Brazil

worst currencies brazil real 3

Brazil's real plunged 32.9% against the dollar this year. Brazil is dependent on exporting agriculture and raw materials like oil, sugar, coffee and metals. Commodity prices have collapsed, hitting Brazil's finances.

Then there is corruption. A scandal involving Brazil's oil giant Petrobras has spread to the highest levels of business and politics, shaking the nation to its roots.

Related: Brazil's credit rating downgraded to junk

First published December 31, 2015: 6:45 PM ET

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