When it comes to currencies, most of the focus typically centers on strength and purchasing power. However, the global economy is also home to currencies that have suffered extreme depreciation. In this article, you will find out about the world's weakest currencies by value
Iranian rial
Iran’s national currency ranks among the least valuable in the world. The official exchange rate is approximately 42,000 rials to 1 US dollar, or about $0.000024 per rial. The chronic weakness of the Iranian rial stems from several factors. Years of international sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program have severely limited the country's access to global markets and foreign investment. In addition, political instability and domestic economic mismanagement have fueled inflation and eroded confidence in the currency.
Vietnamese dong
Vietnam's official currency is also known for its low value. As of March 2025, 1 US dollar traded for around 25,585 dong, or roughly $0.000039 per dong. There are several reasons for the dong's weakness. Vietnam has experienced periods of high inflation and economic volatility, which have undermined trust in the currency. Moreover, the dong is a non-convertible currency, meaning it cannot be freely exchanged outside the country, which limits its appeal to foreign investors.
Sierra Leonean leone
Third on the list of the world's weakest currencies is the leone, the monetary unit of Sierra Leone. Recent data shows that the US dollar exchanges at around 22,869 leones, or approximately $0.0000438 per leone. The long-standing fragility of the currency is rooted in several challenges. A protracted civil war in the 1990s devastated infrastructure and created lasting economic instability. The 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak further weakened the economy, slowing its recovery and exacerbating poverty.
Lao kip
The kip, the national currency of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is also one of the cheapest in the world. Currently, 1 US dollar trades for approximately 21,629 kip, which is equivalent to $0.000046 per kip. The low value of the kip reflects a number of structural problems. Laos' economy remains small and undiversified, with high inflation and rising foreign debt. The country has become increasingly reliant on loans from China and Thailand, but servicing these debts has put further pressure on the local currency.
Indonesian rupiah
The Indonesian rupiah rounds out the list. As of March 2025, 1 US dollar traded for approximately 16,442.9957 rupiah, or about $0.0000608 per rupiah. Despite being home to one of Southeast Asia's largest economies, the rupiah remains vulnerable. Contributing factors include declining foreign exchange reserves, a widening budget deficit, and falling commodity prices that have weakened government revenues.