In 2025, currency strength continues to reflect a nation’s economic stability, political climate, and monetary policies. A weak currency, especially when measured against a relatively stable one like the Indian Rupee (INR), indicates underlying issues such as hyperinflation, political instability, or economic mismanagement. This article explores the ten weakest currencies in the world compared to the INR, offering insight into the broader economic conditions behind their devaluation.
Top 10 Weakest Currencies Compared to INR (2025)
| Rank |
Currency Name |
Country |
Approx. Exchange Rate (INR:Local) |
Key Reason for Weakness |
| 1 |
Lebanese Pound (LBP) |
Lebanon |
1 INR ≈ 1,100 LBP |
Economic collapse, hyperinflation |
| 2 |
Iranian Rial (IRR) |
Iran |
1 INR ≈ 497 IRR |
Sanctions, political instability |
| 3 |
Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
Vietnam |
1 INR ≈ 300 VND |
Export-oriented policy, controlled devaluation |
| 4 |
Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL) |
Sierra Leone |
1 INR ≈ 263 SLL |
Post-conflict economy, weak institutions |
| 5 |
Laotian Kip (LAK) |
Laos |
1 INR ≈ 250 LAK |
Inflation, limited economic development |
| 6 |
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) |
Indonesia |
1 INR ≈ 188 IDR |
Global market exposure, past crises |
| 7 |
Uzbekistani Som (UZS) |
Uzbekistan |
1 INR ≈ 149 UZS |
Transition economy, limited investor confidence |
| 8 |
Guinean Franc (GNF) |
Guinea |
1 INR ≈ 135 GNF |
Corruption, infrastructure challenges |
| 9 |
Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) |
Paraguay |
1 INR ≈ 88 PYG |
Structural weakness, informal economy |
| 10 |
Congolese Franc (CDF) |
DR Congo |
1 INR ≈ 82 CDF |
Conflict, governance issues |
1. The Lebanese Pound (LBP)
A Crisis Rooted in Political and Economic Collapse
The Lebanese Pound has become virtually symbolic of economic collapse. As of 2025, the exchange rate hovers around 1 INR ≈ 1,100 LBP. The currency has depreciated by more than 90% in the past five years, driven by a toxic mix of corruption, fiscal mismanagement, and loss of trust in banking institutions.
Since the financial crisis in 2019, followed by the catastrophic Beirut explosion in 2020, Lebanon has experienced hyperinflation, leaving salaries and savings nearly worthless in real terms. The central bank has struggled to maintain foreign reserves, and the black market dominates currency exchange.
2. The Iranian Rial (IRR)
Sanctions and Isolation Deepen Devaluation
The Iranian Rial remains one of the most devalued currencies globally, with an exchange rate near 1 INR ≈ 497 IRR. Decades of economic sanctions, particularly from the United States, have crippled Iran’s ability to engage in global trade, thereby squeezing its access to foreign currency.
The breakdown of the 2015 nuclear deal led to increased international isolation, reducing foreign investment and export earnings. Combined with high domestic inflation and a struggling oil sector, the Rial’s devaluation reflects deep-rooted structural challenges.
3. The Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Deliberate Devaluation for Export Competitiveness
Although Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, its currency, the Dong, remains weak, trading at approximately 1 INR ≈ 300 VND. The Vietnamese government has long pursued a policy of controlled devaluation to support its export-led economy.
This policy, while boosting manufacturing competitiveness globally, keeps the Dong undervalued. However, the Vietnamese economy is relatively stable, and the weak currency is more a result of policy choice than economic failure.
4. The Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
Post-Conflict Struggles and Economic Fragility
The Leone has been severely affected by years of civil war, Ebola outbreaks, and poor economic infrastructure. In 2025, the Leone exchanges at about 1 INR ≈ 263 SLL.
Sierra Leone is heavily dependent on mineral exports, particularly diamonds and iron ore, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations. The lack of economic diversification, high inflation, and a narrow tax base have all contributed to the currency’s persistent weakness.
5. The Laotian Kip (LAK)
Structural Limitations and Inflationary Pressures
The Laotian Kip has long held its position among the weakest currencies in Asia, with the 2025 exchange rate standing around 1 INR ≈ 250 LAK. Laos remains largely agrarian, with limited industrial capacity and a strong dependency on neighbors like China and Thailand.
High levels of foreign debt, combined with a current account deficit and inflationary trends, have made it difficult for the Bank of the Lao P.D.R. to stabilize the Kip.
6. The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
A Volatile Yet Resilient Economy
The Indonesian Rupiah trades at about 1 INR ≈ 188 IDR. While not as fundamentally weak as others on this list, the Rupiah suffers from long-standing volatility due to its exposure to global commodity prices and external debt.
Indonesia’s economy is relatively strong, but the currency remains sensitive to U.S. interest rates, oil prices, and global investor sentiment. The central bank actively intervenes to prevent excessive fluctuations, but the Rupiah’s weakness reflects ongoing capital outflows and trade imbalances.
7. The Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
Reforms Underway but Currency Still Weak
The Uzbekistani Som is valued at approximately 1 INR ≈ 149 UZS in 2025. Uzbekistan has been transitioning from a state-controlled economy to a more market-oriented model, but this reform process has caused currency instability.
While inflation has slowed somewhat, the Som remains weak due to limited export capacity, restricted foreign investment, and a need for further economic liberalization.
8. The Guinean Franc (GNF)
Resource-Rich but Development-Poor
The Guinean Franc is trading around 1 INR ≈ 135 GNF. Despite Guinea’s rich mineral resources, particularly bauxite, the country remains underdeveloped, with high levels of corruption, political unrest, and poor infrastructure.
The currency’s weakness stems from inflation, a lack of investor confidence, and poor fiscal management. Recent political coups have further discouraged external investment.
9. The Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
A Currency with Persistent Structural Weakness
In 2025, the Guarani trades around 1 INR ≈ 88 PYG. While not suffering from hyperinflation, Paraguay’s currency has weakened due to slow GDP growth, limited diversification, and informal economic activity that undermines tax collection and financial stability.
Moreover, the Guarani’s dependence on agricultural exports, especially soybeans and beef, exposes it to climate risks and price shocks.
10. The Congolese Franc (CDF)
The Cost of Conflict and Instability
The Congolese Franc rounds out this list with an approximate exchange rate of 1 INR ≈ 82 CDF. The Democratic Republic of Congo faces significant challenges, including armed conflict, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure.
Despite vast natural resources, especially in cobalt and copper, the country’s economic growth is hampered by poor governance and a lack of institutional support, leaving the currency highly devalued.
