Key Facts: Gambia vs Finland Wages
- Gambia Minimum Wage
- D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD)
- Finland Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Gambia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- D8,000 /mo ($107.90 USD)
- Finland Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- €3,900 /mo ($4,541.75 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / Gambia Bureau of Statistics / Department of Labour (2026-02-25), Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (Työ- ja elinkeinoministeriö) (2026-02-24)
Gambia
Finland
Updated 2026-02-25
Unlike Finland, which has no statutory minimum wage, the Gambia mandates a wage floor of $18/mo. Average gross salaries diverge further: $108/mo in the Gambia versus $4,542/mo in Finland, a 42.1:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Finland is 18.8x that of Gambia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Gambia has lower GDP per capita ($3,476 vs $65,378). The Gambia's unemployment rate is 6.5% compared to Finland's 9.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Gambia | Finland |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /day | D50 $0.67 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | D1,300 $17.53 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | D8,000 /mo $107.90 | €3,900 /mo $4,541.75 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | €2,700 /mo $3,144.29 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | €35,000 /yr $40,759.29 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Gambia is higher.
Work Week
- Gambia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard working week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Overtime is payable at 1.5x for weekdays and 2x for Sundays and public holidays.
- Finland
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (Working Hours Act / Työaikalaki). Regular daily working hours are 8 hours. Overtime for the first 2 hours is compensated at 150% and subsequent hours at 200%. Maximum overtime is 250 hours per calendar year. EU Working Time Directive limits average to 48 hrs/week.
See this comparison from Finland's perspective: Finland vs Gambia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Gambia or Finland?
In the Gambia, the minimum wage is D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD). In Finland, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Gambia compared to Finland?
The average gross salary in the Gambia is D8,000/mo ($107.90 USD), compared to €3,900/mo ($4,541.75 USD) in Finland. In USD terms, workers in the Gambia earn approximately 4109% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Gambia and Finland is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Finland earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Gambia.
How do work hours compare between Gambia and Finland?
Both Gambia and Finland 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 Gambia and Finland?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Finland has the higher GDP per capita at $65,378, which is 18.8x that of Gambia at $3,476. From the Gambia'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.