Ethiopia: The Only Country with 13 Months in a Year and 5-Day Weeks

Ethiopia is the only country in the world with 13 months in a year and 5 days in a week. This unique calendar system, currently viral on social media, sets Ethiopia apart, making it 7 years behind the Gregorian calendar used globally.

In Ethiopia, the calendar consists of 12 months with 30 days each, and a 13th month, which has 5 or 6 days depending on whether it’s a leap year. The Ethiopian New Year is celebrated on September 11, following a calendar that dates back to the Roman Church's adjustments in 525 AD.

Known as the only African country never colonized by Britain, Ethiopia was briefly occupied by Italy before regaining independence after six years. The country also holds the distinction of being the birthplace of coffee.

In Ethiopia, the first month, Meskerem, marks the New Year starting on September 11, followed by Tikimt, Hidar, and others, each with their own significance in the Ge'ez calendar.