The World's Poorest Currencies: 50 Nations Facing Severe Monetary Devaluation

Currency devaluation tells a powerful story about global economic inequality. Here’s a comprehensive look at the 50 countries where the US dollar exchanges for the highest local currency values, revealing where monetary systems have weakened most dramatically. From Venezuela’s hyperinflation crisis to emerging market pressures across Asia and Africa, these poorest currencies in the world reflect deeper systemic economic challenges.

The Most Severely Devalued Currencies Against the Dollar

The extreme end of currency weakness is dominated by nations experiencing hyperinflation and economic collapse. Venezuela’s Bolivar tops the list at approximately 4 million to 1 USD, followed by Iran’s Rial at around 514,000 per dollar. These represent cases where monetary policy failures have destroyed purchasing power entirely. Syria’s Pound follows at roughly 15,000 per dollar, while Iraq’s Dinar sits at 1,310 per dollar. These figures demonstrate how political instability and fiscal mismanagement can trigger currency catastrophe.

Southeast Asia and South Asia: The Emerging Market Challenge

Southeast Asian currencies show substantial weakness despite relatively developed financial systems. Indonesia’s Rupiah trades around 14,985 per dollar, while Vietnam’s Dong hovers near 24,000. The Lao Kip stands at approximately 17,692, and Cambodia’s Riel at 4,086. Moving into South Asia, Pakistan’s Rupee faces pressure at 290 per dollar, Nepal’s Rupee at 132, Bangladesh’s Taka at 110, and Sri Lanka’s Rupee at 320. These poorest currencies in the region typically result from trade deficits, capital flight, and inflation pressures.

African Currency Crisis: Widespread Monetary Weakness

Africa features prominently among weakest performers. Sierra Leone’s Leone, Zambia’s Kwacha at 20.5, Uganda’s Shilling at 3,806, and Tanzania’s Shilling at 2,498 reflect structural economic challenges. Nigeria’s Naira trades around 775 per dollar, Ghana’s Sedi at 12, Kenya’s Shilling at 148, Ethiopia’s Birr at 55, and Madagascar’s Ariary at 4,400. Egypt’s Pound stands at 31, while Mozambique’s Metical reaches 63 per dollar. These poorest currencies in Africa struggle against commodity price volatility, debt burdens, and limited foreign exchange reserves.

Central Asia and Eastern Europe: Post-Soviet Economic Legacies

Former Soviet republics continue battling currency instability. Uzbekistan’s Som trades at 11,420 per dollar, Kazakhstan’s Tenge at 470, and Tajikistan’s Somoni at 11. Kyrgyzstan’s Som sits near 89, while Belarus’ Ruble trades around 3.14. Moldova’s Leu reaches 18, and Armenia’s Dram approximates 410. These nations share legacies of transitional economies with ongoing structural reforms.

Other Nations Facing Significant Currency Pressure

Additional countries with weakened currencies include Paraguay’s Guarani at 7,241, Colombia’s Peso at 3.915, Myanmar’s Kyat at 2,100, Haiti’s Gourde at 131, Nicaragua’s Cordoba at 36.5, Suriname’s Dollar at 37, Yemen’s Rial at 250, Afghanistan’s Afghani at 80, Turkmenistan’s Manat at 3.5, Georgia’s Lari at 2.85, Somalia’s Shilling at 550, Fiji’s Dollar at 2.26, Philippines’ Peso at 57, Iceland’s Krona at 136, and North Korea’s Won at 900. The poorest currencies across these nations reflect diverse economic pressures—from conflict zones to commodity dependence to limited development.

Common Threads: Understanding Global Currency Weakness

Despite geographical and political differences, these 50 countries share fundamental challenges driving currency devaluation. Chronic inflation, external debt burdens, political instability, capital flight, and limited foreign exchange reserves represent the core issues. When central banks lack credibility or governments mismanage fiscal policy, local currencies inevitably weaken against reserve currencies like the US dollar.

The poorest currencies in the world serve as economic barometers, signaling broader instability that affects citizens through reduced purchasing power, imported inflation, and deteriorating living standards. Understanding these patterns helps investors and analysts recognize systemic risks in developing economies and anticipate further monetary movements in our interconnected global financial system.