While the U.S. dollar (USD) is the most traded and widely used currency globally, it’s not the strongest currency. Some currencies are worth more than the dollar, meaning fewer units are needed to buy one U.S. dollar. These currencies are mainly supported by strong economies, oil exports, or pegged exchange rates.
Here’s a look at the 10 strongest currencies in the world in 2026, based on their value against the U.S. dollar.
1. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
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Value: 1 KWD = $3.26
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Overview: The Kuwaiti dinar is the world’s strongest currency. Introduced in the 1960s, it was initially pegged to the British pound and later re-pegged to a basket of currencies. Kuwait earns much of its wealth from oil exports.
2. Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
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Value: 1 BHD = $2.65
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Overview: Bahrain is an island nation rich in oil and gas. The Bahraini dinar has been in circulation since 1965 and is pegged to the U.S. dollar.
3. Omani Rial (OMR)
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Value: 1 OMR = $2.60
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Overview: Oman’s economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas. The Omani rial was introduced in the 1970s and is pegged to the dollar.
4. Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
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Value: 1 JOD = $1.41
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Overview: Jordan has a less oil-dependent economy. Its currency, introduced in 1950, is pegged to the dollar.
5. British Pound (GBP)
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Value: 1 GBP = $1.22
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Overview: The British pound is one of the oldest currencies still in use, first introduced in the 1400s. It’s free-floating and not pegged to other currencies.
6. Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) (Tie)
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Value: 1 KYD = $1.20
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Overview: The Cayman Islands dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar and used mainly in this British Caribbean territory, a popular offshore financial hub.
6. Gibraltar Pound (GIP) (Tie)
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Value: 1 GIP = $1.22
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Overview: Pegged to the British pound at par, the Gibraltar pound is used in this small British territory at the southern tip of Spain.
8. Swiss Franc (CHF) (Tie)
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Value: 1 CHF = $1.08
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Overview: Switzerland’s franc is seen as a safe-haven currency due to political stability. It’s used in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and is free-floating.
8. Euro (EUR) (Tie)
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Value: 1 EUR = $1.08
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Overview: The euro is the official currency for 20 EU countries. Introduced in 2002, it is also free-floating.
10. U.S. Dollar (USD)
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Value: 1 USD = $1
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Overview: While the dollar is the most-traded and widely used currency globally, it ranks 10th in terms of value. It’s also the primary reserve currency used to price commodities like oil, gold, and copper.
How Currency Strength Works
Currencies are valued relative to others, often in pairs like USD/GBP. Most currencies are floating, changing with supply and demand, while some are pegged to a stronger currency.
Stronger currencies make international travel cheaper for holders, but can make exports from that country more expensive.
