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Written by Nathalie Okde
Updated 26 February 2026
The weakest currency in the world means that it has the lowest buying power among all other currencies. On the other hand, the strongest currencies can purchase more goods and services, reflecting a stable and solid economy.
A weak currency buys less than another currency, whereas a stronger one buys more.
Here are the top 29 weakest currencies in the world in 2025.
The weakest currencies in the world in 2025 include Iranian Rial, Lebanese Pound, Venezuelan Bolivar, and Zimbabwean Dollar.
The least valuable currency in 2025 is the Lebanese Pound.
Political and economic instability weaken currencies, with factors like inflation, sanctions, and mismanagement causing severe devaluation.
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Below is a summary table (Rank, Currency, Country, Symbol) of the top 29 weakest currencies in the world as of 26 February 2025.
Rank
Currency
Country
Symbol
1
Lebanese Pound
Lebanon
LBP
2
Iranian Rial
Iran
IRR
3
Laotian Kip
Laos
LAK
4
Uzbekistani Som
Uzbekistan
UZS
5
Syrian Pound
Syria
SYP
6
Guinean Franc
Guinea
GNF
7
Paraguayan Guarani
Paraguay
PYG
8
Malagasy Ariary
Madagascar
MGA
9
Cambodian Riel
Cambodia
KHR
10
Burundian Franc
Burundi
BIF
11
Congolese Franc
Democratic Republic of the Congo
CDF
12
Tanzanian Shilling
Tanzania
TZS
13
Myanmar Kyat
Myanmar
MMK
14
Nigerian Naira
Nigeria
NGN
15
Rwandan Franc
Rwanda
RWF
16
Iraqi Dinar
Iraq
IQD
17
Argentine Peso
Argentina
ARS
18
Sudanese Pound
Sudan
SDG
19
Kazakhstani Tenge
Kazakhstan
KZT
20
Zimbabwean Dollar
Zimbabwe
ZWL
21
Sri Lankan Rupee
Sri Lanka
LKR
22
Pakistani Rupee
Pakistan
PKR
23
Yemeni Rial
Yemen
YER
24
South Sudanese Pound
South Sudan
SSP
25
Haitian Gourde
Haiti
HTG
26
Ethiopian Birr
Ethiopia
ETB
27
Venezuelan BolÃvar
Venezuela
VES
28
Egyptian Pound
Egypt
EGP
29
Belarusian Ruble
Belarus
BYN
Below is the weakest currency in the world list as of 26 February 2025:
Lebanese Pound (LBP)
Iranian Rial (IRR)
Laotian Kip (LAK)
Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
Syrian Pound (SYP)
Guinean Franc (GNF)
Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Burundian Franc (BIF)
Congolese Franc (CDF)
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Myanmar Kyat (MMK)
Nigerian Naira (NGN)
Rwandan Franc (RWF)
Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
Argentine Peso (ARS)
Sudanese Pound (SDG)
Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
Yemeni Rial (YER)
South Sudanese Pound (SSP)
Haitian Gourde (HTG)
Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Venezuelan Bolívar (VES)
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Belarusian Ruble (BYN)
Source: L’orient Le Jour
The Lebanese Pound has experienced significant depreciation in recent years. Currently, the exchange rate is approximately LBP/USD = 0.000011, reflecting severe economic challenges, making it the weakest currency in the world.
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.
Lebanon is known for its rich cultural heritage, influenced by Phoenician, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations. The country is famous for its music, delicious cuisine, and historical sites such as Baalbek.
Population: 5,350,000
Main language: Arabic
National dish: Kibbeh
Source: Wikipedia
The Iranian Rial is one of the weakest currencies in the global market. As of 26 February writing, the exchange rate stands at approximately IRR/USD = 0.000024, indicating significant devaluation.
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.
Despite these challenges, Iran possesses rich natural resources, including one of the world's largest oil and gas reserves. Moreover, the country has a rich history with contributions to art, science, and literature.
Persian culture is known for its exquisite poetry, architectural marvels like Persepolis, and traditional cuisine.
Population: 89,172,767
Main language: Persian (Farsi)
National dish: Chelow Kebab
The Laotian Kip is among the weakest currencies globally. As of 26 February, LAK/USD = 0.000046. Laos' landlocked geography and reliance on agriculture significantly influence its economy and currency value.
The lack of industrialization, trade imbalances, and limited foreign investment have contributed to the Kip's low valuation.
Laos is famous for its serene landscapes, including the Mekong River and ancient temples like Wat Phou.
Population: 7,529,475
Main language: Lao
National dish: Larb (spicy meat salad)
The Syrian Pound has experienced significant depreciation due to the prolonged civil war and economic sanctions. Currently, the exchange rate is around SYP/USD = 0.00008.
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.
Syria has a rich cultural history dating back to ancient civilizations. The country is known for its historical sites, such as Palmyra, and its diverse cuisine.
Population: 18,275,702
The Guinean Franc is one of the world's lowest-valued currencies. As of the time of writing, GNF/USD = 0.000112, reflecting its low position in the global foreign exchange market.
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.
Guinea is known for its rich musical traditions, including the djembe drum, and diverse ethnic groups like the Fulani, Mandinka, and Susu.
Population: 13,497,244
Main language: French
National dish: Riz gras (spiced rice with vegetables and meat)
The Paraguayan Guarani is one of the lowest-valued currencies in South America. As of 26 February, PYG/USD = 0.00013.
Paraguay's small, agriculture-based economy and limited diversification contribute to its currency's low value.
Known for its unique Guarani culture and traditional harp music, Paraguay celebrates a mix of indigenous and European influences.
Population: 7,044,636
Main language: Spanish, Guarani
National dish: Sopa Paraguaya (cornbread)
The Malagasy Ariary is one of the lowest-valued currencies in the world. As of 26 February, MGA/USD = 0.00021.
Madagascar's dependence on agriculture, political instability, and underdeveloped infrastructure contribute to the Ariary's low value.
Madagascar is celebrated for its unique biodiversity, including lemurs, and its diverse cultural heritage.
Population: 30,503,980
Main language: Malagasy, French
National dish: Romazava (meat and greens stew)
The Cambodian Riel is one of the least valued currencies globally, with an exchange rate of approximately KHR/USD = 0.00025. Despite Cambodia’s economic growth, the Riel remains weak due to the widespread use of the US Dollar in the country.
Many transactions, especially in urban areas, are conducted in USD, limiting the Riel’s demand and international strength.
Cambodia is known for its ancient temples, particularly Angkor Wat, as well as its rich history and Buddhist traditions.
The country’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in Khmer civilization, which influences its art, dance, and cuisine.
Population: 16,800,000
Main language: Khmer
National dish: Amok Trey
The Burundian Franc ranks among the weakest currencies in Africa. As of 26 February, BIF/USD = 0.00034.
Burundi's reliance on subsistence agriculture, combined with limited infrastructure and political instability, weakens the Franc.
Burundi is known for its drumming traditions, dances, and Lake Tanganyika's stunning beauty.
Population: 12,574,571
Main language: Kirundi, French
National dish: Isombe (cassava leaves with peanut sauce)
The Congolese Franc is one of Africa's weakest currencies. As of 26 February, CDF/USD = 0.00035.
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.
The DRC is renowned for its music, including rumba and soukous, and its incredible biodiversity.
Population: 99,010,212
National dish: Pondu (cassava leaves)
The Tanzanian Shilling is another weak currency. As of 26 February, TZS/USD = 0.00039.
The Shilling's depreciation stems from reliance on agriculture and challenges like inflation and trade imbalances.
Tanzania is famous for its wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro, and vibrant Swahili culture.
Population: 65,497,748
Main language: Swahili, English
National dish: Ugali (maize flour dish)
The Myanmar Kyat has experienced significant depreciation due to political instability and economic sanctions. As of 26 February, the exchange rate stands at approximately MMK/USD = 0.00048, reflecting the ongoing economic challenges in the country.
Myanmar is known for its rich Buddhist heritage, stunning temples such as the Shwedagon Pagoda, and vibrant cultural festivals like Thingyan, the water festival.
Population: 55,167,330
Main language: Burmese
National dish: Mohinga
The Nigerian Naira has faced continuous depreciation, with an exchange rate of approximately NGN/USD = 0.00067. Nigeria's heavy reliance on oil exports makes its economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.
Additionally, inflation, corruption, and security challenges have contributed to the Naira's weakening.
Nigeria is rich in cultural diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups, vibrant festivals, and a thriving music and film industry, known as Nollywood.
Population: 223,804,632
Main language: English
National dish: Jollof Rice
Source: Foreign Currency and Coin
The Rwandan Franc is one of the weaker African currencies, with an exchange rate of approximately RWF/USD = 0.000717. 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.
Rwanda is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Virunga Mountains, and its commitment to environmental sustainability. The culture is centered around unity and reconciliation following the country's history.
Population: 14,600,000
Main language: Kinyarwanda
National dish: Ugali and Isombe
The Iraqi Dinar has been historically weak due to decades of conflict and economic sanctions. As of 26 February, IQD/USD = 0.00076.
Despite having one of the largest oil reserves globally, political instability and infrastructure challenges limit economic recovery and currency stability.
Iraq has a rich history as the cradle of civilization, home to ancient Mesopotamian cities like Babylon.
Population: 43,533,592
Main language: Arabic, Kurdish
National dish: Masgouf (grilled fish)
The Argentine Peso has faced high inflation and devaluation, with an exchange rate of approximately ARS/USD = 0.00094. Argentina's economic challenges include chronic inflation, high public debt, and economic mismanagement.
Argentina is known for its tango music and dance, rich European-influenced culture, and passion for football.
Population: 46,267,168
Main language: Spanish
National dish: Asado
The Sudanese Pound has been facing severe devaluation in recent years. As of 26 February, the exchange rate is around SDG/USD = 0.001766, reflecting the country's economic challenges.
Political instability, conflict, and economic sanctions have weakened the currency. The lack of foreign reserves and high inflation continue to place pressure on Sudan's economy.
Sudan has a rich cultural tapestry influenced by African and Arab traditions. The country is known for its traditional music, vibrant markets, and Nubian heritage.
Population: 48,109,006
Main language: Arabic, English
National dish: Ful Medames
The Kazakhstani Tenge has seen fluctuations in value, with an exchange rate of approximately KZT/USD = 0.0020. Kazakhstan’s heavy reliance on oil exports makes its currency vulnerable to global oil price volatility.
Kazakhstan is famous for its nomadic traditions, breathtaking landscapes such as the Altai Mountains, and unique culinary delights influenced by Central Asian cultures.
Population: 19,398,331
Main language: Kazakh, Russian
National dish: Beshbarmak
The Zimbabwean Dollar has faced extreme devaluation, with hyperinflation leading to frequent redenominations. The current exchange rate is approximately ZWL/USD = 0.003106.
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.
Zimbabwe is known for its diverse ethnic groups, traditional music, and rich history, including the Great Zimbabwe ruins. Traditional cuisine features maize-based dishes such as sadza.
Population: 15,178,979
Main language: English, Shona, Ndebele
National dish: Sadza
Source: My Pivots
As of this writing, the exchange rate stands at approximately LKR/USD = 0.0034, reflecting ongoing economic volatility.
The Sri Lankan Rupee 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.
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.
Sri Lanka is known for its diverse cultural heritage, blending influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, and colonial history. The island nation is famous for its ancient temples, tea plantations, and wildlife reserves.
Traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Kandyan dance, and vibrant festivals like Sinhala and Tamil New Year are integral parts of its culture.
Population: 21,411,497
Main language: Sinhala, Tamil
National dish: Rice and Curry
The Pakistani Rupee has seen significant depreciation in recent years, with an exchange rate of approximately PKR/USD = 0.0036. 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.
Pakistan boasts a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Persian, Central Asian, and South Asian civilizations. The country is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Himalayas and the Indus Valley.
Population: 241,499,431
Main language: Urdu
National dish: Biryani
The Yemeni Rial has faced extreme devaluation due to ongoing conflict and economic instability, with an exchange rate of approximately YER/USD = 0.0040. War, inflation, and a lack of foreign reserves have contributed to the currency's decline.
Yemen is known for its rich history, traditional architecture, and unique cuisine, influenced by Arabian and African flavors.
Population: 34,449,825
National dish: Saltah
The South Sudanese Pound is among the world's weakest currencies, with an exchange rate of approximately SSP/USD = 0.0076. Ongoing political instability, conflict, and economic underdevelopment have severely impacted its value.
South Sudan is rich in diverse ethnic groups with unique traditions, music, and dance, reflecting the country's cultural heritage.
Population: 11,088,796
National dish: Kisra
The Haitian Gourde is one of the world's weakest currencies, with an exchange rate of approximately HTG/USD = 0.0076. 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.
Haiti has a rich cultural heritage influenced by African, French, and indigenous traditions. The country is famous for its vibrant art, music, and voodoo culture, as well as its resilience despite numerous challenges.
Population: 11,450,000
Main language: Haitian Creole, French
National dish: Griot
The Ethiopian Birr has experienced consistent depreciation, with an exchange rate of approximately ETB/USD = 0.0077. The country’s economic struggles, including inflation, trade deficits, and political unrest, have contributed to the currency's decline.
Ethiopia boasts a rich cultural history as the birthplace of coffee and home to ancient civilizations like Aksum.
Population: 127,288,222
Main language: Amharic
National dish: Doro Wat
Source: Venezuelan Analysis
The Venezuelan Bolívar is one of the world's most depreciated currencies. Currently, the exchange rate is around VES/USD = 0.01571, highlighting the impact of hyperinflation.
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.
Venezuela has a vibrant culture with a mix of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. It is known for its lively music genres like salsa and joropo, as well as its stunning natural landscapes such as Angel Falls.
Population: 28,870,195
National dish: Pabellón Criollo
The Egyptian Pound has weakened in recent years, with an exchange rate of approximately EGP/USD = 0.020. Economic challenges such as high inflation, foreign debt, and tourism fluctuations have impacted its value.
Egypt is known for its ancient civilization, iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, and rich traditions in art and music.
Population: 113,673,907
National dish: Koshari
As of this writing, the exchange rate stands at approximately BYN/USD = 0.31, reflecting fluctuations influenced by the economic and political landscape of Belarus.
The Belarusian Ruble has experienced multiple redenominations due to inflation and economic instability. Belarus has strong economic ties with Russia, which impacts its monetary stability.
However, western sanctions following the 2020 elections and Belarus' involvement in geopolitical tensions have restricted foreign investment and trade.
The country has faced periodic inflation due to economic policies and reliance on state-controlled industries.
Despite its economic challenges, Belarus has a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in Slavic traditions. The country is known for its folklore, classical music, and traditional crafts like weaving and wood carving.
Belarus also boasts a strong literary tradition, with writers such as Yanka Kupala contributing to its national identity.
Population: 9,255,524
Main language: Belarusian, Russian
National dish: Draniki (potato pancakes)
The Lebanese Pound (LBP) is considered the least valuable currency in the world, as of 26 February 2025, with an exchange rate of LBP/USD = 0.000011. The currency’s severe devaluation due to economic collapse, inflation, and financial instability in Lebanon.
The Iranian Rial (IRR) is the second weakest currency in the world, with an exchange rate of around IRR/USD = 0.000024, as of 26 February 2025.
As of February 26th, the 3rd weakest currency in the world based on the given exchange rates is the Laotian Kip (LAK), with an exchange rate of LAK/USD = 0.000046.
The Hungarian Pengő (HUF) experienced the worst exchange rate in history during 1946, with hyperinflation reaching 41.9 quadrillion percent per month. This led to an exchange rate of 1 USD = 460 trillion Pengő before the currency was replaced by the forint.
The Sao Tome and Principe Dobra (STN) is considered one of the least traded currencies globally due to the country's small economy, low foreign exchange demand, and limited international trade.
The top 10 weakest currencies in the world, as of 26 February2025, are:
The top 20 weakest currencies in the world, as of 26 February2025, are:
The top 30 weakest currencies in the world, as of 26 February2025, are:
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
The top 50 weakest currency in the world, as of 26 February 2025, are:
Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)
Mozambican Metical (MZN) –
Tajikistani Somoni (TJS)
Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Afghan Afghani (AFN)
Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Mongolian Tögrög (MNT)
Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)
Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Bolivian Boliviano (BOB)
Gambian Dalasi (GMD)
Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)
Armenian Dram (AMD)
Georgian Lari (GEL)
Several factors contribute to currency weakness, including:
High Inflation Rates: Devalues the currency over time.
Political Instability: Reduces investor confidence and economic growth.
Economic Mismanagement: Poor fiscal policies weaken the currency's value.
Trade Deficits: Excessive imports compared to exports create downward pressure.
External Debt: High levels of debt can lead to currency devaluation.
The world's weakest currencies, such as the Iranian Rial, Lebanese Pound, and Venezuelan Bolívar, struggle due to economic instability, inflation, and political uncertainty.
Understanding the factors contributing to currency weakness helps investors and policymakers navigate financial challenges.
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The Iranian Rial (IRR) is the weakest currency due to severe economic challenges.
High inflation, political instability, and economic mismanagement are key contributors.
Yes, with sound economic policies and stable governance, a weak currency can regain strength.
It leads to higher import costs, reduced purchasing power, and economic hardship.
A black market for currencies is an unofficial, illegal market where foreign exchange transactions occur outside of government regulations, often at rates different from official exchange rates, typically in countries with strict currency controls.
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Nathalie Okde is an SEO content writer with nearly two years of experience, specializing in educational finance and trading content. Nathalie combines analytical thinking with a passion for writing to make complex financial topics accessible and engaging for readers.
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