Area Code 1137 – Addis Ababa

Overview of Area Code 1137

Area code 1137 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Addis Ababa region in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa serves as the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, functioning as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub. The code is part of the Ethiopian numbering plan under the international country calling code +251, which is administered by the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) in accordance with ITU-T E.164 recommendations.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 1137 prefix covers the central and southern districts of Addis Ababa, including key areas such as Bole, Kirkos, Yeka, and Nifas Silk-Lafto. These districts host numerous government institutions, embassies, corporate headquarters, and commercial centers. The code is allocated to fixed-line services, primarily provided by Ethio Telecom, the incumbent operator. Subscribers within this area are assigned numbers with a total length of 9 digits when dialed internationally, formatted as +251 11 37X XXXX (where X represents the subscriber digits).

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For callers within Ethiopia, the national trunk prefix 0 is used before the area code. Thus, a local call to a number in the 1137 area would be dialed as 011 37X XXXX. However, when dialing from abroad, the trunk prefix is omitted, and the number is dialed as +251 11 37X XXXX. For example, a subscriber number in this area might be reached internationally as +251 1137 12345 (note: the actual number length is 9 digits, so the example should be adjusted accordingly). It is important to note that the area code 1137 is part of the larger Addis Ababa numbering plan, which includes several other NDCs such as 111, 112, 116, and 118. These codes are not overlays; rather, they represent distinct geographic zones within the city, and callers must dial the correct code to reach the intended district.

Technical Considerations

Fixed-line numbers under 1137 are typically connected via PSTN infrastructure, with fiber-optic and copper networks deployed by Ethio Telecom. The numbering plan supports both voice and data services, including ADSL and fiber broadband. For international callers, it is essential to verify the correct country code (+251) and area code, as misdialing can result in failed connections or unintended destinations. Additionally, while mobile numbers in Ethiopia are non-geographic and begin with 9 (e.g., +251 91X XXX XXX), fixed-line numbers like those under 1137 are strictly geographic and tied to physical locations.

When calling from a mobile phone within Ethiopia, the same national dialing format applies (011 37X XXXX). For callers using VoIP services, the international format (+251 1137 ...) is recommended to ensure proper routing. Always confirm the exact number with the recipient, as the Ethiopian numbering plan may undergo changes due to number exhaustion or reallocation.