Key Facts: Mauritania vs North Macedonia Wages
- Mauritania Minimum Wage
- UM30,000/mo ($750 USD)
- North Macedonia Minimum Wage
- ден207/hr ($3.95 USD)
- Mauritania Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- UM65,000 /mo ($1,625 USD)
- North Macedonia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ден55,000 /mo ($1,050.62 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère du Travail de Mauritanie (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia (2026-02-25)
Mauritania
North Macedonia
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Mauritania is roughly 190 times higher than in North Macedonia in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Mauritania at $1,625/mo compared to $1,051/mo in North Macedonia. GDP per capita (PPP) in North Macedonia is 3.7x that of Mauritania, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Mauritania has lower GDP per capita ($7,369 vs $26,995). Mauritania's unemployment rate is 10.3% compared to North Macedonia's 12.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Mauritania | North Macedonia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | ден207 $3.95 |
| Minimum wage /day | UM1,200 $30 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | UM30,000 $750 | ден36,037 $688.39 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | ден432,444 $8,260.63 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | UM65,000 /mo $1,625 | ден55,000 /mo $1,050.62 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | ден38,000 /mo $725.88 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | ден264,000 /yr $5,042.98 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Mauritania is higher.
Work Week
- Mauritania
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week, with Friday as the rest day. Arabic is the official language; French widely used in business. Some sectors may observe Thursday–Friday weekends.
- North Macedonia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.35x pay
Labour Relations Law sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Overtime limited to 8 hours per week, up to 190 hours per year. Overtime premium at least 35%. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 35%. Work on rest days and holidays at least 50% premium.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from North Macedonia to Mauritania would see a 18867% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from North Macedonia's perspective: North Macedonia vs Mauritania
Compare Mauritania with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Mauritania or North Macedonia?
In Mauritania, the minimum wage is UM30,000/mo ($750 USD). In North Macedonia, it is ден207/hr ($3.95 USD). Mauritania has the higher rate by 18867% in USD terms. That nominal gap does not account for local prices; see the purchasing power comparison below for a cost-of-living-adjusted view. Workers in North Macedonia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Mauritania compared to North Macedonia?
The average gross salary in Mauritania is UM65,000/mo ($1,625 USD), compared to ден55,000/mo ($1,050.62 USD) in North Macedonia. In USD terms, workers in Mauritania earn approximately 55% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mauritania and North Macedonia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Mauritania earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in North Macedonia.
How do work hours compare between Mauritania and North Macedonia?
Both Mauritania and North Macedonia 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 Mauritania and North Macedonia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. North Macedonia has the higher GDP per capita at $26,995, which is 3.7x that of Mauritania at $7,369. From Mauritania'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.