The present invention relates to a frictional power transmission belt containing an extensible layer to form a belt back surface, a compressive layer formed on one surface of the extensible layer and having a power transmission surface at least a part of which can be in contact with pulleys, and a tension member embedded between the extensible layer and the compressive layer along a belt length direction, in which at least the compressive layer is formed of a rubber composition containing a polymer component, short fibers and a surfactant and in which the short fibers contain at least short fibers of water-absorbing fibers.