Key Facts: Republic of the Congo vs Sweden Wages
- Republic of the Congo Minimum Wage
- FCFA90,000/mo ($161.58 USD)
- Sweden Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Republic of the Congo Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA280,000 /mo ($502.69 USD)
- Sweden Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr40,000 /mo ($4,317.74 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministère du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale (Congo-Brazzaville) (2026-02-25), Medlingsinstitutet (Swedish National Mediation Office) (2026-02-24)
Republic of the Congo
Sweden
Updated 2026-02-25
Unlike Sweden, which has no statutory minimum wage, the Republic of the Congo mandates a wage floor of $162/mo. Average gross salaries diverge further: $503/mo in the Republic of the Congo versus $4,318/mo in Sweden, a 8.6:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Sweden is 10.2x that of Republic of the Congo, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Republic of the Congo has lower GDP per capita ($7,026 vs $71,845). The Republic of the Congo's unemployment rate is 19.9% compared to Sweden's 8.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Republic of the Congo | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA90,000 $161.58 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA280,000 /mo $502.69 | kr40,000 /mo $4,317.74 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | kr30,000 /mo $3,238.31 |
| Median individual income /yr | FCFA480,000 /yr $861.76 | kr367,000 /yr $39,615.29 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Republic of the Congo is higher.
Work Week
- Republic of the Congo
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week in the formal sector. Maximum 48 hours with overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x for the first 8 hours, 2x thereafter. Sunday is the statutory rest day.
- 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 Republic of the Congo
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Republic of the Congo or Sweden?
In the Republic of the Congo, the minimum wage is FCFA90,000/mo ($161.58 USD). In Sweden, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Republic of the Congo compared to Sweden?
The average gross salary in the Republic of the Congo is FCFA280,000/mo ($502.69 USD), compared to kr40,000/mo ($4,317.74 USD) in Sweden. In USD terms, workers in the Republic of the Congo earn approximately 759% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Republic of the Congo 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 Republic of the Congo.
How do work hours compare between Republic of the Congo and Sweden?
Both Republic of the Congo 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 Republic of the Congo 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 10.2x that of Republic of the Congo at $7,026. From the Republic of the Congo'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.