35 Weakest Currencies in the World in 2025: Lowest Value Ranked

What Are the Weakest Currencies in the World in 2025?

Below is the lowest currency in the world list as per USD, 25th September 2025:

1. Iranian Rial (IRR) 

2. Lebanese Pound (LBP)

3. Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)

4. Vietnamese Dong (VND)

5. Laotian Kip (LAK)

6. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

7. Syrian Pound (SYP)

8. Uzbekistani Som (UZS)

9. Guinean Franc (GNF)

10. Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)

11. Malagasy Ariary (MGA)

12. Cambodian Riel (KHR)

13. Burundian Franc (BIF)

14. Congolese Franc (CDF)

15. Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

16. Myanmar Kyat (MMK)

17. Nigerian Naira (NGN)

18. Rwandan Franc (RWF)

19. Iraqi Dinar (IQD)

20. Argentine Peso (ARS)

21. Sudanese Pound (SDG)

22. Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

23. Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

24. Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

25. Yemeni Rial (YER)

26. Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

27. Haitian Gourde (HTG)

28. Venezuelan Bolívar (VES)

29. Afghan Afghani (AFN)

30. Mozambican Metical (MZN)

31. Egyptian Pound (EGP)

32. Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE)

33. São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)

34. Tajikistani Somoni (TJS)

35. Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

 

Weakest Currencies in the World - Ranking & Exchange Rates

Below is the ranking table of the top 35 weakest currencies in the world against the US Dollar (USD) as of 25th September 2025.

Rank	Currency	Symbol	Exchange Rate (USD)	Key Factors
1	Iranian Rial	IRR	1 IRR = 0.000024 USD	Severe economic sanctions that cripple international trade, hyperinflation, and a reliance on oil exports without economic diversification.
2	Lebanese Pound	LBP	1 LBP = 0.000011 USD	Complete financial and banking sector collapse, political vacuum, and massive hyperinflation eroding domestic purchasing power.
3	Zimbabwean Dollar	ZWL	1 ZWL = 0.000015 USD	Legacy of hyperinflation leading to currency redenominations, and a persistent lack of investor confidence.
4	Vietnamese Dong	VND	1 VND = 0.000038 USD	Historically a low-value unit, with the currency managed to remain weak to promote export competitiveness.
5	Laotian Kip	LAK	1 LAK = 0.000046 USD	Landlocked geography, reliance on agriculture, and significant trade imbalances.
6	Indonesian Rupiah	IDR	1 IDR = 0.000061 USD	Periodic volatility driven by capital flows and inflation, though the economy is large and growing.
7	Syrian Pound	SYP	1 SYP = 0.000077 USD	Prolonged civil war, devastating economic sanctions, and the collapse of most formal economic activity.
8	Uzbekistani Som	UZS	1 UZS = 0.000080 USD	Legacy of post-Soviet inflation and a historically closed economy, though recent reforms are underway.
9	Guinean Franc	GNF	1 GNF = 0.000115 USD	Over-reliance on mining exports, coupled with political instability and crippling infrastructure deficits.
10	Paraguayan Guarani	PYG	1 PYG = 0.00014 USD	A small, agriculture-based economy with limited export diversification.
11	Malagasy Ariary	MGA	1 MGA = 0.00023 USD	Widespread poverty, political instability, and an economy heavily dependent on vulnerable agriculture.
12	Cambodian Riel	KHR	1 KHR = 0.00025 USD	The currency is weak due to the economy's high degree of unofficial dollarization, limiting demand for the Riel.
13	Burundian Franc	BIF	1 BIF = 0.000335 USD	Subsistence agriculture, profound political instability, and heavy reliance on foreign aid.
14	Congolese Franc	CDF	1 CDF = 0.000344 USD	Ongoing conflict and corruption prevent the country from benefiting fully from its vast mineral wealth.
15	Tanzanian Shilling	TZS	1 TZS = 0.00040 USD	Inflationary pressures and a reliance on agricultural exports, which are subject to price volatility.
16	Myanmar Kyat	MMK	1 MMK = 0.000476 USD	Intense political unrest following the military coup and subsequent international sanctions.
17	Nigerian Naira	NGN	1 NGN = 0.000663 USD	Heavy dependence on oil exports, foreign exchange shortages, and inconsistent central bank policies.
18	Rwandan Franc	RWF	1 RWF = 0.0007 USD	Significant trade deficits and a high reliance on imports, despite the country's reputation for good governance.
19	Iraqi Dinar	IQD	1 IQD = 0.000763 USD	Decades of war and sanctions have hindered economic recovery, despite the country's large oil reserves.
20	Argentine Peso	ARS	1 ARS = 0.000702 USD	Chronic hyperinflation, a history of sovereign debt defaults, and economic mismanagement.
21	Sudanese Pound	SDG	1 SDG = 0.0017 USD	Ongoing internal conflict, international isolation, and a near-total collapse of the economic infrastructure.
22	Kazakhstani Tenge	KZT	1 KZT = 0.0019 USD	Heavy reliance on oil and gas exports makes the currency highly vulnerable to global commodity price swings.
23	Sri Lankan Rupee	LKR	1 LKR = 0.00332 USD	A severe foreign debt crisis that led to a sovereign default, coupled with high inflation and import dependence.
24	Pakistani Rupee	PKR	1 PKR = 0.00353 USD	Persistent high inflation, large fiscal and trade deficits, and political instability.
25	Yemeni Rial	YER	1 YER = 0.0042 USD	A devastating civil war that has crippled the economy and led to widespread humanitarian crisis.
26	Ethiopian Birr	ETB	1 ETB = 0.00703 USD	Civil unrest, high inflation, and foreign exchange shortages leading to a controlled devaluation.
27	Haitian Gourde	HTG	1 HTG = 0.0077 USD	Political chaos, frequent natural disasters, and a near-total lack of economic development.
28	Venezuelan Bolívar	VES	1 VES = 0.007 USD	One of the worst cases of hyperinflation in history, driven by economic mismanagement and sanctions.
29	Afghan Afghani	AFN	1 AFN = 0.015 USD	Economic collapse following the change in government, frozen foreign reserves, and dependence on humanitarian aid.
30	Mozambican Metical	MZN	1 MZN = 0.016 USD	Debt distress, exposure to climate shocks like cyclones, and insurgency in key resource-rich regions.
31	Egyptian Pound	EGP	1 EGP = 0.0207 USD	A series of sharp devaluations to secure an IMF loan, coupled with high inflation and a heavy foreign debt burden.
32	Sierra Leonean Leone	SLE	1 SLE = 0.044 USD	Legacy of a brutal civil war and economic shocks like the Ebola epidemic, leading to a recent redenomination.
33	São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra	STN	1 STN = 0.0476 USD	A very small and isolated island economy with a tiny export base, leading to heavy dependence on foreign aid.
34	Tajikistani Somoni	TJS	1 TJS = 0.106 USD	Extreme reliance on remittances from migrant workers, which are volatile, and a weak industrial base.
35	Moroccan Dirham	MAD	1 MAD = 0.11 USD	A managed float regime that maintains stability but reflects persistent trade deficits and import dependency.

Next, we’ll dive into a detailed breakdown of each of the 35 weakest currencies, examining the reasons behind their depreciation, the economic challenges they face, and their role in the global financial system.

 

Iranian Rial (IRR)

Source: Wikipedia

The Iranian Rial (IRR) is currently the world's weakest currency.

USD/IRR Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 IRR = 0.000024 USD

1 USD = 41,666.67 IRR

The primary reason for the Rial's weakness is the country's economic sanctions, which have severely impacted Iran's ability to engage in international trade.

Additionally, high inflation, political instability, and a reliance on oil exports without sufficient economic diversification contribute to making the Iranian Rial the lowest currency in the world.

 

Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Source: L’orient Le Jour

The Lebanese Pound (LBP) is the second weakest currency globally.

USD/LBP Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025) 

1 LBP = 0.000011 USD

1 USD = 90,909 LBP

Lebanon's financial crisis, political instability, and declining foreign reserves have contributed to the pound's decline. The banking sector's collapse and corruption have further destroyed trust in the national currency. Due to these issues, the Lebanese pound is the poorest currency in the world.

Efforts to stabilize the economy have been disrupted by a lack of political consensus and structural reforms, making it difficult for Lebanon to recover from its economic downturn.

 

Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)

Source: Wikipedia

The Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) has faced extreme devaluation, with hyperinflation leading to frequent redenominations.

USD/ZWL Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 ZWL = 0.000015 USD

1 USD = 66,666.67 ZWL

Zimbabwe's currency challenges stem from years of economic mismanagement, hyperinflation, and a lack of investor confidence. The government has struggled to stabilize the economy despite introducing bond notes and other monetary measures.

 

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Source: Foreign Currency Exchange

The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is one of the weakest currencies globally in terms of exchange rate.

USD/VND Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 VND = 0.000038 USD

1 USD = 26,315.79 VND

This low valuation is a result of Vietnam’s long history of inflation and currency redenomination since the end of the Vietnam War.

Although the Vietnamese economy has grown significantly in recent decades, the Dong remains heavily managed and is kept weak to promote exports.

 

Laotian Kip (LAK)

Source: Wikipedia

The Laotian Kip (LAK) is among the weakest currencies globally. Alaos' landlocked geography and reliance on agriculture significantly influence its economy and currency value.

USD/LAK Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 LAK = 0.000046 USD

1 USD = 21,739.13 LAK

The lack of industrialization, trade imbalances, and limited foreign investment have contributed to the Kip's low valuation.

 

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Source: Wikipedia

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency of Indonesia, issued and regulated by Bank Indonesia. The term "Rupiah" is derived from the Sanskrit word for silver, "rupyakam."

The currency is symbolized as "Rp" and is subdivided into 100 sen, though due to inflation, denominations in sen are no longer in practical use.

USD/IDR Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 IDR = 0.000060 USD

1 USD = 16,393.44 IDR

The Rupiah has experienced periods of volatility, influenced by both domestic economic policies and global market dynamics.

Recently, Bank Indonesia intervened in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the Rupiah amid concerns over a sluggish economy and significant government spending plans.

 

Syrian Pound (SYP)

Source: Wikipedia

The Syrian Pound (SYP) has experienced significant depreciation due to the prolonged civil war and economic sanctions.

USD/SYP Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 SYP = 0.000077 USD

1 USD = 12,987.01 SYP

Ongoing conflict, a collapsed economy, and international isolation have contributed to the weakening of the Syrian Pound. Reconstruction efforts and economic reforms are needed to stabilize the currency in the future.

 

Uzbekistani Som (UZS)

Source: Wikipedia

The Som (UZS), Uzbekistan’s national currency, has one of the lowest values globally due to its historical legacy of hyperinflation, a closed economy, and slow financial liberalization.

USD/UZS Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 UZS = 0.000080 USD

1 USD = 12,500 UZS

Although recent reforms aim to modernize the economy and attract foreign investment, structural challenges, such as currency devaluation and limited industrial diversification, continue to pressure the Som’s exchange rate.

 

Guinean Franc (GNF)

Source: Wikipedia

The Guinean Franc (GNF) is one of the Africa's weakest currencies, mainly due to economic instability and high inflation.

USD/GNF Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1GNF = 0.000115 USD

1 USD = 8,695.65 GNF

The primary reason for the Guinean Franc's weakness is Guinea's over-reliance on mining exports, particularly bauxite and gold. Despite being resource-rich, political instability, corruption, and insufficient infrastructure hinder economic growth, leading to the currency's depreciation.

 

Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)

Source: Wikipedia

The Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) is among the weakest currencies in South America, largely due to inflation and limited economic diversification.

USD/PYG Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 PYG = 0.00014 USD

1 USD = 7,115 PYG

Paraguay's small, agriculture-based economy and limited diversification contribute to its currency's low value.

 

Malagasy Ariary (MGA)

Source: Wikipedia

The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is one of the world’s weakest currencies, trading at over 4,000 MGA per USD due to economic underdevelopment and fiscal instability.

USD/MGA Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 MGA = 0.00023 USD

1 USD = 4,428 MGA

Madagascar's dependence on agriculture, political instability, and underdeveloped infrastructure contribute to the Ariary's low value.

 

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Source: Wikipedia

The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is one of the least valued currencies globally. Despite Cambodia’s economic growth, the Riel remains weak due to the widespread use of the US Dollar in the country.

USD/KHR Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 KHR = 0.00025 USD

1 USD = 4,008 KHR

Many transactions, especially in urban areas, are conducted in USD, limiting the Riel’s demand and international strength.

 

Burundian Franc (BIF)

Source: Wikipedia

The Burundian Franc (BIF) is one of Africa’s weakest currencies, weakened by inflation, low reserves, and ongoing economic challenges.

USD/BIF Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 BIF = 0.000335 USD

1 USD = 2,985 BIF

Burundi's reliance on subsistence agriculture, combined with limited infrastructure and political instability, weakens the Franc.

 

Congolese Franc (CDF)

Source: Wikipedia

The Congolese Franc (CDF) is one of Africa's weakest currencies.

USD/CDF Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 CDF = 0.000344 USD

1 USD = 2,907 CDF

The Democratic Republic of Congo's economy is heavily dependent on natural resources like copper and cobalt, but political instability, conflict, and corruption hinder progress, weakening the Franc.

 

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Source: Wikipedia

The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is among the weakest currencies in the world in 2025.

USD/TZS Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 TZS = 0.00040 USD

1 USD = 2,500 TZS

The Shilling's depreciation stems from reliance on agriculture and challenges like inflation and trade imbalances.

 

Myanmar Kyat (MMK)

Source: Wikipedia

The Myanmar Kyat (MMK) has experienced significant depreciation due to political instability and economic sanctions.

USD/MMK Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 MMK = 0.000476 USD

1 USD = 2,101 MMK

 

Nigerian Naira (NGN)

Source: Wikipedia

The Nigerian Naira (NGN) has faced continuous depreciation. Nigeria's heavy reliance on oil exports makes its economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.

USD/NGN Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 NGN = 0.00067 USD

1 USD = 1,493 NGN

Additionally, inflation, corruption, and security challenges have contributed to the Naira's weakening.

 

Rwandan Franc (RWF)

Source: Foreign Currency and Coin

The Rwandan Franc (RWF) is one of the weaker African currencies.

USD/RWF Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 RWF = 0.0007 USD

1 USD = 1,493 RWF

Despite Rwanda’s economic growth in sectors such as tourism and agriculture, challenges like trade deficits and reliance on imports contribute to the Franc’s depreciation.

 

Iraqi Dinar (IQD)

Source: Wikipedia

The Iraqi Dinar (IQD) has been historically weak due to decades of conflict and economic sanctions.

USD/IQD Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 IQD = 0.000763 USD

1 USD = 1,311 IQD

Despite having one of the largest oil reserves globally, political instability and infrastructure challenges limit economic recovery and currency stability.

 

Argentine Peso (ARS)

Source: Wikipedia

The Argentine Peso (ARS) has faced high inflation and devaluation. Argentina's economic challenges include chronic inflation, high public debt, and economic mismanagement.

USD/ARS Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 ARS = 0.000702 USD

1 USD = 1,337 ARS

 

Sudanese Pound (SDG)

Source: Wikipedia

South Sudanese Pound (SDG) is among the world's weakest currencies

USD/SDG Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 SDG = 0.0017 USD

1 USD = 588.24 SDG

Ongoing political instability, conflict, and economic underdevelopment have severely impacted its value.

 

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Source: Wikipedia

The Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) has experienced significant fluctuations, placing it among the world’s weakest currencies in 2025.

USD/KZT Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 KZT = 0.0019 USD

1 USD = 526.32 KZT

Kazakhstan’s heavy reliance on oil exports makes its currency vulnerable to global oil price volatility.

 

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Source: My Pivots

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has suffered significant depreciation in recent years due to multiple factors. Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis in 2022, leading to defaults on foreign debt and a rapid decline in currency value.

USD/LKR Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 LKR = 0.00332 USD

1 USD = 301.2 LKR

The country relies heavily on imports for essential goods, and high inflation has further weakened the Rupee. While tourism is a major source of revenue, the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest have disrupted this sector.

 

Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

Source: Numismatic News

The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) has seen significant depreciation in recent years.

USD/PKR Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 PKR = 0.00353 USD

1 USD = 283.29 PKR

Pakistan's economy faces challenges such as high inflation, fiscal deficits, and a reliance on imports.

Structural reforms and efforts to boost exports and foreign investments are essential to stabilize the Rupee and improve economic resilience.

 

Yemeni Rial (YER)

Source: Wikipedia

The Yemeni Rial (YER) has faced extreme devaluation due to ongoing conflict and economic instability.

USD/YER Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 YER = 0.0042 USD

1 USD = 239 YER

War, inflation, and a lack of foreign reserves have contributed to the currency's decline.

 

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Source: Wikipedia

The Ethiopian Birr (ETB) has faced consistent depreciation, resulting in a steadily declining exchange rate against major currencies.

USD/ETB Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 ETB = 0.00703 USD 

1 USD = 142.3 ETB

The country’s economic struggles, including inflation, trade deficits, and political unrest, have contributed to the currency's decline.

 

Haitian Gourde (HTG)

Source: Wikipedia

The Haitian Gourde (HTG) is one of the world's weakest currencies.

USD/HTG Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 HTG = 0.0077 USD

1 USD = 130.89 HTG

The currency has suffered from chronic inflation, economic mismanagement, political instability, and frequent natural disasters, all of which have contributed to its declining value and purchasing power.
 

Venezuelan Bolívar (VES)

Source: Venezuelan Analysis

The Venezuelan Bolívar (VES) is one of the world's most depreciated currencies.

USD/VES Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 VES = 0.007 USD

1 USD = 142.86 VES

Venezuela's economic decline is largely attributed to government mismanagement, over-reliance on oil exports, and economic sanctions. The ongoing political crisis and economic instability have further weakened the currency.

The government has introduced several currency redenominations in an attempt to curb inflation, but these efforts have yet to yield lasting stability.

 

Afghan Afghani (AFN)

Source: Wikipedia

The Afghani (AFN), Afghanistan’s official currency, remains weak due to decades of conflict, political instability, and dependence on foreign aid.

USD/AFN Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 AFN = 0.015 USD

1 USD = 66.67 AFN

Despite some attempts at financial reform, the country’s fragile economic infrastructure, limited export base, and ongoing humanitarian crises have continued to weigh on the currency’s value.

 

Mozambican Metical (MZN)

Source: My Pivots

The Metical (MZN), Mozambique’s official currency, has a relatively low value.

USD/MZN Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 MZN = 0.016 USD

1 USD = 62.5 MZN

Its value has been affected by years of political conflict, reliance on agriculture, and the impact of cyclones and natural disasters. The government continues to face challenges in stabilizing the economy and reducing inflation.

 

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Source: Wikipedia

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) has weakened in recent years.

USD/EGP Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 EGP = 0.0207 USD

1 USD = 48.31 EGP

Economic challenges such as high inflation, foreign debt, and tourism fluctuations have impacted its value.

 

Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE)

Source: The IBNS

The Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE) is the official currency of Sierra Leone, introduced on August 4, 1964, replacing the British West African pound at a rate of 1 pound = 2 leones.

USD/SLE Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 SLE = 0.044 USD

1 USD = 22.73 SLE

The Leone has faced significant depreciation over the years, primarily due to prolonged civil conflict, economic challenges, and external shocks. The 2022 redenomination aimed to simplify financial transactions and restore confidence in the currency.​

 

São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)

Source: The iBNS

The Dobra is the official currency of São Tomé and Príncipe and has a low exchange value.

USD/STN Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 STN = 0.0476 USD

1 USD = 21.01 STN

In 2018, the country redenominated its currency (from STD to STN) by a factor of 1,000 to simplify transactions and restore public confidence. The weak currency reflects the island nation's limited export base, heavy reliance on foreign aid, and small domestic market.

 

Tajikistani Somoni (TJS)

Source: Advantour

The Somoni (TJS) is the currency of Tajikistan and is among the lower-valued currencies in Central Asia.

USD/TJS Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 TJS = 0.106 USD

1 USD = 9.43 TJS

Its weakness stems from the country’s heavy dependence on remittances from migrant workers, mainly in Russia, and limited industrial output. Inflation and a lack of foreign investment further hinder the currency’s strength.

 

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Source: Wikipedia

The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency of Morocco and operates under a managed float regime, with the exchange rate determined by supply and demand within a set band.

USD/MAD Weakest Currency Rate Comparison (25 September 2025)

1 MAD = 0.11 USD

1 USD = 9.09 MAD

While Morocco has maintained relative macroeconomic stability, the Dirham remains relatively weak compared to major global currencies due to the country's trade deficits and dependence on imports.

 

What Makes a Currency Weak?

A currency’s weakness typically stems from a combination of economic mismanagement and political uncertainty. Unlike strong currencies that benefit from stability and investor confidence, weak currencies are characterized by depreciation, volatility, and poor macroeconomic performance.

Key Factors Behind Weak Currencies:

 

High Inflation

When inflation is unchecked, a currency rapidly loses its purchasing power, leading to significant devaluation. For example, the Venezuelan Bolívar has experienced hyperinflation, eroding its value to near worthlessness.

 

Political Instability

Crisis-prone governments or those under international sanctions often face a collapse in investor trust, which translates into currency weakness. For instance, the Iranian Rial is among the weakest currencies due to persistent political unrest and sanctions.

 

Ineffective Central Bank Policies

A central bank lacking independence or credibility cannot maintain monetary stability, leading to reduced confidence in the currency. As an example, Zimbabwe has suffered repeated devaluations caused by erratic and inconsistent monetary policy.

 

Trade Deficits and Imbalances

When a country consistently imports more than it exports, demand for foreign currency increases, putting downward pressure on the local currency. For instance, the Pakistani Rupee has declined due to chronic trade deficits and rising external obligations.

 

Low Foreign Exchange Reserves

Limited reserves reduce a country’s ability to support its currency in times of economic stress or speculative attack. The Sierra Leonean Leone has weakened significantly due to depleted reserves and dependence on foreign aid, for example. 

 

Excessive Debt and Slow Growth

High levels of public debt, coupled with stagnant or contracting economic output, often precede a currency crisis. As an example, the Lebanese Pound collapsed amid sovereign debt default and a broader financial sector breakdown.

 

Currency Weakness vs. Global Impact

While weak currencies typically have little influence globally, some still play a domestic or regional role. However, due to high volatility, they are rarely used in international trade or as reserve currencies.

 

Comparative Overview: Weakest Currencies 2025

Currency	Approx. Value per USD (2025)	Inflation Rate	Global Usage	Key Issues
Iranian Rial (IRR)	500,000+	Very High	Very Low	Sanctions, political instability
Lebanese Pound (LBP)	89,000+	High	Low	Debt crisis, economic collapse
Venezuelan Bolívar (VES)	36.5	Hyperinflation	Very Low	Political chaos, economic collapse
Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)	22,000+	High	Low	Poverty, low foreign reserves
Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)	5,000+	Extreme	Very Low	Policy inconsistency, lack of trust
Guinean Franc (GNF)	8,500+	High	Low	Inflation, poor infrastructure
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)	4,400+	Moderate to High	Low	Economic underdevelopment

 

Exchange Rate ≠ Currency Strength

Just because a currency has a high or low exchange rate doesn't define its true strength or weakness. For weak currencies, low nominal exchange rates often reflect poor purchasing power, meaning the currency buys little even domestically.

 

Comparison: Weakest vs. Strongest Currencies

Metric	Lebanese Pound (LBP)	Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
USD Exchange Rate	1 USD = 90,909 LBP	1 KWD = 3.27 USD
Inflation Rate	Over 200% (triple-digit inflation)	2.1%
Global Usage	Extremely Low	Low
Economic Outlook	Severely Unstable	Highly Stable
Monetary Policy	Peg collapsed, black market dominates	Pegged to USD with central bank control
Foreign Reserves	Critically low	Among the highest per capita
Investor Confidence	Very Low	High

 

Regional Currency Weakness Overview (2025)

Region	Notable Weak Currencies	Primary Causes
Middle East	LBP (Lebanon), IRR (Iran), IQD (Iraq), YER (Yemen), SDG (Sudan)	Hyperinflation, political instability, civil conflict, sanctions, financial collapse
Africa	SLL (Sierra Leone), GNF (Guinea), CDF (Congo), BIF (Burundi), ETB (Ethiopia), MZN (Mozambique), ZWL (Zimbabwe), STN (São Tomé)	Inflation, weak institutions, reliance on agriculture, corruption, conflict
Asia	VND (Vietnam), LAK (Laos), KHR (Cambodia), MMK (Myanmar), PKR (Pakistan), AFN (Afghanistan), TJS (Tajikistan), UZS (Uzbekistan), SYP (Syria)	Inflation, managed exchange regimes, external debt, sanctions, internal unrest
South Asia	LKR (Sri Lanka), INR (India – borderline), PKR (Pakistan), BDT (Bangladesh – borderline)	Debt crises, trade imbalances, reliance on imports and remittances
South America	ARS (Argentina), PYG (Paraguay), VES (Venezuela)	Hyperinflation, chronic budget deficits, economic mismanagement
Central America & Caribbean	HTG (Haiti), BZD (Belize – borderline)	Natural disasters, political instability, high debt burden
North Africa	EGP (Egypt), MAD (Morocco), SDG (Sudan)	Inflation, debt, economic centralization, weak monetary policy
Former Soviet States	BYN (Belarus), KZT (Kazakhstan), TJS (Tajikistan), UZS (Uzbekistan)	Legacy of centralized economies, inflation, remittance dependence

 

Conclusion

The lowest currency in the world such as the Iranian Rial, Lebanese Pound, and Venezuelan Bolívar, struggle due to economic instability, hyperinflation, and political uncertainty. Understanding the factors contributing through our world currency list helps investors and policymakers navigate financial challenges.