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Business Insider
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 10 countries with the lowest reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2025
A nation's gold and foreign exchange reserves are more than just accounting numbers in the linked global economy of today; they are a crucial indicator of its strategic capacity and economic resilience. Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 countries with the lowest reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2025. This list is courtesy of Global Firepower. Somalia ranks number 1 on the list. A number of vulnerabilities are present in nations with inadequate reserves, and these difficulties are particularly noticeable in many African countries that are struggling with debt, inflation, and currency instability. In times of crisis, a government's capacity to act in the currency market to maintain its national currency is limited by low gold and foreign exchange reserves. A country that lacks an adequate buffer is vulnerable to severe currency depreciation, which raises the price of everything from gasoline and food to machinery and medications. This increases societal dissatisfaction and reduces consumer purchasing power. Furthermore, low reserves reduce investor trust. International investors regard countries with limited reserves as high-risk, resulting in capital flight and a substantial drop in foreign direct investment. Credit rating agencies may downgrade such nations, raising borrowing costs and further straining governmental budgets. It creates a vicious cycle: low reserves contribute to negative investor sentiment, which fuels further economic instability. Low reserves also hinder a country's capacity to repay foreign debt, increasing its reliance on international rescues such as the IMF. While such bailouts may provide temporary respite, they are sometimes accompanied with stringent restrictions, like austerity measures, which can be politically unpopular and socially disruptive. This reliance reduces a country's budgetary sovereignty and limits its ability to establish economic policies. Furthermore, low reserves limit a country's ability to import crucial commodities and services, such as electricity and food, potentially leading to shortages and increased civil discontent. For some African countries, whose economies rely significantly on imports, this poses a direct danger to national security and progress. In the context of global power rankings such as Global Firepower, a low level of reserves indicates a deeper weakness in economic preparation. Top 10 countries with the lowest reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2025 Rank Country Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold by Country (2025) 1. Somalia $16,747,500 2. Burkina Faso $47,138,000 3. Zimbabwe $115,530,000 4. South Sudan $183,615,000 5. Sudan $206,763,700 6. Chad $211,591,000 7. Eritrea $225,014,976 8. Syria $341,962,500 9. Central Africa Republic $374,405,000 10. Beliz $473,729,000
Business Insider
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 10 countries with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2025
Countries with substantial foreign exchange and gold reserves are better positioned to preserve stability and safeguard their national interests at a period of rising economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and volatile commodities markets. Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 countries with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2025. This list is courtesy of Global Firepower. China ranks number 1 on the list. These reserves, which are composed of gold holdings and foreign currencies like the US dollar and euro, act as a vital financial buffer. Their significance is represented in international rankings like those created by Global Firepower, which monitors national capabilities like economic strength and defense readiness. Large gold and foreign exchange reserves provide a number of strategic benefits for many nations, particularly those in Africa and the Global South. They serve as a safety net in times of emergency, to start. Countries with large reserves can utilize them to stabilize their currency, pay for necessary imports, or satisfy international debt commitments without going into default, regardless of the circumstances, a sudden economic shock, a pandemic, or a decline in commodity prices. For economies that rely heavily on imports and are impacted when the native currency depreciates, this is especially important. For example, nations with more robust reserves fared better during the COVID-19 epidemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Reserves also help to maintain currency stability. Reserves are a tool that central banks can employ to curb excessive currency volatility and interfere in foreign exchange markets. Furthermore, they increase investor trust and global credibility. Strong economic management and resilience are indicated by high reserves, and this can result in improved credit ratings and cheaper borrowing rates on global markets. Countries that seem prepared and fiscally sound have a higher chance of receiving loans or investments from international organizations. With that said, here are the countries in the world with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold, according to Global Firepower. Top 10 countries with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2025 Rank Country Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold by Country (2025) 1. China $3,450,000,000,000 2. Japan $1,295,000,000,000 3. Switzerland $863,892,000,000 4. United States $773,426,000,000 5. India $627,793,000,000 6. Russia $597,217,000,000 7. Taiwan $492,635,000,000 8. Saudi Arabia $457,949,000,000 9. South Korea $420,930,000,000 10. Singapore $359,835,000,000
Business Insider
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 10 African countries with the lowest reserves of foreign exchange and gold
In today's globalized world, a country's ability to defend its economy, stabilize its currency, and maintain strategic autonomy is heavily reliant on the strength of its foreign exchange and gold reserves. Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the lowest reserves of foreign exchange and gold. This list is courtesy of Global Firepower. Somalia ranks number 1 on the list. Low reserves are a major vulnerability for African countries, both economically and politically. This susceptibility is reflected in rankings such as the Global Firepower Index, which assesses national power by integrating military capability with key financial and economic factors, such as a country's reserves. Low foreign and gold reserves expose a country to unexpected financial shocks. Many African economies rely significantly on exports like oil, minerals, and agricultural products. When global prices for these items fall, countries with insufficient reserves struggle to meet critical imports such as food, fuel, and medicine. Without sufficient reserves, governments are unable to successfully manage currency volatility or fulfill external debts. This lack of financial cushion can result in balance-of-payments crises, in which a country is unable to meet its international commitments. Such crises frequently force governments to make difficult policy decisions, such as currency depreciation, subsidy cuts, or emergency borrowing, measures that harm ordinary residents and damage national confidence. While gold is commonly regarded as a symbolic store of wealth, it also plays an important role during periods of economic turmoil. When global markets are volatile or fiat currencies devalue, gold holds its value. Countries with limited or no gold reserves have fewer options during currency crises or inflationary periods. Unfortunately, despite being home to some of the world's largest gold-producing regions, many African governments have failed to accumulate significant gold deposits. This wasted opportunity reduces their ability to mitigate risk and contributes to long-term financial insecurity. With that said, here are the African countries with the lowest reserves of foreign exchange and gold, according to Global Firepower. Top 10 African countries with the lowest reserves of foreign exchange and gold Rank Country Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold by Country Global rank 1. Somalia $16,747,500 145th 2. Burkina Faso $47,138,000 144th 3. Zimbabwe $115,530,000 143rd 4. South Sudan $183,615,000 142nd 5. Sudan $206,763,700 141st 6. Chad $211,591,000 140th 7. Eritrea $225,014,976 139th 8. Central Africa Republic $374,405,000 137th 9. Sierra Leone $495,699,000 135th 10. Liberia $599,660,000 134th
Business Insider
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 10 African countries with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold mid-2025
Globally, a nation's reserves, especially foreign currency and gold, are sometimes used to assess its economic resilience and strategic strength in addition to its GDP and military might. Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold. This list is courtesy of Global Firepower. Libya ranks number 1 on the list. High foreign exchange and gold reserves are becoming increasingly important for African countries seeking to establish economic stability and geopolitical power. This importance is emphasized in the Global Firepower Index, which assesses a country's strength based on not only military assets but also economic factors such as national reserves. High foreign and gold reserves provide a significant buffer against economic shocks. These reserves provide a safety net for African countries that are frequently hit by volatile commodity prices, political instability, and currency changes. They allow governments to stabilize currency rates, pay for vital imports, and meet foreign debt commitments without triggering a balance-of-payments crisis. Countries with low reserves are significantly more exposed to external influences. An unexpected decline in export profits, for example, can rapidly drain reserves if there is no buffer. On the other hand, countries with large reserves may weather economic crises with greater confidence, preserving investor faith and domestic stability. When a local currency is under pressure, a central bank with substantial reserves can intervene and sell foreign currency to stabilize its value. This is especially important in Africa, where several currencies are experiencing severe depreciation due to inflation, political insecurity, or decreased export profits. Furthermore, international investors and rating agencies are actively monitoring a country's reserves. High reserves indicate good economic management and boost confidence among foreign lenders, multilateral institutions, and private investors. With that said, here are the African countries with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold, according to Global Firepower. Top 10 African countries with the highest reserves of foreign exchange and gold mid-2025 Rank Country Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold Global rank 1. Libya $92,427,000,000 32nd 2. Algeria $81,217,000,000 33rd 3. South Africa $62,492,000,000 38th 4. Nigeria $41,349,000,000 48th 5. Morocco $36,328,000,000 51st 6. Egypt $33,070,000,000 54th 7. Angola $13,942,000,000 69th 8. Tunisia $9,240,000,000 79th 9. Ivory Coast $7,583,484,000 84th 10. Kenya $7,342,000,000 86th
Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Top 10 countries with the largest combat tank fleet in 2025: Where does India rank?
List of countries by combat tank fleet strength 2025: Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, the world has become increasingly unstable. According to an earlier Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, the global military expenditure rose by 37 per cent between 2015 and 2025, with a sharp 9.4 per cent increase recorded just last year. As countries ramp up defence spending, the world appears to be edging closer to a new arms race, running counter to calls for global peace and disarmament. The global nuclear arsenal was estimated at 12,241 warheads as of January 2025, with around 9,614 in active military stockpiles and ready for potential deployment, according to the SIPRI Yearbook 2025. China, which has significantly modernised and expanded its military over recent decades, is now the world's second-largest defence spender after the United States of America. This growing investment has helped China overtake the US, Russia, and North Korea to become the world leader in tank strength, with a fleet of 6,800 combat tanks, according to the Global Firepower 2025 rankings. Several Middle Eastern and North African countries, including Egypt, Iran, Algeria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, also feature prominently in the global tank rankings, showing their sustained focus on armoured capabilities. In 2025, India is ranked 5th globally with a total of 4,201 combat tanks, placing it ahead of Pakistan, which ranks 7th with over 2,000 tanks. While there have been significant advances in warfare technology, combat tanks are still considered significant in combined arms warfare due to their capacity to deliver heavy firepower, withstand damage, and support infantry in complex terrain. Below are the top 10 countries with the largest combat tank fleet in the world, as estimated by Global Firepower Rankings 2025: Note: Total tank fleet by country is based on data from Global Firepower. Figures are current as of 2025. Estimates have been used where official data was unavailable. Cherry Gupta is an Assistant Manager - Content at The Indian Express. She is responsible for crafting compelling narratives, uncovering the latest news and developments, and driving engaging content based on data and trends to boost website traffic and audience engagement. One can connect with her on LinkedIn or by mail at ... Read More
