Key Facts: Gambia vs Iceland Wages
- Gambia Minimum Wage
- D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD)
- Iceland Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Gambia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- D8,000 /mo ($107.90 USD)
- Iceland Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr800,000 /mo ($6,478.78 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / Gambia Bureau of Statistics / Department of Labour (2026-02-25), Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun) / Statistics Iceland (2026-02-24)
Gambia
Iceland
Updated 2026-02-25
Unlike Iceland, 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 $6,479/mo in Iceland, a 60.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Iceland is 24.2x that of Gambia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Gambia has lower GDP per capita ($3,476 vs $84,257). The Gambia's unemployment rate is 6.5% compared to Iceland's 3.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Gambia | Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /day | D50 $0.67 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | D1,300 $17.53 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | D8,000 /mo $107.90 | kr800,000 /mo $6,478.78 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | kr560,000 /mo $4,535.15 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | kr7,800,000 /yr $63,168.12 |
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.
- Iceland
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.8x pay
Standard working week is 40 hours (set by collective agreements). The Act on Working Environment and Health sets maximum average of 48 hours/week per EU Working Time Directive. Overtime premiums are set by collective agreements, typically 80% premium (1.8x) for daytime overtime, higher for evenings/weekends. A landmark 2021 agreement reduced standard hours from 40 to 36 for many public sector workers, with the private sector gradually following.
See this comparison from Iceland's perspective: Iceland vs Gambia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Gambia or Iceland?
In the Gambia, the minimum wage is D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD). In Iceland, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Gambia compared to Iceland?
The average gross salary in the Gambia is D8,000/mo ($107.90 USD), compared to kr800,000/mo ($6,478.78 USD) in Iceland. In USD terms, workers in the Gambia earn approximately 5904% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Gambia and Iceland is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Iceland 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 Iceland?
Both Gambia and Iceland 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 Iceland?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Iceland has the higher GDP per capita at $84,257, which is 24.2x 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.