Global inflation, high energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and post-pandemic disruptions have left many countries struggling with unstable economies. One of the clearest signs of economic weakness is currency devaluation.
In 2025, several nations continue to battle inflation, political instability, or poor growth, leaving their currencies among the weakest in the world. Here’s the latest ranking of the 10 weakest currencies in 2025 and the reasons behind their depreciation.
Quick Summary Table of Weakest Currencies (2025)
| Rank | Currency | Country | Approx. Value vs. USD (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lebanese Pound (LBP) | Lebanon | ~89,600 LBP = 1 USD |
| 2 | Zimbabwean ZiG (ZWG) | Zimbabwe | Rapidly devaluing |
| 3 | Iranian Rial (IRR) | Iran | ~42,000 IRR = 1 USD |
| 4 | Vietnamese Dong (VND) | Vietnam | ~26,000 VND = 1 USD |
| 5 | Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL) | Sierra Leone | ~22,700 SLL = 1 USD |
| 6 | Laotian Kip (LAK) | Laos | ~21,500 LAK = 1 USD |
| 7 | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) | Indonesia | ~16,400 IDR = 1 USD |
| 8 | Uzbekistani Som (UZS) | Uzbekistan | ~12,600 UZS = 1 USD |
| 9 | Guinean Franc (GNF) | Guinea | ~8,680 GNF = 1 USD |
| 10 | Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) | Paraguay | ~7,660 PYG = 1 USD |
1. Lebanese Pound (LBP)
The Lebanese pound remains the weakest currency in 2025. Years of political deadlock, banking collapse, soaring inflation, and public unrest continue to push the LBP down. 1 USD ≈ 89,600 LBP | 1 EUR ≈ 96,000 LBP | 1 SAR ≈ 23,800 LBP. Without structural reforms, Lebanon’s economy remains fragile, keeping the pound at record lows.
2. Zimbabwean ZiG (ZWG)
In 2024, Zimbabwe replaced the failing Zimbabwean dollar with the ZiG (short for Zimbabwe Gold-backed currency). Despite the reform, the ZiG has quickly lost value in 2025. Hyperinflation, lack of investor confidence, and limited reserves mean Zimbabwe is still battling one of the world’s most unstable currencies.
3. Iranian Rial (IRR)
The Iranian rial continues to weaken under international sanctions, political isolation, and high inflation. The rial has faced decades of decline since the 1979 revolution, with little sign of reversal. 1 USD ≈ 42,000 IRR | 1 EUR ≈ 45,000 IRR | 1 SAR ≈ 11,200 IRR.
4. Vietnamese Dong (VND)
The Vietnamese dong is one of the lowest-valued currencies in terms of exchange rate, though Vietnam’s economy itself has been steadily improving. Decades of war and transition from a centralized economy left its mark, but the dong remains weak against the dollar. 1 USD ≈ 26,000 VND.
5. Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
Civil conflict, health crises (like Ebola), and political unrest keep the Sierra Leonean Leone under pressure. Even after a redenomination in recent years, the currency continues to weaken. 1 USD ≈ 22,700 SLL.
6. Laotian Kip (LAK)
The Laotian kip has struggled with inflation and debt burdens. Being a largely agrarian economy with high dependency on imports, Laos continues to face currency pressure. 1 USD ≈ 21,500 LAK.
7. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Despite being Southeast Asia’s largest economy, the rupiah remains one of the weakest currencies by denomination. High inflation and reliance on commodity exports have limited its strength, even though the economy is relatively stable. 1 USD ≈ 16,400 IDR.
8. Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
The Uzbek som continues to be undervalued due to historic economic isolation. Though reforms since 2018 have helped stabilize growth, the currency remains weak compared to global standards. 1 USD ≈ 12,600 UZS.
9. Guinean Franc (GNF)
Despite rich mineral reserves, Guinea suffers from poverty, corruption, and high inflation. The Guinean franc has shown little sign of recovery in 2025. 1 USD ≈ 8,680 GNF.
10. Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
The Paraguayan guarani is South America’s weakest currency. Political instability, poverty, and reliance on agriculture keep its exchange rate very low. 1 USD ≈ 7,660 PYG.
Conclusion
Weak currencies are a reflection of underlying economic instability. While they sometimes make exports cheaper and attract tourists, they also reduce purchasing power, increase debt burdens, and limit growth.
If you are considering investments or travel to these countries, always check the latest rates and understand the risks. Economic reforms, political stability, and global trade patterns will determine whether these currencies strengthen in the years ahead.
FAQs
Why do some countries have weak currencies? High inflation, trade deficits, poor governance, political instability, or over-reliance on imports often cause weak currencies.
What is the weakest currency in 2025? The Lebanese pound is still the weakest, followed closely by the Zimbabwean ZiG and the Iranian rial.
Is a weak currency always bad? Not always. While it reduces purchasing power locally, it can benefit exports and attract tourism due to lower costs for foreigners.
What is the most stable currency? The Swiss franc (CHF) remains the world’s most stable currency, supported by strong fiscal policies and low debt.
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