In global finance, strong currencies often dominate headlines, while weaker ones remain overlooked, trapped in cycles of devaluation and economic uncertainty. Understanding weak currencies is vital for travellers, investors, and businesses, as it helps in making informed foreign exchange decisions.
Currency devaluation can result from multiple factors, including inflation, trade imbalances, political instability, and central bank policies.
Debunking what was published on March 19 2025 on Bloomberg by Erick Ombok and Fumbuka Ng’Wanakilala, here is a list of the world’s weakest currencies in 2025. This list is supported by major economic updates and reports including one by the World Bank.
Lebanese Pound (LBP): The Lebanese pound remains the weakest currency globally, driven by severe inflation, economic turmoil, and ongoing political instability. The banking crisis that began in 2019 has further deteriorated confidence in the LBP. As of 2025, 1 USD equals 89,580.30 LBP.
Iranian Rial (IRR): The Iranian rial has suffered continued devaluation since the collapse of the US-Iran nuclear deal in 2015 and subsequent economic sanctions. Despite some stabilization, renewed geopolitical tensions have placed additional pressure on the IRR.
Vietnamese Dong (VND): Vietnam’s currency, the dong, remains one of the weakest due to restrictions on foreign investments and government-led devaluation to boost exports. Currently, 1 USD equals 25,556 VND.
Laotian Kip (LAK): The Lao kip continues to decline due to inflation, slow economic growth, and rising foreign debt. These factors have significantly weakened the currency, with 1 USD now equaling 21,634.30 LAK.
Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL): Economic difficulties, high inflation, and the lingering impact of past health crises, including Ebola, have weakened the Sierra Leonean leone. Presently, 1 USD equals 22,842.10 SLL.
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR): Despite Indonesia’s economic size, the rupiah remains weak due to inflation concerns and recession fears. At present, 1 USD equals 16,475 IDR.
Uzbekistani Som (UZS): Despite having vast natural resources, Uzbekistan’s som remains weak due to corruption, high unemployment, and economic instability. Currently, 1 USD is equivalent to 12,938.50 UZS.
Guinean Franc (GNF): Political unrest and inflation have kept the Guinean franc among the world’s weakest currencies. However, recent economic stabilization efforts offer some hope. Currently, 1 USD equals 11,193 GNF.
Paraguayan Guarani (PYG): Paraguay’s currency struggles with inflation, unemployment, and issues such as counterfeiting, making it one of the weakest in the world. Currently, 1 USD equals 7,996 PYG.
Malagasy Ariary (MGA): Madagascar’s currency has faced significant devaluation since 2009 due to political instability and economic disruptions. As of now, 1 USD equals 4,654 MGA.
Weak currencies often indicate deeper economic challenges, requiring long-term reforms to restore stability and investor confidence.