Top 25 Weakest Currencies in the World (2026): Exchange Rates in INR & USD

What are the Weakest Currencies in the World?

Here is the list of the weakest currencies in the world as compared to the USD as of May 2026.

Rank	Lowest Currency in the World	Value Compared to 1 USD​
1	Iranian Rial	1,342,125.00
2	Lebanese Pound	89,532.63
3	Vietnamese Dong	26,315.00
4	Laotian Kip	21,814.93
5	Indonesian Rupiah	17,883.51
6	Uzbekistani Som	11,998.08
7	Guinean franc	8,762.56
8	Paraguayan Guarani	6,139.42
9	Malagasy Ariary	4,189.01
10	Cambodian Riel	4,017.40
11	Burundian France	2,966.20
12	Congolese France	2,303.74
13	Tanzanian Shilling	2,634.49
14	Myanmar Kyat	2,100.00
15	Nigerian Naira	1,371.91
16	Iraqi Dinar	1,305.83
17	Argentine peso	1,409.48
18	Sudanese Pound	600.18
19	Venezuelan Bolivar	545.42
20	Kazakhstani Tenge	486.39
21	Sri Lankan Rupee	328.29
22	Pakistani Rupee	277.50
23	Yemeni Rial	238.62
24	Ethiopian Birr	159.93
25	Haitian Gourde	130.75

 

Weakest Currency in the World vs Indian Rupees (INR)

Here is the list of the weakest currencies compared to INR as of May 2026.

Rank	Lowest  Currency in the World	Value Compared to 1 INR
1	Iranian Rial	14,091.75
2	Lebanese Pound	938.99
3	Vietnamese Dong	276.20
4	Laotian Kip	229.27
5	Indonesian Rupian	187.69
6	Uzbekistani Som	125.95
7	Guinean franc	91.94
8	Paraguayan Guarani	64.43
9	Malagasy Ariary	43.97
10	Cambodian Riel	42.15
11	Burundian France	31.1
12	Congolese France	24.18
13	Tanzanian Shilling	27.50
14	Myanmar Kyat	21.90
15	Nigerian Naira	14.39
16	Iraqi Dinar	13.70
17	Argentine peso	14.80
18	Sudanese Pound	6.30
19	Venezuelan Bolívar	5.70
19	Kazakhstani Tenge	5.10
20	Sri Lankan Rupee	3.44
21	Pakistani Rupee	2.91
22	Yemeni Rial	2.50
23	Ethiopian Birr	1.68
24	Haitian Gourde	1.37

 

1. Iranian Rial (IRR)

The Iranian Rial (IRR) is the weakest currency in the world.

IRR is the currency of Iran, issued by the Central Bank of Iran. The new currency replaced the Iranian Qiran in 1932 and helped create the financial system.

After the 1979 revolution, the Iranian Rial began to lose value due to economic pressure, global trade, and the government's inflationary policies.

Why the Iranian Rial Is So Weak?

•  The country experienced high inflation, which continuously reduced the buying power.

• Limited access to the global financial system weakens the currency.

• The investor lost confidence in the country's economy and politics.

Currency Name	Iranian Rial
Country	Iran
Currency Code	IRR
Symbol	﷼

 

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Related Article: Iranian Rial Forecast 2026: Will IRR reach 2M US Dollar 2027?

 

2.  Lebanese Pound (LBP)

The Lebanese Pound (LBP) is 2nd weakest currency in the world, as of May 2026.

The LBP was issued in 1939 to replace the Syrian pound during French colonial rule. It remained stable under a fixed exchange rate system until 2019.

The country has faced financial crises and political conflicts, leading to currency depreciation.

Why the Lebanese Pound Is So Weak?

•  International economic boycotts retracted trade, investment, and banking access.

•  Experienced high inflation that continues to reduce the buying power.

• Lost trust from investors and their own populations due to the economic instability.

Currency Name	Lebanese Pound
Country	Lebanon
Currency Code	LBP
Symbol	ل.ل

 

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3. Vietnamese Dong (VND)

The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the 3rd weakest currency in the world as of May 2026,

VND is issued by the State Bank of Vietnam. The currency was introduced in 1978 following the reunification of North and South Vietnam.

Why the Vietnamese Dong Is So Weak?

• There was high inflation in the past, which reduced the value of the currency

• The government ignored the weakness of the currency and continued support exports

• Buying power is declining, leading to large price increases.

Vietnamese Dong (VND) Summary

Currency Name	Vietnamese Dong
Country	Vietnam
Currency Code	VND
Symbol	₫

 

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4. Laotian Kip (LAK)

The Lao Kip (LAK) is the 4th weakest currency in the world.

LAK is issued by the Bank of Lao P.D.R. It was introduced in 1952 after the country gained independence and replaced the currency issued by the French colonials.

Why the Laotian Kip Is So Weak?

• The country has a small economy with limited exports

• There’s a high inflation that reduces buying power in the country

• The country is heavily dependent on imports, which affects the currency imbalance.

Currency Name	Laotian Kip
Country	Laos
Currency Code	LAK
Symbol	₭

 

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5.  Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the 5th weakest currency in the worl on the list as of May 2026.

IDR is issued by the Bank of Indonesia. The currency was first used in 1946, after Indonesia had declared independence from the Dutch, as the country's colonial currency.

The Indonesian Rupiah lost most of its value between 1997 and 1998 during the financial crisis.

Why the Indonesian Rupiah Is So Weak?

• The currency has been impacted by the financial crisis.

• The country experienced economic pressure and a lack of currency policies.

• Global capital flows are causing volatility.

Currency Name	Indonesian Rupiah
Country	Indonesia
Currency Code	IDR
Symbol	Rp

 

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6. Uzbekistani Som (UZS)

The Uzbekistani Som (UZS) is the currency of Uzbekistan, ranking 6th on our weakest currency in the world list as of 2026.

The currency was introduced in 1994 to replaced it from Russian ruble as it gained more independence from the Soviet Union.

Why the Uzbekistani Som Is So Weak?

• The currency experienced high inflation after gaining independence.

• The government has controlled the rates in the past.

• The country relied heavily on commodity exports, leading to instability.

Currency Name	Uzbekistani Som
Country	Uzbekistan
Currency Code	UZS
Symbol	лв

 

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7. Guinean Franc (GNF)

The Guinean Franc (GNF) is one of the weakest currencies in Africa and holds a spot on our list of the weakest currencies in the world.

It is the official currency of Guinea, managed and issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea (Banque Centrale de la République de Guinée).

GNF to USD Exchange Rate

1 GNF = 0.000114 USD

1 USD = 8,771.32 GNF

Why the Guinean Franc Is So Weak?

• Years of high inflation have steadily pulled the franc's value down against major currencies.

• Political instability has kept foreign investors away, leaving the economy on shaky ground.

• Vast mineral wealth remains largely untapped due to poor infrastructure and weak economic management.

Currency Name	Guinean Franc
Country	Guinea
Currency Code	GNF
Symbol	FG

 

8.  Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)

The Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) is the currency of Paraguay. It ranks no. 8 on our list of weakest currencies in the world.

Introduced in 1944 to gain greater control over the Paraguayan monetary system.

The Paraguayan currency was replaced by the Paraguayan peso to stabilize the country's economy following inflation.

Why the Paraguayan Guarani Is So Weak?

• Paraguay has faced long-term inflation since it replaced the currency.

• The country has low industrial development, which slows economic growth.

• The country has export limitations.

Currency Name	Paraguayan Guarani
Country	Paraguay
Currency Code	PYG
Symbol	₲

 

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9.  Malagasy Ariary (MGA)

The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the currency of Madagascar. It ranks no. 9 on our weakest currency in the world list.

Issued by the Central Bank of Madagascar. It was first started to introduce in 2005 to replace the Malagasy franc.

The currency is introduced into the monetary system to support local businesses.

Why the Malagasy Ariary Is So Weak?

• This country still faces political instability, which is affecting the economic growth.

• They still have high inflation, which reduces the buying power.

• The country is heavily dependent on imports and has low exports.

Currency Name	Malagasy Ariary
Country	Madagascar
Currency Code	MGA
Symbol	Ar

 

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10.  Cambodian Riel (KHR)

The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the currency of Cambodia and ranks 10th on our weakest currency list.

The currency was introduced in 1953 but was halted during the Khmer Rouge regime and reintroduced in 1980 to rebuild the monetary system after the fall.

Why the Cambodian Riel Is So Weak?

• USD is reducing the demand for the riel value

• Cambodia is a dependent import economy, which increases its foreign currency requirements.

• Cambodia is damaging its economic stability.

Currency Name	Cambodian Riel
Country	Cambodia
Currency Code	KHR
Symbol	៛

 

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11.  Burundian Franc (BIF)

The Burundian Franc (BIF) is the currency of Burundi, issued by the Bank of the Republic of Burundi.

The currency was introduced in 1964, following independence from Belgium. Rwanda and Burundi shared the same currency, but Burundi has introduced its own monetary system.

BIF to USD Exchange Rate

1 BIF =  0.00033 USD

1 USD = 2,977.60 BIF

Why the Burundian Franc Is So Weak?

• The country is facing high inflation, which is reducing buying power.

• Burundi's political situation is unstable, leading to economic isolation.

• The dependence on agriculture makes the economy vulnerable.

Currency Name	Burundian Franc
Country	Burundi
Currency Code	BIF
Symbol	FBu

 

12.  Congolese Franc (CDF)

The Congolese Franc is the currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

They introduced the new currency, which began to be used in 1998. Since the old currency has no value, it is worth noting.

The new currency is still losing its value due to the banknotes and USD expanding in the market.

CDF to USD Exchange Rate

1 CDF =  0.00044 USD

1 USD =  2,294.99 CDF

Why the Congolese Franc Is So Weak?

• The country is facing high inflation, which is reducing buying power.

• Burundi's political situation is unstable, leading to economic isolation.

• The dependence on agriculture makes the economy vulnerable.

Currency Name	Congolese Franc
Country	Democratic Republic of the Congo
Currency Code	CDF
Symbol	FC

 

13.  Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

The Tanzanian Shilling is the currency of Tanzania, issued by the Bank of Tanzania, and has been used since 1966 after the division of the East African Currency Board into the East African Shilling.

The currency was developed to run its own monetary policy.

Why the Tanzanian Shilling Is So Weak?

• Although Tanzania has reduced inflation, the shilling remains weak vs USD

• The country relies heavily on imports, which increases the demand for foreign currency.

• Tanzania faces external debt pressure, which is affecting the value of its currency.

Currency Name	Tanzanian Shilling
Country	Tanzania
Currency Code	TZS
Symbol	TSh

 

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14.  Myanmar Kyat (MMK)

The Myanmar Kyat is the currency of Myanmar and was introduced in 1952 to replace the Burmese rupee used during British colonial rule.

In the past decades, the Myanmar Kyat has experienced political and economic instability and comes on our weakest currency in the world list.

Why the Myanmar Kyat Is So Weak?

• The political situation in Myanmar is unstable, which reduces investor confidence.

• Myanmar has high inflation, which reduces buying power and can lead to a weakening currency.

• Myanmar got boycotted by Western countries, limiting its banking, global trade, and banking systems

Currency Name	Myanmar Kyat
Country	Myanmar
Currency Code	MMK
Symbol	K

 

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15.  Nigerian Naira (NGN)

The Nigerian Naira is the currency of Nigeria and one of the weakest currency in the world, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The currency was introduced in 1973, replacing the old Nigerian pound, and adopted a decimal system in which money was counted in multiples of 10.

Why is the Nigerian Naira so weak?

• The Nigerian Naira has very high inflation, up to 20%

• The country is dependent on oil exports, which expose it to price shocks.

• The Nigerian Naira is often devalued, making it less attractive to investors.

Currency Name	Nigerian Naira
Country	Nigeria
Currency Code	NGN
Symbol	₦

 

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16.  Iraqi Dinar (IQD)

The Iraqi Dinar is the currency of Iraq and was introduced in 1932 to replace the Indian rupee, which was used during the British mandate.

The currency was one of the strongest because of oil wealth, but after the world's boycott, it has weakened further.

Why the Iraqi Dinar Is So Weak?

• Iraq is going through many wars and conflicts between countries.

• The boycott restricted the country's access to international trade and banking.

• Iraq also has an unstable political environment that lowers investor confidence.

Currency Name	Iraqi Dinar
Country	Iraq
Currency Code	IQD
Symbol	ع.د

 

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17. Argentine Peso (ARS)

The Argentine Peso (ARS) is one of the most troubled currencies in South America and ranks No. 17 on our list of weakest currencies globally.

It is the official currency of Argentina, issued by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (Banco Central de la República Argentina).

The Peso was introduced in 1992, replacing the Austral as part of a broader economic reform plan aimed at stabilizing the country's long-struggling financial system.

ARSUSD Exchange Rate

1 ARS = 0.00071 USD

1 USD = 1,394.91 ARS

Why the Argentine Peso Is So Weak?

• Years of triple-digit inflation have constantly eroded the peso's value.

• Repeated debt defaults have pushed foreign investors away.

• Unstable economic policies have left the currency with no solid footing.

Currency Name	Argentine Peso
Country	Argentina
Currency Code	ARS
Symbol

Related Article: 15 Weakest Currencies in Europe in 2026

 

18.  Sudanese Pound (SDG)

The Sudanese Pound is the currency of Sudan, introduced in 2007 to replace the Sudanese Dinar under the peace agreement.

Since the currency has faced political problems, poor economic manament and international punishments and become one of the weakest currency in the world.

Why the Sudanese Pound Is So Weak?

• The political situation has damaged the economic confidence.

• Inflation keeps increasing and is very volatile, reducing buying power.

• There’re limited USD market, which is why it leads to a large black market.

Currency Name	Sudanese Pound
Country	Sudan
Currency Code	SDG
Symbol	ج.س.

 

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25. Venezuelan Bolívar (VES)

The Venezuelan Bolívar is the official currency of Venezuela, issued by the country's Central Bank.

The currency was introduced in 1879 and once became one of the strongest currencies in Latin America.

But due to problems with several economic management systems, it was launched in 2018, removing five zeros from the previous currency to control hyperinflation and comes under the list of weakest currency in the world.

Why the Venezuelan Bolívar Is So Weak?

• The Venezuelan Bolívar experienced high inflation in the past, which directly affected the population's buying power.

• The country’s economy lacks price controls and is poorly financially managed.

• When oil prices dropped, foreign income also decreased.

Currency Name	Venezuelan Bolívar
Country	Venezuela
Currency Code	VES
Symbol	Bs.S.

 

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20.  Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

The Kazakhstani Tenge is the currency of Kazakhstan, introduced in 1993 after the country gained greater independence from the Soviet Union.

The currency has experienced high volatility due to soaring oil prices, inflation, and central bank actions.

Why the Kazakhstani Tenge Is So Weak?

• Inflation has reduced buyers' purchasing power during economic shocks.

• The economy relies heavily on oil exports, making the currency sensitive to global oil prices.

• Sometimes the tenge fluctuates in value because it has limited foreign-currency reserves.

Currency Name	Kazakhstani Tenge
Country	Kazakhstan
Currency Code	KZT
Symbol	₸

 

Live 1 USD to KZT Exchange Rate

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21.  Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

The Sri Lankan Rupee is the currency of Sri Lanka, issued by the country's central bank. It was first introduced in 1885 to replace the Indian rupee during the British colonisation.

Sri Lankans continue using the rupee as the national currency after gaining independence.

LKR to USD Exchange Rate

1 LKR = 0.00304 USD

1 USD = 328.11 LKR

Why the Sri Lankan Rupee Is So Weak?

• Sri Lanka is still facing an obligation debt because the government needs funds to service loans.

• Inflation is increasing, reducing buying power.

• Sri Lanka often has political crises and policies that scare people from investing in the currency.

Currency Name	Sri Lankan Rupee
Country	Sri Lanka
Currency Code	LKR
Symbol	Rs

 

22. Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

The Pakistani Rupee is one of the weakest currencies in Asia, issued by the Bank of Pakistan.

The currency was launched in 1947 after gaining independence from British India, replacing the Indian rupee with the Pakistani rupee.

Why the Pakistani Rupee Is So Weak?

• The country's economy is experiencing high inflation and rising public debt.

• The country faces political instability and unclear economic policies, both of which reduce investor confidence.

• The country doesn't have enough foreign currency or savings money because it's hard for the government to keep the value of its own currency.

Currency Name	Pakistani Rupee
Country	Pakistan
Currency Code	PKR
Symbol	Rs

 

Live 1 USD to PKR Exchange Rate

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23. Yemeni Rial (YER)

Yemeni Rial (YER) is the currency of Yemen, and issued by the Central Bank of Yemen in 1990.

The Rial has faced long-term instability from the political conflict, war, and economic management in the country.

These factors affected the currency significantly and led to high inflation in the country.

Why the Yemeni Rial Is So Weak?

• The country still has on going war, which disrupts the economy and damages trust in the national currency.

• Yemen depends heavily on oil exports to obtain foreign currency, which puts pressure on the rial when USD shortages occur.

• Many businesses shut down when the economy shrinks, as the currency weakens.

Currency Name	Yemeni Rial
Country	Yemen
Currency Code	YER
Symbol	﷼

 

Live 1 USD to YER Exchange Rate

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25. Haitian Gourde (HTG)

The Haitian Gourde is the currency of Haiti, introduced in 1813, making it one of the oldest currencies in the Caribbean.

The HTG began replacing the colonial French currency after the country gained independence.

Why the Haitian Gourde Is So Weak?

• The political crise reduce investor confidence and economic stability.

• Haiti relies heavily on imports, which increases demand for foreign currency.

• Haiti uses USD alongside the gourde, which reduces demand for the local currency.

Currency Name	Haitian Gourde
Country	Haiti
Currency Code	HTG
Symbol	G

 

Live 1 USD to HTG Exchange Rate

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What Factors Make a Currency the Weakest in the World? 

There are a few factors that make a currency’s strength become one of the world’s weakest when compared to stronger global currencies like the US Dollar, the Euro, or the British Pound.

1. High inflation decreases buying power because people need more money to buy goods and services.

2. Weak economies are characterised by low GDP growth, high unemployment, falling industrial production, and poor trade performance, which can drive weaker currencies.

3. Political instability affects currency values and erodes trust among international investors.

4. Countries with high debt may struggle to maintain investor confidence.

5. A country with a significant imbalance in its exports can affect demand for its currency.

6. Low interest rates affect a currency's attractiveness to investors, which shows the weaker demand for the currencies since the investors want better returns.

 

Why Do Some Currencies Lose Their Value Over Time?

Usually, currencies fluctuate during economic changes, government policies, comparisons, expectations, and global market sentiment. But some currencies are experiencing long-term decline because their value keeps changing relative to the currencies’ economies.

 

How is the List of the World's Weakest Currencies Compiled?

The list of the world’s weakest currencies is based on how much 1 unit of the money is worth compared to strong global currencies like the US dollar.

• The main method that is often used is comparing to the US Dollar.

• Most lists use official exchange rates by central banks, international funds databases, or market exchange platforms.

• High inflation can reduce the real value of a currency over time.

• Some financial analysts may also look at the debt level, economic growth trends, or investors' confidence.

• Some currencies are often ranked using average yearly exchange rates over time.

• The exchange rate data has been gathered from the XS Currency Converter, which provides real-time global currency rates.

 

How the 2026 US-Iran War is Making Weak Currencies Even Weaker

Geopolitical shocks do not hit all currencies equally. When global stability breaks down, the currencies that were already struggling tend to feel the pressure most. The 2026 US-Iran conflict is a clear example of that.

On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran, triggering retaliatory missile strikes across the Middle East. Stocks retreated and oil prices surged immediately after the conflict erupted. 

In developing economies, where many of the world's weakest currencies are found, inflation is now projected to average 5.1% in 2026, a full percentage point higher than expected before the war. Growth in these economies is also deteriorating as higher prices for essentials weigh on incomes. 

The conflict's economic fallout has extended well beyond the Gulf, reshaping global commodity markets, food systems, shipping, and financial conditions. For countries already dealing with low reserves, high debt, or poor monetary management, this kind of external shock can accelerate currency depreciation significantly. 

In the aftermath of the conflict, Iran's own currency entered a free fall, further exacerbated by new international sanctions, a reminder of how war and economic pressure can combine to devastate a currency rapidly. 

A ceasefire was agreed in early April 2026, though analysts noted markets remained volatile, with energy infrastructure yet to fully normalize and the risk of renewed escalation still present.

For traders watching the world's weakest currencies, the lesson is straightforward: external shocks like oil price surges and regional conflict tend to hit vulnerable economies hardest and fastest.

 

Conclusion

The world's weakest currencies often share common problems, such as high inflation, political instability, weak economies, and low foreign reserves.

Understanding why currencies weaken against the US dollar (USD) and the Indian rupee (INR) signals to investors that there is high risk. Savvy investors search for stable world currencies with strong economic and political stability.

 

References:
J.P. Morgan
World Bank
World Economic Forum
Encyclopedia Britannica
Business Insider
New York Post
Wikipedia
The Guardian