Currency Power: The World’s Most Valuable Money in 2026

Global currency strength is commonly measured by how much one unit of a currency can buy in US dollars. While economic size matters, exchange rate value often reflects monetary policy choices, pegs, inflation control, and strategic resource management.

Using exchange rates as of February 2026, data from Open Exchange via a currency converter shows that several Middle Eastern and European currencies continue to dominate the list of the world’s strongest currencies.

Here are the Top 10 Strongest Currencies in the World in 2026:

1. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

The Kuwaiti dinar remains the world’s strongest currency.

1 KWD ≈ $3.25

$1 ≈ 0.30 KWD

Kuwait’s currency strength is largely supported by its vast oil reserves, prudent fiscal management, and limited money supply.

2. Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

1 BHD ≈ $2.65

$1 ≈ 0.37 BHD

Introduced in 1965 and pegged to the US dollar, the Bahraini dinar benefits from one of the Gulf’s most diversified economies. Notably, Bahrain’s non-oil sector contributed nearly 86% of GDP in 2024.

3. Omani Rial (OMR)

1 OMR ≈ $2.60

$1 ≈ 0.38 OMR

The Omani rial, introduced in the 1970s, reflects Oman’s strong oil and gas export base and conservative monetary policy.

4. Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

1 JOD ≈ $1.41

$1 ≈ 0.70 JOD

Despite limited natural resources, the Jordanian dinar remains strong due to a long-standing peg to the US dollar, though the country faces economic pressures from slow growth and rising public debt.

5. British Pound Sterling (GBP)

1 GBP ≈ $1.37

$1 ≈ £0.72

One of the world’s oldest currencies still in use, the British pound has been in circulation for centuries and was decimalised in 1971.

6. Gibraltar Pound (GIP)

The Gibraltar pound is pegged at par with the British pound and moves in lockstep with sterling. It has been used in the British Overseas Territory since the 1920s.

7. Swiss Franc (CHF)

1 CHF ≈ $1.28

$1 ≈ 0.77 CHF

Introduced in 1850, the Swiss franc is widely regarded as a global safe-haven currency, backed by Switzerland’s political neutrality, low inflation, and strong banking system.

8. Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)

1 KYD ≈ $1.19

$1 ≈ 0.83 KYD

Pegged to the US dollar, the Cayman Islands dollar reflects the territory’s status as a major offshore financial and investment hub.

9. Euro (EUR)

1 EUR ≈ $1.18

$1 ≈ €0.84

The euro, introduced in physical form in 2002, is the official currency of 20 out of 27 European Union member states, making it one of the most influential currencies globally.

10. US Dollar (USD)

The US dollar completes the top 10. While many currencies are valued below $1 per unit, the dollar remains the world’s most traded currency and the dominant global reserve currency. Created in the 1700s, it is legal tender not only in the United States but also in several other countries, including Ecuador.

A strong currency does not always equate to a strong economy. Many of the world’s most valuable currencies are deliberately kept strong through pegs and controlled supply, while larger economies often prefer more flexible exchange rates to support exports and growth.