The ranking compares how much one unit of each currency can buy in US dollars, highlighting the enduring strength of several Middle Eastern currencies that are backed by energy exports, currency pegs and substantial sovereign wealth reserves.

According to the Seasia Stats research, one Kuwaiti dinar currently buys approximately $3.24 , placing it well ahead of every major global currency. The Bahraini dinar ranked second at $2.65 , followed closely by the Omani dinar at $2.60 .

The Jordanian dinar and the British pound rounded out the top five, while the Cayman Islands dollar, Swiss franc and euro also traded above parity with the US currency.

Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman all maintain exchange rate systems closely linked to the US dollar, helping stabilise their currencies against volatility in global markets.

Kuwait’s dinar, first introduced in 1961, has long been regarded as one of the strongest currencies globally due to the country’s massive oil reserves, relatively small population and strong external financial position.

The Kuwaiti central bank manages the dinar through a basket-based exchange system designed to reduce exposure to fluctuations in any single foreign currency.

Similarly, Bahrain and Oman benefit from significant oil and gas revenues that help sustain investor confidence and foreign reserve strength.

Analysts note that a “strong” currency in nominal terms does not necessarily mean a country has the world’s largest economy. Instead, it reflects the exchange value of one unit of currency relative to another.

The British pound ranked fifth on the list, with one pound buying around $1.25.

Sterling remains one of the world’s oldest continuously used currencies and continues to play a central role in global finance despite economic pressures linked to inflation, Brexit-related trade shifts and slowing growth in the United Kingdom.

Currency strategists say the pound’s resilience is supported by London’s role as a global financial hub and investor confidence in UK financial institutions.

The Swiss franc and euro also appeared among currencies stronger than the US dollar.

The Swiss franc, often viewed as a global safe-haven asset during economic uncertainty, traded at roughly $1.11 per franc in the Seasia Stats ranking.

Switzerland’s political neutrality, low inflation environment and stable banking system have historically strengthened demand for the currency during periods of geopolitical instability.

The euro, used by 20 European Union member states, remained slightly above the US dollar at around $1.04.

Although the euro has faced pressure in recent years from energy crises, inflation and slower industrial growth in parts of Europe , it remains the world’s second-largest reserve currency after the US dollar.

Despite several currencies holding higher nominal values than the dollar, the US currency remains the dominant force in global finance.

The dollar accounts for the majority of international trade settlements, central bank reserves and cross-border borrowing worldwide, according to International Monetary Fund and Bank for International Settlements data.

The US Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies also continue to heavily influence global currency markets, often affecting capital flows into emerging and developed economies alike.

The rankings highlight stark contrasts between countries where citizens enjoy open access to information and those where governments maintain heavy censorship, surveillance and platform restrictions.

Thailand topped the list of countries with the most restricted internet environment, scoring just 39 points on Freedom House’s internet freedom scale . Turkey followed with 31, while Uzbekistan, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates also ranked among the world’s most digitally restrictive states.

Pakistan, Venezuela, Russia, Iran and China rounded out the bottom tier, reflecting ongoing concerns around state surveillance, content filtering, arrests linked to online activity and restrictions on foreign platforms.

Freedom House evaluates countries using factors including internet accessibility, limits on content, and violations of user rights. Lower scores indicate harsher restrictions and weaker digital freedoms.

China, despite having one of the world’s most advanced digital ecosystems, continues to maintain what analysts describe as the most sophisticated censorship apparatus globally. Authorities tightly control social media , search engines and online discourse through the country’s “Great Firewall,” blocking major Western platforms such as Google, Facebook, X and YouTube.

Russia and Iran have also intensified online controls in recent years, particularly during periods of political unrest and geopolitical tension. Both governments have expanded surveillance capabilities and introduced stricter regulations targeting journalists, activists and independent media operating online.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam have increasingly faced criticism from digital rights organisations over the use of lèse-majesté laws, cybercrime legislation and state monitoring tools to police online expression.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Iceland ranked as the world’s freest internet environment with a score of 94. Estonia followed closely with 91, while Canada, the Netherlands and Japan also ranked highly for strong protections around free expression, digital privacy and open access to information.

European nations dominated the top positions, reflecting long-standing legal protections for civil liberties and stricter oversight of government surveillance practices.

The United Kingdom, France and Germany all remained within the “free internet” category, although watchdogs have raised concerns in recent years over expanding online safety legislation and data retention powers.

The United States scored 73, placing it below several European peers. Freedom House has previously cited concerns over misinformation, online harassment, political polarisation and the growing influence of private technology companies over public discourse.

Several major emerging economies fell into a middle category described as “partly restricted.” Brazil and South Korea each scored 65, while Mexico, the Philippines and Ukraine followed closely behind.

India, the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing digital markets, scored 51. Freedom House has repeatedly pointed to internet shutdowns, particularly in Kashmir, alongside increasing pressure on technology platforms and journalists.

Singapore and Indonesia also appeared in the partially restricted category, reflecting what analysts say is a broader trend among governments seeking tighter control over digital narratives while maintaining relatively open internet infrastructure.

Digital rights advocates warn that internet freedom worldwide has declined for more than a decade as governments adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to monitor and influence online activity.

Freedom House researchers have also highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence, biometric surveillance and state-backed disinformation campaigns as emerging threats to online freedom globally.

While highly connected societies continue to benefit from open digital ecosystems, the data suggests that access alone no longer defines internet freedom. Instead, the ability to communicate without censorship, surveillance or political intimidation has become the defining measure of digital liberty in the modern era.

“After nearly 15 days of systematic road blockades, the entire health system of the City of La Paz <…> is under a logistical siege that places us on the verge of total shortages and institutional collapse,” said Alfredo Mendoza, director of the Children ’s Hospital.

Doctor Luis Larrea also blamed the blockades for worsening conditions inside hospitals.

“Today we are saying it; we do not want tomorrow to come out with an announcement that some patient has died. We doctors, will not be responsible for this blockade,” he said.

The shortages have directly affected patients who rely on continuous treatment and oxygen supplies.

“I still struggle a lot to breathe, especially those carrying out the blockades; have a heart so that at least they allow medicines to pass through, please,” said patient Elias Colque Huaywa.

The crisis comes amid nationwide protests against President Rodrigo Paz. Demonstrations led by unions, peasant groups, miners, and other organisations have blocked major roads while demanding government action over the economic crisis and calling for the president’s resignation.

The blockades have particularly affected routes leading into La Paz and El Alto, limiting access for fuel trucks and supply vehicles.

According to Bolivia’s Ministry of Health, at least four tonnes of medical oxygen failed to reach hospitals because of roadblocks in different parts of the country.

The political and economic unrest has also disrupted food supplies. Authorities and local reports say shortages of products, including beef and chicken, have been reported in La Paz, while several businesses remain closed.

The protests have also reportedly led to riots and looting, including major incidents on Monday. Demonstrators are demanding solutions to shortages, concerns over fuel quality, and broader economic problems linked to the government of President Rodrigo Paz.

Paz called on protesters on Wednesday to allow the creation of humanitarian corridors to hospitals.