Pius IkeIn the global financial landscape, currency strength reflects a nation’s economic stability, governance, and global trade position. While strong currencies signal robust economies, weak currencies often point to inflation, political instability, or poor fiscal management.
This guide ranks the Top 100 Lowest Value Currencies in the World for 2025, based on their exchange rate against the U.S. dollar. Whether you’re a traveler, investor, or curious economist, this list offers insight into the world’s most fragile monetary systems.
Top 100 Lowest Value Currencies In The World
1. Lebanese Pound (LBP)
The Lebanese Pound has collapsed due to years of financial crisis, hyperinflation, and political instability. With over 89,000 LBP needed to equal one USD, its value is nearly negligible. The banking sector’s collapse and dollarization of the economy have eroded public trust. Black-market rates far exceed official ones, and reforms remain stalled. Once a stable currency, the LBP now symbolizes Lebanon’s economic turmoil, making it the weakest currency in the world as of 2025.
2. Zimbabwean Dollar (ZiG)
Zimbabwe’s latest currency, the ZiG, launched in 2024 to replace the hyperinflated Zimbabwean dollar. Despite being gold-backed, it has lost over 90% of its value due to inflation, low public confidence, and reliance on USD for daily transactions. Official rates hover around 27 ZiG per USD, but black-market rates are much worse. The government enforces exchange controls, but parallel markets dominate. The ZiG’s rapid depreciation places it among the world’s weakest currencies.
3. Iranian Rial (IRR)
The Iranian Rial suffers from severe U.S. sanctions, chronic inflation, and mismanaged currency pegs. With over 42,000 IRR per USD, its purchasing power is extremely low. Political isolation and economic mismanagement have deepened the crisis. The disparity between official and street exchange rates further undermines confidence. Iran’s reliance on oil exports and limited access to global markets continue to weaken the rial, making it one of the least valuable currencies globally.
4. Vietnamese Dong (VND)
The Vietnamese Dong trades at over 26,000 VND per USD, reflecting decades of managed depreciation to support exports. While Vietnam’s economy is growing, the dong remains weak due to inflation, low interest rates, and currency smoothing policies. The government maintains a tight grip on exchange rates to boost trade competitiveness. Despite its low value, the dong is relatively stable, making it a strategic tool rather than a sign of collapse.
5. Laotian Kip (LAK)
The Laotian Kip trades at over 21,000 LAK per USD, weakened by low industrialization, trade imbalance, and reliance on agriculture. Laos faces limited foreign investment and high inflation, which erodes the kip’s value. Currency controls and limited export diversification contribute to its fragility. Despite regional partnerships, the kip remains one of the lowest-valued currencies in Southeast Asia, reflecting the country’s slow economic development.
6. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
The Indonesian Rupiah trades at around 16,000 IDR per USD. While Indonesia has a large economy, the rupiah’s low value stems from inflation, fiscal deficits, and currency volatility. The government uses monetary tools to stabilize the exchange rate, but external shocks and global interest rate changes often impact its performance. Despite its weakness, the rupiah is widely used and accepted, making it more stable than others on this list.
7. Syrian Pound (SYP)
The Syrian Pound has collapsed due to civil war, international sanctions, and economic devastation. With over 13,000 SYP per USD, its value is nearly symbolic. The country’s infrastructure and banking system are in ruins, and black-market rates dominate. Inflation is rampant, and the government struggles to maintain any monetary credibility. The SYP’s weakness reflects Syria’s prolonged humanitarian and economic crisis.
8. Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
The Uzbekistani Som trades at over 12,000 UZS per USD. Despite reforms, Uzbekistan’s currency remains weak due to inflation, limited foreign investment, and a history of closed economic policies. The government has made strides in liberalizing the economy, but the som’s value is still low. Currency controls and reliance on remittances contribute to its fragility, though stability has improved in recent years.
9. Guinean Franc (GNF)
The Guinean Franc trades at over 8,500 GNF per USD. Guinea’s economy is heavily reliant on mining, with limited diversification. Inflation, weak governance, and low foreign reserves contribute to the franc’s low value. The currency suffers from volatility and poor monetary policy, making it one of the weakest in West Africa. Despite resource wealth, economic instability keeps the GNF undervalued.
10. Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
The Paraguayan Guarani trades at around 7,300 PYG per USD. Paraguay’s economy is small and agriculture-based, with limited industrial output. Inflation and trade imbalances weaken the currency, though it remains relatively stable compared to others on this list. The guarani’s low value reflects the country’s modest global economic footprint and reliance on regional trade.
11. Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE)
The Sierra Leonean Leone trades at over 21 SLE per USD after redenomination in 2022. Despite the rebase, inflation and economic instability persist. The country relies heavily on mining and agriculture, with limited diversification. Currency depreciation continues due to fiscal deficits and low investor confidence. The central bank struggles to maintain stability, and black-market rates often diverge from official ones. The leone’s weakness reflects Sierra Leone’s ongoing challenges in governance, infrastructure, and financial reform.
12. Congolese Franc (CDF)
The Congolese Franc trades at over 2,500 CDF per USD. The Democratic Republic of Congo faces economic instability, conflict, and poor infrastructure. Despite vast mineral wealth, corruption and weak institutions hinder growth. Inflation and currency volatility are persistent issues. The franc’s low value reflects limited monetary control and reliance on informal markets. International aid and mining exports offer some support, but the currency remains fragile and undervalued in global terms.
13. Uzbekistani Somoni (TJS)
The Tajikistani Somoni trades at around 11 TJS per USD. Tajikistan’s economy is heavily reliant on remittances and agriculture, with limited industrial output. Inflation and currency controls weaken the somoni’s value. The government maintains a managed float, but external debt and trade deficits strain reserves. Despite regional partnerships, the somoni remains one of Central Asia’s weakest currencies, reflecting the country’s slow economic development and limited global integration.
14. Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
The Malawian Kwacha trades at over 2,000 MWK per USD. Malawi’s economy is agriculture-based, with tobacco and tea as key exports. Currency depreciation stems from inflation, trade imbalance, and low foreign reserves. The central bank struggles to stabilize the kwacha amid external shocks and donor dependency. Despite reform efforts, the kwacha remains weak, reflecting Malawi’s vulnerability to climate change, commodity price swings, and limited industrialization.
15. Burundian Franc (BIF)
The Burundian Franc trades at over 2,800 BIF per USD. Burundi faces political instability, low foreign investment, and high inflation. The economy is largely informal and agriculture-driven. Currency controls and limited export diversification contribute to the franc’s weakness. Despite regional support, Burundi’s financial system remains fragile. The BIF’s low value reflects deep structural challenges and limited access to international markets.
16. Armenian Dram (AMD)
The Armenian Dram trades at around 400 AMD per USD. Armenia’s economy is small and vulnerable to regional tensions. While relatively stable, the dram’s low value reflects limited global trade and reliance on remittances. Inflation and external debt pressure the currency. The central bank maintains a floating exchange rate, but geopolitical risks and economic isolation keep the dram undervalued compared to major currencies.
17. Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
The Tanzanian Shilling trades at over 2,500 TZS per USD. Tanzania’s economy is growing, but inflation and trade deficits weaken the currency. The government manages the exchange rate to support exports, but external debt and limited industrialization strain reserves. The shilling’s low value reflects structural challenges, though it remains relatively stable compared to other East African currencies.
18. Cambodian Riel (KHR)
The Cambodian Riel trades at over 4,000 KHR per USD. Cambodia’s economy is dollarized, with most transactions conducted in USD. The riel is used for small purchases and government payments. Its low value reflects limited monetary independence and inflation. Despite growth in tourism and manufacturing, the riel remains weak due to reliance on foreign currency and limited financial infrastructure.
19. Haitian Gourde (HTG)
The Haitian Gourde trades at over 130 HTG per USD. Haiti faces political instability, inflation, and economic stagnation. The gourde’s value has eroded due to poor fiscal management and reliance on remittances. Currency controls and black-market rates complicate exchange. Despite international aid, the gourde remains fragile, reflecting Haiti’s deep-rooted challenges in governance, infrastructure, and economic development.
20. Venezuelan Bolívar (VES)
The Venezuelan Bolívar trades at over 36 VES per USD after redenomination. Hyperinflation and economic collapse have decimated its value. Most transactions occur in USD or crypto, with the bolívar used symbolically. Government controls and sanctions exacerbate instability. Despite oil wealth, mismanagement and political crisis keep the bolívar among the world’s weakest currencies. Its low value reflects Venezuela’s ongoing humanitarian and financial emergency.
| Rank | Currency Name | Symbol | Exchange Rate (1 USD = …) | USD Value per Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lebanese Pound | LBP | 89,676 | $0.000011 |
| 2 | Zimbabwean Dollar (ZiG) | ZWL | 26.79 (official) / 35–40 | ~$0.000015 |
| 3 | Iranian Rial | IRR | 42,149 | $0.000024 |
| 4 | Vietnamese Dong | VND | 26,189 | ~$0.000038 |
| 5 | Laotian Kip | LAK | 21,537 | $0.000046 |
| 6 | Indonesian Rupiah | IDR | 16,393 | $0.000061 |
| 7 | Syrian Pound | SYP | 13,000+ | ~$0.000077 |
| 8 | Uzbekistani Som | UZS | 12,000+ | ~$0.000083 |
| 9 | Guinean Franc | GNF | 8,500+ | ~$0.000118 |
| 10 | Paraguayan Guarani | PYG | 7,300 | $0.000137 |
| 11 | Malagasy Ariary | MGA | 4,500+ | ~$0.000222 |
| 12 | Cambodian Riel | KHR | 4,000+ | ~$0.00025 |
| 13 | Burundian Franc | BIF | 2,800+ | ~$0.000357 |
| 14 | Congolese Franc | CDF | 2,500+ | ~$0.0004 |
| 15 | Tanzanian Shilling | TZS | 2,500+ | ~$0.0004 |
| 16 | Myanmar Kyat | MMK | 2,100+ | ~$0.00048 |
| 17 | Nigerian Naira | NGN | 1,300+ | ~$0.00077 |
| 18 | Rwandan Franc | RWF | 1,300+ | ~$0.00077 |
| 19 | Iraqi Dinar | IQD | 1,310 | $0.00076 |
| 20 | Argentine Peso | ARS | 1,200+ | ~$0.00083 |
| 21 | Sudanese Pound | SDG | 1,100+ | ~$0.00091 |
| 22 | Kazakhstani Tenge | KZT | 500+ | ~$0.002 |
| 23 | Sri Lankan Rupee | LKR | 320+ | ~$0.0031 |
| 24 | Pakistani Rupee | PKR | 300+ | ~$0.0033 |
| 25 | Yemeni Rial | YER | 250+ | ~$0.004 |
| 26 | Ethiopian Birr | ETB | 250+ | ~$0.004 |
| 27 | Haitian Gourde | HTG | 130+ | ~$0.0077 |
| 28 | Venezuelan Bolívar | VES | 36+ | ~$0.028 |
| 29 | Afghan Afghani | AFN | 75+ | ~$0.013 |
| 30 | Mozambican Metical | MZN | 63+ | ~$0.016 |
| 31 | Egyptian Pound | EGP | 60+ | ~$0.017 |
| 32 | Sierra Leonean Leone | SLE | 22,714 | $0.000044 |
| 33 | São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra | STN | 22+ | ~$0.045 |
| 34 | Tajikistani Somoni | TJS | 11+ | ~$0.09 |
| 35 | Moroccan Dirham | MAD | 10+ | ~$0.10 |
| Rank | Currency Name | Symbol | Exchange Rate (1 USD = …) | USD Value per Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra | STN | 22+ | ~$0.045 |
| 37 | Tajikistani Somoni | TJS | 11+ | ~$0.09 |
| 38 | Moroccan Dirham | MAD | 10+ | ~$0.10 |
| 39 | Nepalese Rupee | NPR | 133+ | ~$0.0075 |
| 40 | Sri Lankan Rupee | LKR | 320+ | ~$0.0031 |
| 41 | Pakistani Rupee | PKR | 300+ | ~$0.0033 |
| 42 | Bangladeshi Taka | BDT | 110+ | ~$0.0091 |
| 43 | Nigerian Naira | NGN | 1,300+ | ~$0.00077 |
| 44 | Ghanaian Cedi | GHS | 12+ | ~$0.083 |
| 45 | Ethiopian Birr | ETB | 250+ | ~$0.004 |
| 46 | Rwandan Franc | RWF | 1,300+ | ~$0.00077 |
| 47 | Ugandan Shilling | UGX | 3,800+ | ~$0.00026 |
| 48 | Central African CFA Franc | XAF | 620+ | ~$0.0016 |
| 49 | West African CFA Franc | XOF | 620+ | ~$0.0016 |
| 50 | Mauritanian Ouguiya | MRU | 39+ | ~$0.025 |
| 51 | Sudanese Pound | SDG | 1,100+ | ~$0.00091 |
| 52 | South Sudanese Pound | SSP | 1,300+ | ~$0.00077 |
| 53 | Liberian Dollar | LRD | 190+ | ~$0.0053 |
| 54 | Eritrean Nakfa | ERN | 15+ | ~$0.066 |
| 55 | Yemeni Rial | YER | 250+ | ~$0.004 |
| 56 | Afghan Afghani | AFN | 75+ | ~$0.013 |
| 57 | Kyrgyzstani Som | KGS | 89+ | ~$0.011 |
| 58 | Kazakhstani Tenge | KZT | 500+ | ~$0.002 |
| 59 | Mongolian Tugrik | MNT | 3,400+ | ~$0.00029 |
| 60 | Turkmenistani Manat | TMT | 3.5 | ~$0.29 |
| 61 | Georgian Lari | GEL | 2.7 | ~$0.37 |
| 62 | Belarusian Ruble | BYN | 3.2 | ~$0.31 |
| 63 | Ukrainian Hryvnia | UAH | 38+ | ~$0.026 |
| 64 | Russian Ruble | RUB | 95+ | ~$0.0105 |
| 65 | Indian Rupee | INR | 83+ | ~$0.012 |
| 66 | Bhutanese Ngultrum | BTN | 83+ | ~$0.012 |
| 67 | Burmese Kyat | MMK | 2,100+ | ~$0.00048 |
| 68 | Thai Baht | THB | 36+ | ~$0.028 |
| 69 | Philippine Peso | PHP | 57+ | ~$0.0175 |
| 70 | Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 4.7 | ~$0.21 |
| Rank | Currency Name | Symbol | Exchange Rate (1 USD = …) | USD Value per Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Israeli New Shekel | ILS | 3.8 | ~$0.26 |
| 72 | Saudi Riyal | SAR | 3.75 | ~$0.27 |
| 73 | Bahraini Dinar | BHD | 0.38 | ~$2.63 |
| 74 | Qatari Riyal | QAR | 3.64 | ~$0.27 |
| 75 | Omani Rial | OMR | 0.38 | ~$2.63 |
| 76 | UAE Dirham | AED | 3.67 | ~$0.27 |
| 77 | Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 0.31 | ~$3.23 |
| 78 | Swiss Franc | CHF | 0.91 | ~$1.10 |
| 79 | Euro | EUR | 0.93 | ~$1.07 |
| 80 | British Pound Sterling | GBP | 0.79 | ~$1.27 |
| 81 | Canadian Dollar | CAD | 1.35 | ~$0.74 |
| 82 | Australian Dollar | AUD | 1.55 | ~$0.65 |
| 83 | New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 1.68 | ~$0.60 |
| 84 | Fijian Dollar | FJD | 2.25 | ~$0.44 |
| 85 | Samoan Tala | WST | 2.75 | ~$0.36 |
| 86 | Tongan Paʻanga | TOP | 2.35 | ~$0.43 |
| 87 | Papua New Guinean Kina | PGK | 3.65 | ~$0.27 |
| 88 | Solomon Islands Dollar | SBD | 8.45 | ~$0.12 |
| 89 | Vanuatu Vatu | VUV | 120+ | ~$0.0083 |
| 90 | Chilean Peso | CLP | 950+ | ~$0.00105 |
| 91 | Colombian Peso | COP | 4,000+ | ~$0.00025 |
| 92 | Peruvian Sol | PEN | 3.75 | ~$0.27 |
| 93 | Bolivian Boliviano | BOB | 6.9 | ~$0.14 |
| 94 | Argentine Peso | ARS | 1,200+ | ~$0.00083 |
| 95 | Brazilian Real | BRL | 5.2 | ~$0.19 |
| 96 | Uruguayan Peso | UYU | 39+ | ~$0.025 |
| 97 | Dominican Peso | DOP | 58+ | ~$0.017 |
| 98 | Cuban Peso | CUP | 24+ | ~$0.041 |
| 99 | Jamaican Dollar | JMD | 155+ | ~$0.0064 |
| 100 | Trinidad and Tobago Dollar | TTD | 6.8 | ~$0.15 |
Closing
From hyperinflated economies to strategically devalued currencies, the world’s weakest monetary units tell stories of struggle, resilience, and reform. While low exchange rates don’t always mean instability, they often highlight deeper structural challenges. Understanding these currencies helps decode global financial dynamics and anticipate emerging risks. As nations work to stabilize their economies, currency strength remains a key indicator of progress—and a reminder that value is never just about numbers, but about trust, policy, and vision.