The 10 least common currencies in the world to know in 2025

Why Are Some Currencies Valueless

A currency’s devaluation results from multiple converging factors, including unstable economic conditions, high inflation, lack of foreign investment, political instability, and economic sanctions. However, a low currency value doesn’t always mean a country is hopeless; it depends on how well the country manages its core economic issues.

Comparison Table of the Least Valued Currencies

Explore Details of Each Currency

###Vietnamese Dong (VND) - A relatively functional currency in Asia

The Vietnamese dong has a complex history like its country. After the Vietnam War, this currency became a symbol of national unity, but it didn’t start off well. Vietnam faced high inflation, economic weakness, and multiple reforms. However, by the 21st century, Vietnam’s economy began to strengthen.

Currently, the dong operates under a managed floating system, meaning the central bank keeps the dong’s value relatively stable, not allowing it to float freely. This is because a weak currency helps Vietnam export goods at lower prices. Rapid economic growth has reduced the currency’s vulnerabilities, though it remains one of the world’s least valued currencies.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 26,040 VND = 1 USD
• Management policy: Managed floating system

###Lebanese Pound (LBP) - An “Overwhelmed” Economy

The real Lebanese pound is a return to a less fortunate land. It is currently one of the cheapest currencies in the world, and the ongoing crisis is no small matter.

Lebanon has plunged into its worst economic and political crisis since 2019, becoming a “loss” destination for tourism. Inflation soared into triple digits, citizens fell into poverty, banking systems froze, and in 2020, the government defaulted on debt, forcing Lebanon to renegotiate with creditors to survive.

The Lebanese pound has lost 90% of its value on the parallel market, making it one of the weakest currencies in this group.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 89,751.22 LBP = 1 USD
• Management policy: Fake peg (normal) but effectively a floating system

###Iranian Rial (IRR) - An “Isolated” Economy

The Iranian rial exemplifies how economic sanctions can destroy a currency.

Iran has been under US and allied sanctions for decades. Its economy is cut off from global markets, oil exports are difficult, and international relations are strained. As a result, inflation skyrockets, wages plummet, and the rial becomes essentially worthless.

Unseen geopolitical tensions keep the rial depreciating further.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 42,112.50 IRR = 1 USD
• Management policy: Pegged to virtual currencies (official) but floating in reality

###Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) - Southeast Asia’s “Real” Currency

Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, with the 4th largest population globally, and has grown steadily over the past two decades. But why does the rupiah remain so low?

The rupiah depends heavily on commodity exports (whose prices fluctuate constantly). As a developing market, it is vulnerable to capital outflows. The central bank must intervene periodically, and foreign exchange reserves are limited.

However, Indonesia benefits from tourism and foreign investments, which help prevent the rupiah from falling to the lowest levels among currencies.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 16,275 IDR = 1 USD
• Management policy: Free floating system

###Laotian Kip (LAK) - An Economy in Stagnation

Laos is one of the least developed countries in Asia, lacking the infrastructure of its neighbors. Its economy relies heavily on agriculture and natural resources.

After the Vietnam War, Laos faced difficulties, but in the 1990s, economic liberalization brought only slight hope. Foreign investment remains minimal, the economy is fragile, and the kip has been consistently undervalued. Inflation and currency depreciation are normal for Laos.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 21,625.82 LAK = 1 USD
• Management policy: Controlled managed float

###Uzbek Sum (UZS) - “Post-Soviet” Currency

Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union until 1991. Since independence, reforms have been slow, and the economy remains tightly controlled, relying on natural resource exports and foreign investment, which are limited.

The Uzbek sum is undervalued and remains one of the least valued currencies in the world.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 12,798.70 UZS = 1 USD
• Management policy: Free floating system

###Guinean Franc (GNF) - Africa’s “Disconnection”

Guinea is resource-rich but its economy is underdeveloped. It relies heavily on mining, faces political instability, and corruption.

The Guinean franc continues to depreciate.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 8,667.50 GNF = 1 USD
• Management policy: Managed float

(Paraguayan Guarani )PYG### - A “Middle” Country in South America

Paraguay is a middle-income country in South America, affected by competition from larger neighbors. Its economy depends on agricultural exports (especially soybeans) and faces trade deficits.

The guarani is prone to depreciation.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 7,996.67 PYG = 1 USD
• Management policy: Free floating system

(Malagasy Ariary )MGA### - An Isolated Island with a Broken Home

Madagascar is a large island far from major reference points. Despite tourism resources, its economy remains weak, relying on agriculture and tourism, and suffering from harsh weather.

The ariary continues to depreciate.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 4,467.50 MGA = 1 USD
• Management policy: Managed float

(Burundian Franc )BIF### - The “Poorest” of Poverty

Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world. Its economy is subsistence-based, with no significant industry, heavily dependent on foreign aid, and plagued by internal conflict and famine.

The Burundian franc is the second cheapest currency in the world.

Currency Data:

• Current exchange rate: 2,977.00 BIF = 1 USD
• Management policy: Inflation-controlled monetary policy

Factors Influencing Currency Value Changes

Exchange rates are not random; multiple factors influence whether a currency appreciates or depreciates:

High interest rates attract foreign investors, increasing demand for the country’s currency and raising its value.

Low inflation strengthens a currency, while high inflation weakens it.

Current account surplus (exports exceed imports) helps currency appreciation; a deficit leads to depreciation.

Political stability is crucial, as instability drives investors away.

Recession reduces interest rates, diminishes capital inflows, and causes currency depreciation.

The world’s least valued currencies are interconnected with economic conditions, political stability, and monetary policies. When these factors falter, currencies weaken, reflecting long-standing structural issues within those countries.