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Written by Jennifer Pelegrin
Fact checked by Rania Gule
Updated 18 July 2025
The strongest currency in Europe is not always the most widely used. While the euro circulates in over 20 countries, other European currencies lead in value, stability, and safe-haven status in global markets.
A currency’s strength is typically defined by its exchange rate against the US dollar or euro. Yet factors like economic stability, monetary policy, and international demand also play a decisive role.
This guide ranks the strongest currencies in Europe in 2025, based on value, resilience, and relevance in the forex market. You can also explore the strongest currencies in the world to see how European currencies compare globally.
The Swiss Franc (CHF), British Pound (GBP), and Euro (EUR) top the list of strongest currencies in Europe by value in 2025.
Currency strength is driven by factors like political stability, economic resilience, and central bank policies.
Several strong European currencies are pegged to the Euro or GBP, reinforcing their stability in global markets.
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Below is a table summarizing the top 11 strongest European currencies as of 18th July 2025, including their rank, currency name and code, exchange rate (compared to USD), and other relevant factors.
Ranking is based on the nominal exchange rate value of each currency against the US Dollar, not on economic strength, stability, or purchasing power parity.
Rank
Currency Name
Code
Exchange Rate (USD)
Pegged?
Eurozone Member
1
British Pound
GBP
1 GBP = 1.344 USD
No
2
Gibraltar Pound
GIP
1 GIP = 1.344 USD
Pegged to GBP
3
Swiss Franc
CHF
1 CHF = 1.248 USD
4
Euro
EUR
1 EUR = 1.164 USD
N/A
Yes
5
Bulgarian Lev
BGN
1 BGN = 0.5950 USD
Pegged to Euro
No (Eurozone accession underway)
6
Polish Zloty
PLN
1 PLN = 0.274 USD
7
Danish Krone
DKK
1 DKK = 0.156 USD
8
Swedish Krona
SEK
1 SEK = 0.103 USD
9
Norwegian Krone
NOK
1 NOK = 0.0982 USD
10
Czech Koruna
CZK
1 CZK = 0.047 USD
11
Icelandic Króna
ISK
1 ISK ≈ 0.00819 USD
As of 18th July 2025, the top 11 highest valued currencies in Europe are:
British Pound (GBP)
Gibraltar Pound (GIP)
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Euro (EUR)
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Polish Zloty (PLN)
Danish Krone (DKK)
Swedish Krona (SEK)
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Czech Koruna (CZK)
Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Source: forex-central.net
The British pound sterling (GBP) is the official currency of the United Kingdom and several British Overseas Territories. It is recognised as the strongest currencies in Europe, with a long-standing global presence.
The UK economy is robust and diverse, driven by industries such as finance, technology, and manufacturing. London remains a key financial centre, enhancing the pound’s influence in the forex market. The GBP is highly liquid and widely traded, valued for its reliability despite being sensitive to global economic changes.
USD/GBP Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 GBP = 1.344 USD 1 USD = 0.743 GBP
The Gibraltar pound (GIP) is pegged 1:1 with the British pound, further cementing the pound’s role in the European currency strength comparison.
Source: Wikipedia
The Gibraltar pound (GIP) is the official currency of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It is directly pegged to the British pound (GBP) at a 1:1 ratio, meaning its value follows the movements of sterling.
Gibraltar’s economy is primarily based on financial services, online gaming, shipping, and tourism. Although it is a small and specialised economy, the peg ensures the Gibraltar pound remains the second strongest currency in Europe.
USD/GIP Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 GIP = 1.344 USD 1 USD = 0.743 GIP
The EUR to GIP exchange rate aligns with the EUR to GBP rate, given the parity with sterling. This fixed relationship strengthens the GIP’s position in the European currency ranking 2025.
Source: foreigncurrencyandcoin.com
The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Recognised as the third strongest currency in Europe, the CHF is renowned for its stability, low inflation, and safe-haven status in the global market.
Switzerland’s diversified economy, driven by sectors like banking and pharmaceuticals, along with its political neutrality, bolsters the franc’s strength. The Swiss National Bank’s prudent monetary policies and the country’s transparent financial system continue to attract foreign investment.
USD/CHF Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 CHF = 1.248 USD 1 USD = 0.80 CHF
The EUR to CHF exchange rate is also highly traded in forex markets, reflecting the franc’s importance in European currency strength comparison.
The euro (EUR) is the official currency of the Eurozone, used by 20 of the 27 European Union member states. It is the most widely used currency in Europe and a major player in global markets.
The European Central Bank (ECB) manages the euro, ensuring consistency in monetary policy across the bloc. The euro is highly liquid in the forex market, with low spreads and strong demand. It frequently features in major forex currency pairs, making it essential for traders worldwide.
USD/EUR Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 EUR = 1.164 USD 1 USD = 0.858 EUR
As the second largest reserve currency after the US dollar, the euro is central to the European currency strength comparison. Its stability is supported by the economic integration of the Eurozone.
Source: Leftovercurrency.com
The Bulgarian lev (BGN) is the official currency of Bulgaria, backed by a currency board arrangement and pegged to the euro, mechanisms that underpin its stability and strength.
Bulgaria has taken concrete steps toward Eurozone accession, expected around January 1, 2025, which reinforces BGN’s credibility.
USD/BGN Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 BGN = 0.595 USD (with highs of 0.6035 and lows of 0.5964) 1 USD = 1.680 BGN
This peg and board system give the lev a solid position in the European currency ranking 2025, offering both reliability and euro-linked stability.
Source: Mypivots.com
The Polish zloty (PLN) is the official currency of Poland, the largest economy in Eastern Europe. Poland’s economy is diversified, with strong sectors in manufacturing, agriculture, and services, which support the zloty’s value.
The PLN is actively traded in forex markets and is known for offering a good yield for investors, especially in comparison to other regional currencies. The National Bank of Poland oversees monetary policy, maintaining currency stability through interventions when necessary.
USD/PLN Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 PLN = 0.274 USD 1 USD = 3.64 PLN
This performance places the zloty firmly among the strongest currencies in Europe, particularly within the European currency ranking.
The Danish krone (DKK) is the official currency of Denmark, a Nordic country in Northern Europe. According to FXOpen, the USD/DKK exchange rate in October 2023 was 1 DKK = 0.141 USD, positioning it among the highest currencies in Europe.
Denmark maintains a strong welfare system, political stability, and a well-regulated financial sector. The Danish krone is pegged to the euro through the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II), ensuring monetary policy remains closely aligned with the European Central Bank.
USD/DKK Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 DKK = 0.156 USD 1 USD = 6.40 DKK
The krone’s stability and alignment with the euro make it a notable currency in any European currency strength comparison. Despite not being part of the Eurozone, Denmark’s economic indicators and central bank policies sustain the krone’s strength within Europe.
The Swedish krona (SEK) is the official currency of Sweden, a country with a competitive export economy. Sweden is renowned for industries like automotive, technology, and manufacturing, which contribute significantly to the strength of the krona.
The Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank, follows an independent monetary policy, separate from the euro, allowing flexible responses to economic conditions. This autonomy supports the krona’s stability and performance.
USD/SEK Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 SEK = 0.103 USD 1 USD = 9.66 SEK
The Swedish krona gains with economic resilience, maintaining its position among the strongest European currencies today despite external market pressures.
Source: Abacor.fr
The Norwegian krone (NOK) is the official currency of Norway, known for its oil-backed economy. Norway’s wealth in oil and gas exports supports the krone’s position as one of the most valuable currencies in Europe, despite its natural volatility.
The krone is considered volatile but fundamentally strong, as its value often fluctuates with global energy prices. Yet, Norway’s solid fiscal policies and political stability maintain its resilience in the global market.
USD/NOK Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 NOK = 0.0982 USD 1 USD = 10.17 NOK
The Norwegian krone has gained strength in energy-driven markets, ensuring its relevance in any European currency strength comparison.
Source: leftovercurrency.com
The Czech koruna (CZK) is the official currency of Czechia, part of the EU but not the Eurozone. Its position in the strongest currencies in Europe list is supported by its:
USD/CZK Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 CZK = 0.047 USD 1 USD = 21.15 CZK
These figures reflect the koruna’s value in global markets. Its balance of stability and affordability makes the CZK a notable entry in any European currency strength comparison.
Source: adventures.is
The Icelandic króna (ISK) is the currency of Iceland, a sovereign nation outside both the EU and Eurozone. Following its financial crisis in 2008, the country implemented extensive reforms, leading to a resilient economy supported by an independent central bank.
Over time, the ISK has been gradually gaining attention from niche investors, attracted by its stability and potential in a small but robust economy.
USD/ISK Rate Comparison (18th July 2025): 1 USD = 121.98 ISK 1 ISK = 0.00819 USD
Iceland’s central bank continues to support the króna through sound domestic policy, making it a growing contender among the highest currencies in Europe for investors considering diversification.
This chart presents the strongest currencies in Europe, ranked by their value compared to USD. It visually compares the most valuable European currencies, from the British pound to the Icelandic króna, helping you understand the latest European currency ranking 2025 at a glance.
Understanding the strongest currencies in Europe is not just useful for traders, it matters to investors, businesses, and even travelers. A strong currency usually reflects a stable economy, low inflation, and healthy exports.
For example, the Swiss franc and British pound are considered safe haven European currencies, attracting investors during uncertain times. These currencies stand out not just for their high exchange rate compared to USD, but also for their economic resilience.
In global trade, a strong national currency makes imports cheaper but can make a country’s exports less competitive. That’s why countries monitor their currency strength closely, especially in a European currency strength comparison.
Some currencies, like the euro, are also held as reserve currencies by central banks, alongside others like the franc. Comparing the euro vs Swiss franc exchange rate can often give insight into economic trends in the region.
Finally, currency strength serves as an indicator of economic health. Keeping an eye on the top currencies in Europe 2025 can help predict which countries are growing, stable, or facing risks.
Several factors determine whether a currency ranks among the strongest currencies in Europe or globally. These include:
Central Bank Policies: A country’s monetary policy plays a critical role. When central banks maintain responsible interest rates and control money supply, they help keep the currency stable and valuable.
Inflation Control: Low and stable inflation is key to a strong national currency. Countries with high inflation tend to see their currency lose value over time, as seen with weaker currencies like the Iranian rial or Venezuelan bolivar.
GDP & Export Levels: Strong exports, especially in sectors like oil, manufacturing, or technology, support currency strength. For example, countries like Kuwait and Norway benefit from resource exports, while the Eurozone leverages collective economic output.
Political Stability: A stable political environment builds confidence in a currency. Investors prefer stable European currencies like the Swiss franc because Switzerland is known for its political neutrality and economic transparency.
These factors combined explain why some currencies perform better in the European currency ranking 2025 and why others remain vulnerable to market changes. For traders, using a currency strength meter can help track these dynamics in real time when assessing forex opportunities.
Europe’s strongest currencies in 2025 show the close connection between economic health and currency value. The Swiss franc, British pound, and euro lead the way, each backed by a stable economy, solid exports, and trusted policies.
For anyone investing, trading, or even just travelling, knowing where each currency stands helps you understand more about the region’s outlook. Strong currencies don’t just reflect value, they offer a glimpse into which economies are steady, growing, or facing challenges.Keeping track of these currencies is an easy way to stay informed about Europe’s place in the global market.
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As of 2025, Switzerland has the strongest currency in Europe. The Swiss Franc (CHF) leads by value against the US dollar, thanks to the country's economic stability, low inflation, and status as a financial safe haven.
Yes, in 2025 the British Pound (GBP) is stronger than the euro (EUR) when measured by exchange rate against the US dollar. However, the euro remains more widely used across Europe and globally.
The Swiss Franc (CHF) holds the highest value among European currencies in 2025 when compared to the US dollar. It is followed by the British Pound (GBP) and the Euro (EUR).
Among major European currencies, the Icelandic Króna (ISK) is currently the weakest in terms of value against the US dollar. However, it remains stable domestically due to Iceland's economic policies.
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is widely considered the safest currency in Europe. Its stability is supported by Switzerland’s neutral political stance, a strong banking system, and consistent monetary policies.
As of July 18, 2025, the euro to Swiss franc (EUR/CHF) exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR = 0.930 CHF, reflecting the franc’s strength against the euro.
SEO Content Writer
Jennifer is an SEO content writer with five years of experience creating clear, engaging articles across industries like finance and cybersecurity. Jennifer makes complex topics easy to understand, helping readers stay informed and confident.
Market Analyst
A market analyst and member of the Research Team for the Arab region at XS.com, with diplomas in business management and market economics. Since 2006, she has specialized in technical, fundamental, and economic analysis of financial markets. Known for her economic reports and analyses, she covers financial assets, market news, and company evaluations. She has managed finance departments in brokerage firms, supervised master's theses, and developed professional analysis tools.
This written/visual material is comprised of personal opinions and ideas and may not reflect those of the Company. The content should not be construed as containing any type of investment advice and/or a solicitation for any transactions. It does not imply an obligation to purchase investment services, nor does it guarantee or predict future performance. XS, its affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness of any information or data made available and assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment based on the same. Our platform may not offer all the products or services mentioned.
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