Key Facts: North Korea vs Tunisia Wages
- North Korea Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Tunisia Minimum Wage
- TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD)
- North Korea Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₩100,000 /mo ($111.11 USD)
- Tunisia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- TND1,200 /mo ($383.39 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / World Bank / Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU) / NK News (2026-02-25), Ministère des Affaires Sociales / SMIG/SMAG decrees (2026-02-24)
North Korea 
Tunisia
Updated 2026-02-25
North Korea has no statutory minimum wage, while Tunisia sets a floor of $1/hr. Average gross salaries diverge further: $111/mo in North Korea versus $383/mo in Tunisia, a 3.5:1 ratio. North Korea has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 3.5% compared to 15.1%.
North Korea's unemployment rate is 3.5% compared to Tunisia's 15.1%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | North Korea | Tunisia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | None | TND2.31 $0.74 |
| Minimum wage /day | None | TND16 $5.11 |
| Minimum wage /mo | None | TND480 $153.35 |
| Minimum wage /yr | None | TND5,760 $1,840.26 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₩100,000 /mo $111.11 | TND1,200 /mo $383.39 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₩90,000 /mo $100 | TND1,020 /mo $325.88 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | TND7,200 /yr $2,300.32 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means North Korea is higher.
Work Week
- North Korea
-
48 hrs/wk standard
The North Korean Labour Law formally sets an 8-hour working day. In practice, many workers are required to spend additional hours in compulsory political study, military training, and 'volunteer' labour campaigns. The actual workweek for state employees varies widely by sector and location. No independent verification of labour conditions is possible.
- Tunisia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.75x pay
Labour Code allows both 48-hour and 40-hour regimes depending on sector and collective agreements. Most industrial/services workers are on 48 hours. Overtime surcharge: 75% for daytime hours beyond standard. Night and holiday overtime receive higher premiums. The 40-hour regime is increasingly common in services and offices.
See this comparison from Tunisia's perspective: Tunisia vs North Korea
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North Korea vs Singapore Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in North Korea or Tunisia?
In North Korea, the minimum wage is no statutory minimum wage. In Tunisia, it is TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD).
How much less does the average worker earn in North Korea compared to Tunisia?
The average gross salary in North Korea is ₩100,000/mo ($111.11 USD), compared to TND1,200/mo ($383.39 USD) in Tunisia. In USD terms, workers in North Korea earn approximately 245% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between North Korea and Tunisia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Tunisia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in North Korea.
How do work hours compare between North Korea and Tunisia?
Both North Korea and Tunisia mandate a similar standard work week of 48 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.