Related Blogs
By Vipul Jain | 16 May, 2025
Have you ever thought of which is the weakest currency in the world?
You can define a weak currency as one with a decreasing or low value against the currencies of other countries.
Depreciation of currency can be due to a surge in imports, intervention by the central bank, changes in inflation rates, lower export earnings, and political instability, among many other factors.
To give you an idea, below we will go through the list of the 10 weakest currencies in the world in 2025. You might be surprised after reading some of the names coming to the top of the list.
So, let's start reading!
Here is the list of the top 10 weakest global currencies, with the lowest on top:
| Position | Currency (Code) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lebanese pound (LBP) | Lebanon |
| 2 | Iranian rial (IRR) | Iran |
| 3 | Vietnamese dong (VND) | Vietnam |
| 4 | Laotian kip (LAK) | Laos |
| 5 | Sierra Leonean leone (SLL) | Sierra Leone |
| 6 | Indonesian rupiah (IDR) | Indonesia |
| 7 | Uzbekistan som (UZS) | Uzbekistan |
| 8 | Guinean franc (GNF) | Guinea |
| 9 | Paraguayan guarani (PYG) | Paraguay |
| 10 | Malagasy ariary (MGA) | Madagascar |
*Note: The above list of the world's weakest currencies is based on the value of each currency in comparison with the USD as of 2024.
Moving on, let's take a closer look at the currency of each country in detail.
Image Source: English.alarabiya
The Lebanese pound is currently the weakest currency in the world. In fact, it has been at or near the bottom of a list of the world's weakest currencies for several years. The key reasons behind this are high inflation, political instability, and a depressed economy. Also, since 2019, the country has been going through a banking crisis.
Lebanon is a small country located in the Middle East next to the Mediterranean Sea. It also borders on Israel and Syria. It has plenty to offer any tourist, from mouthwatering food and natural reserves to its amazing capital, Beirut. Lebanon is a very diverse country that captures the attention of many tourists from around the world.
However, the country is currently facing a major armed conflict, so it is not safe for travel at present.
Image Source: axios.com
The Iranian rial has been suffering since 2015, when the nuclear deal between Iran and the US collapsed and heavy sanctions were imposed on the country. The currency first declined in recent years, then stabilized, and finally faced a new challenge due to growing tensions in the Middle East.
Guide to Iran Located on the Persian Gulf, it borders Iraq and Afghanistan. Iran doesn't see as much tourism compared with other countries, yet it is also known for good food and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some expats do live there, most of them working in the oil and gas industries.
Image Source: swedishnomad.com
A ranking of the world's weakest currencies ranks the Vietnamese dong (VND) third. The main reason is restrictions on foreign exports, which have also diminished in volume. Besides that, in the last few years, the Central Bank of the Country has also devalued the dong to enhance exports.
Located near the South China Sea, it borders China, Cambodia, and Laos. Vietnam is known to be a marvelous country; great food, interesting landscapes, and low cost of living attract both expats and tourists in large numbers.
Image Source: govntravel
As a result of many factors combined, the Laotian or Lao kip (LAK) is one of the weakest global currencies. These factors include sluggish economic growth, high inflation, and growing foreign debt.
Laos is a country in Southeast Asia that borders Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Thailand.
It is also popularly known due to its beautiful, rugged mountainous scenery, French colonial architecture, and the Mekong River that flows through it. The place is a must-visit destination for travelers who seek off-the-beaten-track adventures. Additionally, the capital city of the country, Vientiane, is also becoming home to the expatriate community.
Also Want to Know About Strongest Currencies in the World Check Now!
Image Source:lovemoney
Like the Laotian kip, the Sierra Leonean leone has been subject to another set of factors, which include slow economic growth, high levels of inflation and debt, and long-lasting after-effects of health crises such as an Ebola virus outbreak.
Neighboring countries of the West African nation of Sierra Leone include Guinea and Liberia. The cultural heritage of the country is one of rich ethnic groups with unique traditions and languages.
Sierra Leone is a popular destination among tourists who enjoy adventure, love wildlife, and appreciate the country's rainforests and beautiful beaches. However, there are violent crimes with high levels in the country. Therefore, travelers should exercise caution during their visit to the nation.
Image Source:iroamly.com
The Indonesian rupiah, or IDR, is one of the world's weakest currencies due to two key factors. These are fears that the economy will enter a recession and experience a high inflation rate. Both of these factors decrease the value of the currency, even though Indonesia is one of the largest countries, by GDP, in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia is an island nation in Southeast Asia, comprising more than 17,000 islands. It provides a rich array of beautiful beaches, cities, and towns for the traveler to explore.
A low cost of living, attractive natural beauty, and tropical climate of the country generally attract the attention of expatriates, in addition to growing business and job opportunities in thriving cities like Surabaya and Jakarta.
Also, Want to Know About the Cheapest Cities to Visit in Europe? Check Now!
Image Source:marakandatravel.asia
Despite having sustainable gas and oil reserves, which are major assets for nations carrying some of the world's strongest currencies, the Uzbekistan som (UZS) has not fared very well lately. It is probably due to factors such as low economic growth, high unemployment, corruption issues, and high inflation.
Uzbekistan borders Central Asia, having as its neighbors the countries of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.
Moreover, some of the world's ancient cities, such as Khiva, Samarkand, and Bukhara, are located in the country. Besides that, UNESCO treasures of the country, combined with its reputation for safety, lure tourists to the country. Due to low living costs, Uzbekistan is also a favorite country among expats.
Image Source:lovemoney.com
The Guinean Franc began a downward spiral following the conflicts of the 1990s. The GNF has been further weakened by several factors, including high inflation and military unrest, leaving it as one of the weakest currencies in the world. However, these days, the currency has been relatively stable.
Guinea, a former colony of France, is located in sub-Saharan Africa, bordered by both Liberia and Sierra Leone.
It does not have a disproportionate number of expats and tourists, partly because of its low-quality infrastructure that makes traveling around the country quite difficult. However, the few tourists who make their way to this wonderful country find a very rich and diverse cultural heritage combined with fantastic natural beauty and welcoming people.
Image Source:blog.emitly.comThe Paraguayan gurani (PYG) currency has grappled with unemployment and inflationary pressures for long, placing it among currencies considered the weakest in the world. The currency is further affected by counterfeit currencies in circulation and corruption.
This South American country is flanked by land from most sides, with its neighbors being Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. Speaking from the tourist point of view, this government is a treasure that boasts all the natural beauty spots and lively cities with less crowd.
In addition, the country is widely known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and vibrant capital city, Asunción.
Image Source:madamagazine.com
As for the Malagasy ariary (MGA), it is one of the least valuable currencies in the world, having fallen over several years, beginning around 2009, as a result of a number of reasons, including political instability, natural disasters, and the global financial crisis.
In recent times, the situation in Madagascar has deteriorated, with the value of the MGA continuing to decline, due to the (lack of foreign investment) and the ongoing economic crisis with extremely high levels of inflation.
Madagascar is an island nation located off the southeast coast of Africa and is known for its unique plant and animal species (particularly the lemurs). It also serves as a refuge for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Many people come to live in the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, to do research. As a result, Madagascar has vast amounts of rainforest, stunning beaches, and national parks. Due to the poor quality of roads, travelling through the country can be extremely difficult.
These were the top 10 weakest currencies in the world in 2025. After knowing about them, you might be thinking about the factors that impact the exchange rate of the currency. Let's address your doubts in the next section by examining them in more detail.
To understand the country's economic health, it is essential to be aware of the foreign exchange rate. Here are some factors that impact the currency value of the country:
With knowledge of the weakest currencies in the world, you are now better equipped to manage your foreign trip and explore diverse economies and cultures. Seeking visa assistance for your international travel? Connect with Visament and obtain your visa for any country easily and without the hassle of the traditional application process. Additionally, our currency calculator tool enables you to convert currencies from various countries, providing insight into the world's major currencies and helping you plan your trip within your budget. So, why wait? Plan your foreign trip and get your visa easily with Visament.
Stop worrying about delays. Apply now and get your OCI card on time with our expert service.
Say goodbye to paperwork stress! Hassle-free OCI card application for NRIs in the USA & UK.
Apply NowHave questions? Our experts guide you through every step of the OCI process – no confusion, no delays.
Consult an Expert TodayTravel to India as often as you like – no visa needed! Enjoy unlimited entries and seamless trips.
Why wait for visas when you can travel to India anytime? Apply for your OCI card today and say goodbye to delays!
Why wait for visas when you can travel to India anytime? Apply for your OCI card today and say goodbye to delays!
The strongest currency in the world is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD). The country’s currency demonstrates attributes such as oil wealth, a fixed exchange rate, economic stability, and a tax-free environment.
The worst exchange rate historically occurred in post-WW1 Germany. At the end of 1923, due to extreme hyperinflation, 4.2 trillion Deutsche Mark (DEM) exchanged for 1 US dollar (USD).
The Lebanese pound (LBP) is the least traded currency in the world as it is the least valuable and weakest currency in the world.
The foreign currency is priced in two ways. The first is using a floating rate, which is calculated by the open market through global demand and supply. If the currency is in demand in the world, its value usually increases. The second method of pricing is a fixed rate, also called a pegged rate. The government determined it through its central bank and is set against another major global currency, such as the EUR or USD.
Over the last 5 years, including the following one, the worst performing currency pairs are as follows (mention in currency symbols) NZD/ CHF, AUD/ CHF, EUR/ CHF, GBP/ CHF, CAD/ CHF, USD/ CHF
One of the simplest ways to know which currency is weaker is to use the exchange rate and compare one currency to another. A lower exchange rate demonstrates that a currency is weaker than the currency of a compared country. In addition, you can also use the currency converter tool of Visament to compare the exchange rates of countries.
To know where GBP is worth the least, generally look at exchange rates against the currencies of other countries. However, know that currency exchange rates constantly fluctuate based on interest rates, economic conditions, and geopolitical events.
The most stable currency in the world is the Swiss franc (CHF). The stability of the currency demonstrates the strong economy of Switzerland, low debt levels, and good financial policies, making it a safe-haven currency for investors.
The market of currency functions daily. Therefore, the currency ranking changes constantly. The first reason why this happens is because of demand and supply factors. Whenever a demand for a particular currency increases over its supply, the ranking of that specific currency rises, resulting in changes in the ranking.
When you visit a website, it may store data about you using cookies and similar technologies. Cookies can be important for the basic operations of the website and for other purposes. You get the option of deactivating certain types of cookies, even so, doing that may affect your experience on the website.
It is required to permit the basic functionality of the website. You may not disable necessary cookies.
Used to provide advertising that matches you and your interests. May also be used to restrict the number of times you see an advertisement and estimate the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. The advertising networks place them after obtaining the operator’s permission.
Permits the website to recognize the choices you make (like your username, language, or the region you are in). Also provides more personalized and enhanced features. For instance, a website may inform you about the local weather reports or traffic news by storing the data about your location.
Aid the website operator to determine how the website performs, how visitors interact with the site, and whether there are any technical issues.
