Global Currency Strength Rankings: Top 10 Most Valuable Currencies Against the Dollar
In the complex world of international finance, currency strength is primarily measured by how much a single unit can purchase in United States dollars. According to data from Open Exchange as of February 2026, several currencies maintain significant strength against the US dollar, with Middle Eastern currencies dominating the upper echelons of the rankings due to their oil-backed economic foundations.
Middle Eastern Dominance in Currency Rankings
The global currency landscape continues to showcase the economic power of oil-producing nations, with several Middle Eastern currencies maintaining their positions as the world's strongest by unit value. This dominance reflects the ongoing influence of energy exports on national economies and currency valuations.
The World's Ten Strongest Currencies
- Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
The Kuwaiti dinar retains its position as the world's strongest currency, with one dinar currently valued at approximately $3.25. This means that one US dollar exchanges for roughly 0.30 KWD. Kuwait's currency strength is fundamentally supported by the nation's oil-driven economy, as it remains one of the Middle East's major crude oil exporters.
- Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
The Bahraini dinar holds second position with a value of about $2.65 per unit, making $1 equivalent to approximately 0.37 BHD. Economic data reveals that Bahrain has developed one of the most diversified economies in the Gulf region, with non-oil activities accounting for nearly 86% of its GDP in 2024. The dinar, introduced in 1965, maintains an official peg to the US dollar.
- Omani Rial (OMR)
Oman's currency ranks third with the Omani rial currently worth around $2.60, or about 0.38 OMR per dollar. Introduced in the 1970s, this currency reflects Oman's continued reliance on oil and gas exports, which play a major role in supporting the country's overall economic framework.
- Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
The Jordanian dinar occupies fourth position on the list, with one dinar valued at roughly $1.41. This valuation means that $1 exchanges for about 0.70 JOD. Unlike many of its regional neighbors, Jordan's economy demonstrates less dependence on oil resources, though the country faces economic pressures related to slow growth patterns and rising public debt levels.
- British Pound Sterling (GBP)
The British pound maintains its status as one of the world's strongest currencies, currently worth about $1.37, with $1 equal to roughly £0.72. As one of the world's oldest currencies still in circulation, the pound has been in use for centuries and underwent official decimalization in 1971.
- Gibraltar Pound (GIP)
The Gibraltar pound holds sixth position, maintaining a fixed peg to the British pound sterling, which means it moves in direct correlation with the UK currency. Introduced in the 1920s, this currency serves Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of Spain.
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
The Swiss franc demonstrates significant strength with a valuation of around $1.28, meaning $1 exchanges for about 0.77 CHF. First introduced in 1850, the franc is widely regarded as a safe-haven currency, supported by Switzerland's renowned political stability and robust financial system.
- Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
The Cayman Islands dollar trades at approximately $1.19 per unit, making $1 worth roughly 0.83 KYD. Introduced in the 1970s, this currency maintains a peg to the US dollar. The Cayman Islands has established itself as a globally recognized offshore financial center.
- Euro (EUR)
The euro, which entered physical circulation in 2002, serves as the official currency for 20 out of the European Union's 27 member states. Currently, one euro purchases about $1.18, making $1 worth approximately €0.84.
- US Dollar (USD)
The United States dollar completes the top ten list, with most global currencies valued at less than $1 per unit. Created in the 1700s, the dollar remains the world's most traded currency and serves as legal tender in the United States and several other nations, including Ecuador. The US economy continues to maintain its position as the world's largest by gross domestic product.
Currency Strength Measurement Methodology
Global currency strength assessment typically focuses on how much a single unit of currency can purchase in US dollars, rather than evaluating how widely the currency circulates internationally. This measurement approach provides clear insights into relative currency values and economic standing among nations.
Regional Economic Influences on Currency Values
The continued dominance of Middle Eastern currencies in the top rankings highlights the persistent influence of oil-backed economies on currency strength. Meanwhile, traditional European currencies like the British pound, euro, and Swiss franc maintain their positions among the world's strongest, reflecting established economic systems and financial stability.
Currency valuations remain dynamic indicators of national economic health, influenced by factors including natural resource wealth, economic diversification, political stability, and international trade relationships. The February 2026 rankings demonstrate both continuity in currency hierarchies and the ongoing economic realities shaping global financial markets.
