Key Facts: Central African Republic vs Sweden Wages
- Central African Republic Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD)
- Sweden Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Central African Republic Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /mo ($134.65 USD)
- Sweden Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr40,000 /mo ($4,317.74 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code (2026-02-25), Medlingsinstitutet (Swedish National Mediation Office) (2026-02-24)
Central African Republic
Sweden
Updated 2026-02-25
Unlike Sweden, which has no statutory minimum wage, the Central African Republic mandates a wage floor of $63/mo. Average gross salaries diverge further: $135/mo in the Central African Republic versus $4,318/mo in Sweden, a 32.1:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Sweden is 56.9x that of Central African Republic, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Central African Republic has lower GDP per capita ($1,263 vs $71,845). The Central African Republic's unemployment rate is 6.3% compared to Sweden's 8.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Central African Republic | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /day | FCFA1,400 $2.51 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA35,000 $62.84 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA75,000 /mo $134.65 | kr40,000 /mo $4,317.74 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | kr30,000 /mo $3,238.31 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | kr367,000 /yr $39,615.29 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Central African Republic is higher.
Work Week
- Central African Republic
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Labour Code sets a standard 40-hour workweek, with maximum 48 hours including overtime. These provisions apply to formal employment only, which represents a small fraction of total employment. Enforcement capacity is severely constrained by institutional fragility.
- Sweden
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Standard workweek is 40 hours (Working Hours Act / Arbetstidslagen). Maximum overtime is 48 hours over 4 weeks or 200 hours per calendar year. Overtime compensation is determined by collective agreements, not statute. Many agreements provide overtime at 150-200% of normal pay. EU Working Time Directive limits average to 48 hrs/week.
See this comparison from Sweden's perspective: Sweden vs Central African Republic
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Central African Republic or Sweden?
In the Central African Republic, the minimum wage is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD). In Sweden, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Central African Republic compared to Sweden?
The average gross salary in the Central African Republic is FCFA75,000/mo ($134.65 USD), compared to kr40,000/mo ($4,317.74 USD) in Sweden. In USD terms, workers in the Central African Republic earn approximately 3107% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Central African Republic and Sweden is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Sweden earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Central African Republic.
How do work hours compare between Central African Republic and Sweden?
Both Central African Republic and Sweden mandate a similar standard work week of 40 hours. When work hours are equal, the country with the higher minimum wage delivers proportionally higher weekly earnings. Standard work week rules set the baseline; actual hours worked often differ based on industry norms and individual employment contracts.
What is the cost of living difference between Central African Republic and Sweden?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Sweden has the higher GDP per capita at $71,845, which is 56.9x that of Central African Republic at $1,263. From the Central African Republic's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a lower economic level. A higher GDP per capita generally correlates with higher wages, higher consumer prices, and greater availability of goods and services. Workers moving between these two countries should expect significant differences in rent, food, and transportation costs.