Introduction
A currency’s collapse can mean cheap travel, risky investments, or forex opportunities. In 2025, currencies like the Iranian Rial (1 USD = 500,000 IRR) and Lebanese Pound are crashing due to hyperinflation and sanctions. This guide ranks the 15 lowest-valued currencies, their exchange rates, and how to leverage their weakness. whether you’re a traveler, investor, or trader. Knowing about them will help you plan budget-friendly trips, expand your business, seek investment growth opportunities, etc.
Additionally, it is quite obvious that the weakest currencies in the world reflects the current exchange rate position and purchasing power of a currency in global markets. Its value continually changes based on different factors. However, if you are still not aware of the top 15 lowest currencies in the world in 2025, then check out this blog till the end to get the comprehensive details.
Top 15 Lowest Currencies in the World 2025
If you are wondering which is the lowest currency in the world, then check out the following list of top 15 lowest currencies in the world 2025:
| Rank | Currency | Country | ISO Code | Key Reasons for Weakness |
| 1 | Iranian Rial (IRR) | Iran | IRR | Economic sanctions, hyperinflation, political tensions |
| 2 | Lebanese Pound (LBP) | Lebanon | LBP | Banking collapse, political crisis, inflation |
| 3 | Vietnamese Dong (VND) | Vietnam | VND | Controlled exchange rate, trade dependency |
| 4 | Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL) | Sierra Leone | SLL | High inflation, corruption, debt crisis |
| 5 | Laotian Kip (LAK) | Laos | LAK | Inflation, low forex reserves, trade deficit |
| 6 | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) | Indonesia | IDR | Dollar dependency, past financial crises |
| 7 | Uzbekistani Som (UZS) | Uzbekistan | UZS | Inflation, reliance on remittances |
| 8 | Guinean Franc (GNF) | Guinea | GNF | Political instability, poor infrastructure |
| 9 | Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) | Paraguay | PYG | Inflation, agricultural dependency |
| 10 | Malagasy Ariary (MGA) | Madagascar | MGA | Political unrest, natural disasters |
| 11 | Myanmar Kyat (MMK) | Myanmar | MMK | Sanctions, military rule, inflation |
| 12 | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) | Tanzania | TZS | Trade deficit, inflation |
| 13 | Congolese Franc (CDF) | Congo | CDF | Corruption, conflict, commodity reliance |
| 14 | Burundian Franc (BIF) | Burundi | BIF | Poverty, political instability |
| 15 | Cambodian Riel (KHR) | Cambodia | KHR | Dollarization, tourism dependency |
What are the Weakest Currencies in the World?
The weakest currencies in 2025 face extreme devaluation due to hyperinflation, economic crises, or political instability. Topping the list are the Iranian Rial (IRR) and Lebanese Pound (LBP), with exchange rates reaching hundreds of thousands per USD. These currencies struggle with sanctions, inflation, and low foreign investment, making them nearly worthless in global markets. Below, we rank the 15 lowest valued currencies and explain why they’re collapsing.
1. Iranian Rial (IRR)
The Iranian rial (IRR) is the second weakest currency in the world. Additionally, the country’s currency has been suffering devaluation since the US-Iran nuclear deal back in 2015 – when huge sanctions were also imposed.
Along with this, the Iranian rial also experienced new pressure because of flaring pressures in the Middle East. However, despite this reason, the following are some crucial reasons why the Iranian rial is considered the lowest currency in the world.
Key Insights on Iranian Rial (IRR) The Weakest Currency
- Exchange Rate: 500,000 IRR = 1 USD
Why is the Iranian Rial (IRR) Currency So Weak?
- US sanctions cripple Iran’s oil exports.
- Hyperinflation (over 50% annually).
- Political tensions with the West.
2. Lebanese Pound (LBP)
The Lebanese Pound (LBP) is the most lowest currency in the world. Factors like high inflation, a down economy, and political instability are coming across as the biggest reasons why the currency has become the lowest currency around the globe.
Moreover, due to these challenges, the Lebanese Pound’s value is decreasing day by day, with rising economic pressures in the international market. However, despite inflation and political instability, some other major reasons lessen the value of the Lebanese Pound, such as:
Key Insights on Lebanese Pound (LBP)
- Exchange Rate: 89,000 LBP = 1 USD (black market)
Why is the Lebanese Pound (LBP) Currency So Weak?
- 2019 financial crisis wiped out savings.
- Banks restrict dollar withdrawals.
- Government defaulted on debt.
3. Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Vietnamese dong (VND) is also among the top lowest currencies in the world in 2025. However, the major reason it is devalued is due to restrictions on foreign experts, which have also slowed in volume. Despite that, the following are the other reasons that have contributed to making the Vietnamese dong devalue or the weakest currency.
Key Insights on Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Exchange Rate: 24,000 VND = 1 USD
Why is the Vietnamese Dong (VND) Currency So Weak?
- Government keeps it low for export competitiveness.
- Heavy reliance on manufacturing exports.
4. Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
The Sierra Leonean leone(SLL) is also getting affected due to high inflation, economic crisis, huge debt, etc. Moreover, the major fact that led the country come in this position is that it is heavily facing debt obligations. Along with that, the country is also experiencing corruption which is stopping people to invest in this country.
Key Insights on Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
- Exchange Rate: 20,000 SLL = 1 USD
Why is the Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL) Currency So Weak?
- Ebola and COVID-19 devastated the economy.
- High debt-to-GDP ratio.
5. Laotian Kip (LAK)
The Lao or Laotian kip (LAK) is yet again among the weakest or lowest global currencies because of high inflation, slow economic progress, and growing foreign debt.
Key Insights on Laotian Kip (LAK)
Exchange Rate: 17,000 LAK = 1 USD
Why is the Laotian Kip (LAK) Currency So Weak?
- Default risk on Chinese loans.
- Weak industrial base.
- High rates of inflation and trade deficits
- Limited foreign change reserves
- Trade differences
6. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
By GDP, Indonesia is one of the largest countries in the Southeast. However, the country is still facing a major currency downfall. The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the 6th lowest currency in the world due to factors like high inflation and fear of economic downturn. In addition, even though the nation has quite a stable economy, still their currency is weak.
Key Insights on Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Exchange Rate (2025): 16,000 IDR = 1 USD
Why is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Currency So Weak?
- Dependent on Foreign Investment: Heavy reliance on USD inflows.
- Commodity-Driven Economy: Vulnerable to global price swings (palm oil, coal).
- Historical Crisis Impact: Still recovering from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
7. Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
Although Uzbekistan has large oil and gas reserves but still its currency, Uzbekistan Som (UZS), has been struggling for many years. The major factors that led to devalued of Uzbekistan’s currency are the huge unemployment rate, high inflation, economic crisis, and corruption.
Key Insights on Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
Exchange Rate (2025): 12,500 UZS = 1 USD
Why is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS) Currency So Weak?
- Remittance Dependency: 10% of GDP comes from migrant workers in Russia.
- Inflation & Corruption: Weak monetary policies and graft issues.
- Over-Reliance on Imports: Needs foreign machinery/tech, draining forex.
8. Guinean Franc (GNF)
The Guinean Franc (GNF) is facing a crisis following conflicts in the 1990s. Moreover, the Guinean Franc remains the world’s weakest currency because of military conflict and a high rate of inflation.
Key Insights on Guinean Franc (GNF)
- Exchange Rate (2025): 8,600 GNF = 1 USD
Why is the Guinean Franc (GNF) Currency So Weak?
- Political Coups: Military takeovers scare investors.
- Bauxite Dependency: 80% of exports = one volatile commodity.
- Poor Infrastructure: Limits economic diversification.
9. Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
Nonetheless, Paraguay’s currency, guarani (PYG), is also suffering from various issues like inflation and unemployment, making it one of the weakest currencies in the world. Along with that, Paraguayan Guarani is also affected by corruption and fake currency.
Key Insights on Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
- Exchange Rate (2025): 7,500 PYG = 1 USD
Why is the Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) Currency So Weak?
- Agro-Based Economy: Soy/beef exports sway with weather/demand.
- Informal Dollarization: Locals hoard USD, weakening PYG demand.
- Low Industrialization: Few factories = more imports than exports.
10. Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Malagasy Ariary is also one of the world’s lowest-value currencies. The currency experienced a massive drop in value around 2009. Natural disasters, political instability and the consequences of the international financial crisis caused it.
In recent years, the situation has only worsened, as high inflation and less foreign investment have risen in Madagascar. However, check out further factors that led the currency to become the lowest currency in the world:
Key Insights on Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Exchange Rate (2025): 4,500 MGA = 1 USD
Why is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA) Currency So Weak?
- Vanilla Boom & Bust: Price swings hurt this key export.
- Cyclones & Droughts: Climate disasters disrupt farming.
- Post-Coup Instability: 2009 coup still impacts investor trust.
11. Cambodian Riel (KHR)
The Cambodian Riel is also the least valueable currency worldwide. Although Cambodia has good economic growth, still its currency remains weak due to extensive use of the US Dollar. Furthermore, the country is used to doing several transactions, especially in urban areas, which are conducted in USD. As a result, it limited the demand and affect the strength of the Riel. Factors that influence the Cambodian Riel currency to become weak are as follows:
Key Insights on Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Exchange Rate (2025): 4,100 KHR = 1 USD
Why is the Cambodian Riel (KHR) Currency So Weak?
- Dollarization: 90% of transactions use USD, killing Riel demand.
- Garment/Tourism Reliance: COVID crushed these sectors.
- Chinese Debt Traps: Overborrowing from China risks stability.
12. Burundian Franc (BIF)
The Burundian Franc is also considered the lowest currency in the world. What makes the currency devalue or weak is the dependency on subsistence agriculture, combined with limited infrastructure and political instability. Factors that influence the Burundian Franc currency to become weak are as follows:
Key Insights on Burundian Franc (BIF)
Exchange Rate (2025): 3,100 BIF = 1 USD
Why is the Burundian Franc (BIF) Currency So Weak?
- Subsistence Farming: 90% live off crops—no industrialization.
- Ethnic Conflicts: Scares away foreign investors.
- No Seaport: Landlocked + poor roads = expensive trade.
13. Congolese Franc (CDF)
Congolese Franc is also among the list of the top 15 lowest currencies in the world. Additionally, the major reason that the currency is weak is that the country’s economy is heavily dependent on natural resources such as copper and cobalt. Despite that, crises like political instability, conflict, and corruption also also among the factors that contribute to the weakness of the currency. Factors that influence the Congolese Franc currency to become weak are as follows:
Key Insights on Congolese Franc (CDF)
Exchange Rate (2025): 2,800 CDF = 1 USD
Why is the Congolese Franc (CDF) Currency So Weak?
- Resource Curse: Cobalt/copper riches fuel corruption, not growth.
- War & Rebels: Eastern Congo’s chaos disrupts mining.
- No Factories: Imports even basics like cooking oil.
14. Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
The Tanzanian Shilling is yet another weak currency around the globe. The currency’s devaluation takes pace due to dependency on agriculture as well as challenges such as inflation and trade imbalances. Despite these issues, have a look at some other factors that contributed to the weakness of Tanzanian Shilling.
Key Insights on Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Exchange Rate (2025): 2,600 TZS = 1 USD
Why is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) Currency So Weak?
- COVID’s Long Shadow: Safari tourism still recovering.
- Trade Imbalance: Imports (oil, cars) > exports (gold, cashews).
- State Meddling: Govt bans on forex hurt business confidence.
15. Myanmar Kyat (MMK)
The Myanmar Kyat, the lowest value currency has hugely experienced depreciation because of political instability and economic sanctions. Along with these issues, more factors lead to the devaluation of the currency, such as:
Key Insights on Myanmar Kyat (MMK)
Exchange Rate (2025): 3,100 MMK = 1 USD (black market)
Why is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK) Currency So Weak?
- Junta Rule: Military coup triggered global sanctions.
- Chinese Yuan Takeover: Border towns dump MMK for CNY.
- Textile Collapse: EU stopped buying after labor abuses.
What Makes a Currency Weak?
If you are wondering why currencies lose value, then there are several reasons behind including internal and global issues. However, have a look at the following 8 reasons why currencies lose value:
- Economic Indicators: When a nation is going through a high inflation or economic crisis or uncertainty, then it’s quite obvious that their currency’s purchasing power may fall.
- Foreign Reserves: Lesser reserves of foreign currency are also the major reasons that affect a country’s potential to ensure currency stability.
- Trade Balance: If a nation imports several things from other countries and exports less, then it automatically puts pressure on the local currency.
- Inflation: If a nation is facing inflation and it’s exceeding its trade partners, then unfortunately, goods and services become more expensive as well as less competitive. As a result, it creates a threat of weakening its currency.
- Instability: Political issues are also a major factor that creates uncertainty and distrust among people, decreasing the value of currency.
- Low interest rates: A lower interest rate is also a vital factor that leads to less foreign investment because of lower returns.
- Speculation: Negative speculations or rumors regarding a currency also lead to huge sell-offs in the markets, increasing devaluation.
- Dependency on Commodities: Over-reliance on a single export (e.g., oil, minerals).
Conclusion
Understanding the top 15 lowest currencies in the world 2025 offers crucial insights into global economic challenges and opportunities. However, these currencies face several obstacles, such as inflation, political instability, and economic dependence on goods. If a country successfully resolves these issues, its currency will surely boost and make a strong comeback..
So, Nexus Ideas recommends you to get the knowledge of both the strongest and weakest currencies. Being well aware of the currency’s status will let you make sound decisions, avail opportunities, and navigate global markets well.
FAQS
What are the 10 lowest currencies in the world?
The 10 weakest currencies in 2025 (vs. USD) are:
- Iranian Rial (IRR) – 1 USD = 500,000 IRR
- Lebanese Pound (LBP) – 1 USD = 89,000 LBP (black market)
- Vietnamese Dong (VND) – 1 USD = 24,000 VND
- Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL) – 1 USD = 20,000 SLL
- Laotian Kip (LAK) – 1 USD = 17,000 LAK
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) – 1 USD = 16,000 IDR
- Uzbekistani Som (UZS) – 1 USD = 12,500 UZS
- Guinean Franc (GNF) – 1 USD = 8,600 GNF
- Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) – 1 USD = 7,500 PYG
- Malagasy Ariary (MGA) – 1 USD = 4,500 MGA
What are the 3 strongest currencies?
The top 3 strongest currencies (2025) are:
- Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) – 1 KWD = 3.25 USD
- Bahraini Dinar (BHD) – 1 BHD = 2.65 USD
- Omani Rial (OMR) – 1 OMR = 2.60 USD
Which country has a weaker currency than Pakistan?
Pakistan’s rupee (PKR) trades at 278 PKR = 1 USD (2025). These currencies are weaker:
- Iran (IRR), Lebanon (LBP), Vietnam (VND), Sierra Leone (SLL), and Laos (LAK).
Which currency is No. 1 (weakest)?
Iranian Rial (IRR) is the weakest currency in 2025 (1 USD = ~500,000 IRR) due to sanctions and hyperinflation.
What is the poorest currency?
The Iranian Rial (IRR) holds the title of poorest currency by exchange rate.
What is the poorest country in the world?
As of 2025, Burundi (uses Burundian Franc, BIF) ranks among the poorest by GDP per capita (under $250/year).
Which currency is zero?
No currency is worth “zero,” but hyperinflation in history (e.g., Zimbabwe’s 2009 dollar) rendered currencies nearly worthless.
What is the top cheap currency?
For budget travelers, Iran (IRR), Vietnam (VND), or Laos (LAK) offer extreme affordability due to weak currencies.
