Key Facts: Gambia vs Sweden Wages
- Gambia Minimum Wage
- D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD)
- Sweden Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Gambia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- D8,000 /mo ($107.90 USD)
- Sweden Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr40,000 /mo ($4,317.74 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / Gambia Bureau of Statistics / Department of Labour (2026-02-25), Medlingsinstitutet (Swedish National Mediation Office) (2026-02-24)
Gambia
Sweden
Updated 2026-02-25
Unlike Sweden, 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 $4,318/mo in Sweden, a 40.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Sweden is 20.7x that of Gambia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Gambia has lower GDP per capita ($3,476 vs $71,845). The Gambia's unemployment rate is 6.5% compared to Sweden's 8.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Gambia | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /day | D50 $0.67 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | D1,300 $17.53 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | D8,000 /mo $107.90 | 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 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.
- 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 Gambia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Gambia or Sweden?
In the Gambia, the minimum wage is D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD). In Sweden, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Gambia compared to Sweden?
The average gross salary in the Gambia is D8,000/mo ($107.90 USD), compared to kr40,000/mo ($4,317.74 USD) in Sweden. In USD terms, workers in the Gambia earn approximately 3901% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Gambia 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 Gambia.
How do work hours compare between Gambia and Sweden?
Both Gambia 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 Gambia 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 20.7x 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.