The largest and most valuable currency in the global market in 2025

In a world with over 180 countries, the value of each country’s currency is not the same. Some currencies can only be exchanged for a fraction of a dollar, while others have strong purchasing power. Why is this the case? The reasons lie in economic stability, monetary policy, and the demand for that currency in the global market. This article analyzes the highest-valued currencies in 2025 and reveals why these currencies are so strong.

Top 3 Currencies: Oil Exporting Powerhouses

1. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) - The world’s highest-valued currency

Besides being a major oil-exporting country, Kuwait also supports its currency to maintain a high value. Currently, 1 KWD can be exchanged for up to 3.26 USD, making it the most powerful currency in the world.

Kuwait produces about 3 million barrels of oil per day, ranking 10th among global oil exporters. Revenue from oil is used to build national wealth, with GDP per capita exceeding $20,000 annually. Kuwait’s monetary policy pegs its currency to a basket of reference currencies to maintain stability and support the KWD with assets in precious metals.

2. Bahraini Dinar (BHD) - The second most valuable currency

Bahrain is another oil-exporting country in the Persian Gulf. 1 BHD = 2.65 USD since 2001. The country has directly pegged its currency to the US dollar.

Bahrain’s inflation rate is only 0.8%, very low, which contributes to high stability of the BHD. Although its economy is not solely dependent on oil, Bahrain also strives to diversify as a financial hub, resulting in a GDP per capita of over $20,000.

3. Omani Rial (OMR) - An established oil-exporting country

The Omani Rial (OMR) ranks third in value, with 1 OMR = 2.60 USD. Its financial strength comes from the energy industry. Oman produces 1 million barrels of oil daily, ranking 21st in the world.

Oman’s economy grew by 4.1% YoY, driven by oil and natural gas exports. The OMR is pegged to the US dollar, helping to maintain long-term stability.

Other high-value currencies

Jordanian Dinar (JOD) - An economy not reliant on oil

However, 1 JOD = 1.41 USD, placing Jordan in the top 5. Jordan’s economy is quite different—unlike its oil-rich neighbors, it does not depend on oil. The economy grew by 2.7% YoY, with a GDP per capita of $3,891, which is less than a third of oil-producing countries.

Despite running a current account deficit for decades, Jordan maintains international reserves of $13.533 billion to stabilize the JOD.

British Pound Sterling (GBP) - A financial legacy

1 GBP = 1.33 USD. The pound sterling is about 1,200 years old. The UK has used the pound since the Anglo-Saxon era. During the 18th-19th centuries, the gold standard made this currency a benchmark for international trade.

Today, the UK ranks 6th in the world economy, accounting for 3% of global GDP. London is a leading financial center, with the technology sector valued at over $1 trillion, ranking third globally after the USA and China. The GBP is widely accepted in global markets.

Swiss Franc (CHF) - The shield of stability

1 CHF = 1.21 USD. The Swiss Franc has been used since the 18th century as a safe haven currency. Swiss law requires the Swiss National Bank to hold at least 40% gold reserves to support the currency.

During Greece’s debt crisis, Switzerland became a refuge for capital, causing the franc to appreciate rapidly. The Swiss National Bank intervened to balance the market. Today, CHF remains a popular reserve currency among institutional investors.

( Gibraltar Pound )GIP### and Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)

Gibraltar Pound (1 GIP = 1.33 USD) is used only in the British territory at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, pegged 1:1 to the GBP.

Cayman Islands Dollar (1 KYD = 1.20 USD) is the currency of a leading offshore financial center. Since 1972, it has been pegged at 1.20 USD.

( Euro )EUR### - The union of currencies

1 EUR = 1.13 USD. The euro was introduced in 1999 as the common currency for 20 European Union member countries. In the late 1990s, the euro was more expensive than the US dollar at its peak—up to 1 EUR = 1.6 USD in 2008.

Today, the euro is the second-largest international reserve currency, accounting for 19.58% of official foreign reserves and 29.31% of the IMF’s SDR basket.

Exchange Rate Comparison Table

Summary: High Value ≠ Always Safe

The high-value currencies in 2025 mainly come from two sources—oil-exporting countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) and stable financial powers (UK, Switzerland).

Investors should not rely solely on exchange rates when holding currencies in their portfolios. They should also consider the credibility of the issuing government, economic stability, and monetary policy. The global financial markets this year continue to favor USD, Euro, and CHF as safe options.