The 20 Strongest Coins in the World in 2025. Updated Ranking

Among the strongest currencies in the world in 2025 we find neither the US dollar, nor the “euro”, nor the British pound. Although they are among the most widespread and used currencies globally, they are not the strongest in terms of purchasing power.

The strength of a currency does not depend on its diffusion, but on how much it can actually buy: the more goods and services you can buy with a certain currency, the stronger that currency is. Conversely, if a large amount of a currency is needed to buy something, its purchasing power is low. Therefore, the currency is weak.

In this updated ranking for 2025, we will see which are the 20 strongest currencies in the world, based on their exchange rate with respect to the US dollar, which remains the main point of reference in international trade.

Even though the dollar is not at the top of the list, it continues to be the most used currency to compare the value of other currencies. The exchange rate reflects the relative strength of two currencies, influenced by factors such as supply, demand, economic stability and monetary policies.

Understanding which currencies are the strongest is useful not only for those who operate in the forex market, but also for international companies, travelers and investors who are attentive to global dynamics.

Ranking of the 20 strongest currencies in the world

The ranking of the 20 strongest currencies in the world is based on their value compared to the US dollar. The following table shows the updated list, currency code and USD exchange rate value.

* Values updated on May 15, 2025

Below is a description of each of the 20 strongest currencies in 2025, including the issuing country and the current exchange rate.

1) Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

• Country: Kuwait
• Rate: 1 KWD = 3.2469 USD
  The Kuwaiti dinar is the world’s strongest currency in 2025 in terms of value against the dollar. Introduced in the 1960s, it was initially pegged to the British pound. Since 2007, Kuwait has used an undisclosed basket of currencies. The high value of the dinar reflects the country’s strong economy, which is heavily supported by oil exports.

2) Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

• Country: Bahrain
• Rate: 1 BHD = 2.6381 USD
  Second in the ranking, the Bahraini Dinar is pegged to the US dollar. This system provides a stable anchor for the country’s monetary policy, helping to keep inflation under control and ensure the confidence of international investors. The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) plays a key role in this mechanism: it undertakes to buy and sell US dollars at a rate very close to the official rate, offering this service to the Kingdom’s commercial banks. Bahrain also owes its wealth to global oil and gas exports.

3) Omani Riyal (OMR)

• Country: Oman
• Rate: 1 OMR = 2.5904 USD
  The Omani rial is also strongly pegged to the US dollar. Introduced in the 1970s, it reflects the strength of the Omani economy based on oil, gas, tourism and agriculture. The fixed exchange rate ensures stability, with 1 USD being worth approximately 0.384 OMR.

4) Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

• Country: Jordan
• Rate: 1 OMR = 1.4104 USD
  The Jordanian dinar is among the strongest currencies despite its limited dependence on oil. Introduced in 1950, it is pegged to the dollar. The currency’s strength reflects a relatively stable economic system, supported by foreign investment and international assistance.

5) British Pound (GBP)

• Country: United Kingdom
• Rate: 1 GBP = 1.296 USD
  The pound is the oldest currency still in use. It has had a floating exchange rate regime since 1971. Despite Brexit and economic volatility, it remains among the strongest currencies, thanks to the centrality of the United Kingdom in global financial markets. 1 USD is equivalent to 0.7517 GBP.

6) Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)

• Country: Cayman Islands
• Rate: 1 KYD = 1.2188 USD
  The Cayman Islands Dollar is the official currency of the Cayman Islands, a British territory located in the Caribbean considered a tax haven. The Cayman Islands dollar was introduced in the 1970s and is pegged to the US dollar. 1 USD equals 0.8333 KYD.

7) Swiss Franc (CHF)

• Country: Switzerland
• Rate: 1 CHF = 1.1165 USD
  Considered a safe haven, the Swiss franc is also used in Liechtenstein, Campione d’Italia and Büsingen am Hochrhein. Introduced in 1950, it has been on a floating exchange rate regime since 2015. Political stability and an export-oriented economy support its historical strength.

8) Euro (EUR)

• Country: Europe
• Rate: 1 EUR = 1.089 USD
  The euro is the currency of the eurozone and the second most traded in the world. Introduced in 1999 (physically in 2002), it has a floating exchange rate. Despite internal crises, the euro remains one of the strongest and most stable currencies globally.

9) United States Dollar (USD)

• Country: United States
  The US dollar is the most traded currency in the world, global reserve currency and reference for raw materials such as oil and gold. It is also adopted by third countries and territories, such as Puerto Rico, Ecuador and Zimbabwe. Its centrality in global markets does not make it the strongest currency nominally, but confirms its geopolitical primacy.

10) Brunei Dollar (BND)

• Country: Brunei
• Rate: 1 BND = 0.7689 USD
  The Brunei dollar or ringgit has been the official currency of Brunei since 1967. The currency is pegged to the Singapore dollar at a rate of 1:1, making the BND one of the strongest currencies in Southeast Asia.

11) Singapore Dollar (SGD)

• Country: Singapore
• Rate: 1 SGD = 0.7689 USD
  The SGD is one of the most traded and stable currencies in Asia. Singapore is a global financial hub, with a carefully managed monetary policy to balance inflation and external competitiveness.

12) Canadian Dollar (CAD)

• Country. Canada
• Rate: 1 CAD = 0.7169 USD
  The Canadian dollar is influenced by commodity exports, especially oil. It is among the top 10 currencies in the forex market and reflects the strength of the Canadian economy.

13) Australian dollar (AUD)

• Country: Australia
• Rate: 1 AUD = 0.6458 USD
  The Australian dollar is the official currency of Australia, its dependent territories and three independent states: Kiribati, Tuvalu and Nauru. Introduced in 1966 to replace the Australian pound, it is the fifth most traded currency globally in the forex market and in Asian markets due to trade relations with China. It is subject to fluctuations related to exports and the global economic cycle.

14) New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

• Country: New Zealand, Cook Islands
• Rate: 1 NZD = 0.5928 USD
  The New Zealand dollar is the official currency of New Zealand, introduced in 1967 to replace the British pound. Considered an investment currency due to its economic stability and relatively high interest rates. It has had a floating regime since 1985.

15) Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

• Country: Bulgaria
• Rate: 1 BGN = 0.5725 USD
  The Bulgarian lev has been the official currency of Bulgaria since 1880. Despite Bulgaria’s entry into the EU, the country has not yet adopted the euro. The lev maintains strong stability thanks to a fixed peg to the euro.

16) Israeli New Shekel (ILS)

• Country: Israel
• Rate: 1 ILS = 0.2811 USD
  The Israeli New Shekel is the official currency of Israel and the Palestinian Territories. It was introduced in 1985 to replace the British pound (GBP).

17) Qatari Riyal (QAR)

• Country: Qatar
• Rate: 1 QAR = 0.2728 USD
  The riyal has been the official currency of Qatar since 1966, when the country decided to replace the Gulf rupee with its own currency. Initially, it adopted the Saudi rial and later introduced the common riyal with Dubai, according to a currency agreement. In May 1973, with the entry of Dubai into the United Arab Emirates, Qatar began issuing its own riyal independently of Dubai. Qatar has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world.

18) United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)

• Country. United Arab Emirates
• Rate: 1 AED = 0.2722 USD
  The United Arab Emirates, like Qatar, in replacing the Gulf rupee, first adopted the Saudi riyal and later the Qatari and Dubai riyal. The United Arab Emirates dirham was introduced in 1973 and has been pegged to the dollar ever since. The currency reflects the macroeconomic stability of a country with strong tourism and industrial development.

19) Saudi Riyal (SAR)

• Country: Saudi Arabia
• Rate: 1 SAR = 0.2663 USD
  The riyal has been the official currency of Saudi Arabia since the birth of the state. Since 1986, the exchange rate with the US dollar has been fixed. The exchange rate was then made official in January 2003. The Saudi economy is one of the most influential in the world for energy resources and this guarantees the riyal a constant value.

20) Polish Zloty (PLN)

• Country: Poland
• Rate; 1 PLN = 0.2642 USD
  The Polish zloty has been the official currency of Poland since 1924. Despite joining the EU, Poland has retained its own currency, which remains stable and widely used in Eastern European trade.

The most valuable currency in euros

Let’s now look at the ranking of the strongest currencies in relation to the euro.

How does the currency market work?

The currency market, also known as Forex (short for foreign exchange), is the largest financial market in the world where currencies are bought and sold, with exchanges taking place 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday. Every day, millions of traders, including central banks, financial institutions, companies and private investors, exchange currencies for reasons ranging from speculation to commercial payments.

Exchange rates are not fixed (with rare exceptions) and move based on a variety of factors: interest rate decisions, inflation data, geopolitical situations and even sudden events such as natural disasters or banking crises.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the strongest currency in the world in 2025?
The Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) remains the strongest currency, trading at over US$3.27 per 1 KWD. This is due to a combination of political stability, abundant oil reserves and a managed exchange rate system.

2) Why are some currencies worth more than others?
The value of a currency depends on several factors: the strength of the country’s economy, the confidence of international investors, foreign exchange reserves and central bank policies. In some cases, such as the Gulf currencies, the high value is linked to a fixed peg to the dollar and economies that are heavily based on oil.

3) How is the exchange rate between two currencies determined?
The exchange rate is formed as in any market: by the meeting of supply and demand. If interest in a currency grows, its value rises compared to others. However, central banks can intervene to stabilize or direct the exchange rate, especially in fixed or controlled exchange rate systems.

4) How can I start investing in the currency market (Forex)
To start trading in forex, it is advisable to acquire a thorough knowledge of the financial markets, learning to read charts, understand economic news and manage risk. It is important to choose a regulated trading platform and, above all, never invest more than you are willing to lose. Alternatively, you can turn to an experienced financial advisor.

5) What is the difference between a fixed and floating exchange rate?
In a fixed rate system, one currency is pegged to another (usually the dollar or the euro) and the value is kept stable by the central bank. In a floating rate system, however, the exchange rate moves freely based on the market. Most world currencies today use a floating system, while those of the Persian Gulf follow a fixed exchange rate.

Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Le 20 monete più forti al mondo nel 2025. Classifica aggiornata