fixed

The Eritrean nakfa was fixed at an exchange rate of 1 USD = 10 ERN.

01/06/1978: Decentralization of Currency Issuance

The Central Bank of Mauritania granted the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie (BCM) the authority to issue and control the Mauritanian Ouguiya, decentralizing currency issuance.

01/11/1973: Introduction of the Mauritanian Ouguiya

The Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO) was introduced as the official currency of Mauritania, replacing the CFA franc. It was initially pegged to the French franc at a rate of 1 MRO = 5.5 FRF.