The weakest currency: Currency evolution ranking in 2025

Why Are Some Currencies So Valueless?

There are numerous currencies worldwide with shockingly low values compared to the US dollar. This phenomenon is not accidental but results from complex economic, political, and social situations. High inflation rates, reliance on single industries, political instability, lack of foreign investment, and sanctions are the main factors driving these currencies down. Below is an in-depth study of the devalued currencies globally and why they are valued so low.

Most Depreciated Currencies in 2025

Currencies in Crisis: A Closer Look at Each

1. Lebanese Pound (LBP) - The World’s Cheapest Currency

The Lebanese Pound holds the position of the most devalued currency (lowest in value) globally. This currency has depreciated over 90% since 2019. Lebanon is currently experiencing the most severe economic recession of the 21st century, with a fragile economy and a banking sector devastated by liquidity shortages.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: LBP
• Issuing country: Lebanon
• Current exchange rate: 89,751.22 LBP/USD
• Monetary policy: Multi-tiered exchange rate system, not strictly pegged to USD, despite official policies

2. Iranian Rial (IRR) - Sanctions Pressure

The Rial has significantly depreciated due to international economic sanctions imposed since 1979. A major factor is heavy reliance on oil exports and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The country faces the highest inflation rates in global analysis.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: IRR
• Issuing country: Iran
• Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 42,112.50 IRR
• Monetary policy: Officially pegged to USD but operates a managed floating system

3. Vietnamese Dong (VND) - Designed to Remain Weak

Vietnamese Dong remains relatively weak despite steady economic growth. The government intentionally maintains a weak currency to boost exports. Vietnam consistently runs trade surpluses, reflecting a strong export sector.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: VND
• Issuing country: Vietnam
• Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 26,040 VND
• Monetary policy: Managed float referencing a basket of currencies

4. Laotian Kip (LAK) - Less Developed Country Currency

The Kip is low-valued because Laos is one of the least economically developed countries in Southeast Asia. The country lacks economic diversity, and post-COVID-19, it faces inflation and prolonged economic crises. Foreign investment remains limited.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: LAK
• Issuing country: Lao People’s Democratic Republic
• Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 21,625.82 LAK
• Monetary policy: Managed float, pegged mainly to USD and Thai Baht

5. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) - Emerging Market Currency

Although Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s largest economies, the Rupiah still faces challenges from high inflation, global commodity cycles, and US interest rate hikes. The country remains dependent on commodity exports.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: IDR
• Issuing country: Indonesia
• Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 16,275 IDR
• Monetary policy: Free float system

6. Uzbek Sum (UZS) - Post-Soviet Currency

Since independence from the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan introduced the Sum in 1994. The currency remains tightly controlled by the state. The economy relies heavily on commodities, especially cotton and agriculture. Insufficient foreign investment has hurt the currency’s stability.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: UZS
• Issuing country: Uzbekistan
• Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 12,798.70 UZS
• Monetary policy: Free float system

7. Guinean Franc (GNF) - Less Developed Economy

The Guinean Franc was introduced in 1959 after independence from France. Guinea has weak infrastructure and faces political instability. The economy is heavily reliant on mining and commodities.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: GNF
• Issuing country: Guinea
• Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 8,667.50 GNF
• Monetary policy: Managed float

8. Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) - Agriculture-Dependent Economy

The Guarani has a history of economic crises and wars, leading to depreciation. The economy is mainly agricultural, especially soybean exports. Chronic trade balance challenges and industrial development issues persist.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: PYG
• Issuing country: Paraguay
• Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 7,996.67 PYG
• Monetary policy: Free float system

9. Malagasy Ariary (MGA) - Non-decimal Currency

The Ariary became the official currency of Madagascar in 2004. It is one of the few non-decimal currencies, with 1 Ariary = 5 Iraimbilanja. Madagascar’s economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and resource exports, vulnerable to weather events and political instability.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: MGA
• Issuing country: Madagascar
• Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 4,467.50 MGA
• Monetary policy: Managed float, with occasional central bank interventions

( 10. Burundian Franc )BIF### - Least Developed Country Currency

Burundi depends heavily on subsistence agriculture. It is among the poorest countries globally, relying on foreign aid. High inflation, food insecurity, and political unrest weaken the economy.

Key features of the currency:

• Abbreviation: BIF
• Issuing country: Burundi
• Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 2,977.00 BIF
• Monetary policy: Focused on inflation control and liquidity management

Factors Driving Currency Changes

Exchange rates do not depreciate by chance. Several fundamental factors play roles:

Inflation: Countries with high inflation often see their currencies weaken, while low-inflation countries tend to see currency appreciation.

Interest Rates: High interest rates attract foreign investment, increasing demand for the local currency and raising its value.

Trade Balance: Countries with persistent trade deficits experience reduced demand for their currencies.

Political Stability: Political unrest, conflicts, and sanctions cause investors to shy away from risky currencies.

Commodity Dependence: Countries reliant on one or two commodity exports are vulnerable to price volatility.

Conclusion

The most undervalued currencies compared to the Thai Baht are driven by specific economic and political circumstances. These currencies reflect the dynamics of foreign exchange markets and highlight the importance of economic and political stability in maintaining currency value. Moreover, understanding these factors helps investors anticipate exchange rate movements and make more informed decisions about currency trends.