These 10 Countries Have the Lowest Wages in the World

Written by Morten Lyhne Petersen

Jan.15 - 2025 2:59 PM CET

World
Photo: 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com
Photo: 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com
Here are the nations where wages are at their lowest.

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Despite global efforts to improve working conditions and establish fair minimum wages, many people still live under economic conditions that make it difficult to meet even basic needs.

Several countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, struggle with low wage levels often resulting from political instability, lack of industrialization, or structural economic challenges.

This article explores the 10 countries with the lowest minimum wages globally.

We examine how historical, economic, and social factors have contributed to these nations' financial situations and what it means for their citizens.

10. Ethiopia

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Minimum Wage: $75.39 per month

Ethiopia is renowned for its rich history spanning thousands of years.

However, despite its cultural heritage, the country faces significant economic challenges, including high unemployment and limited industrial development.

9. Nigeria

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Minimum Wage: $72.41 per month

Nigeria boasts one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and a thriving oil industry.

Yet, many workers face financial hardship due to high inflation and significant income inequality.

8. Haiti

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Minimum Wage: $68.17 per month

Haiti’s economy is marked by political instability and frequent natural disasters.

These factors have led to low wage levels and limited economic opportunities for its population.

7. Mali

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Minimum Wage: $57.17 per month

Mali, a landlocked West African nation, relies heavily on agriculture.

Poor infrastructure and ongoing conflicts have further exacerbated its economic difficulties.

6. Eritrea

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Minimum Wage: $43.95 per month

Eritrea, an East African country, struggles with international isolation and a lack of investments.

These issues have resulted in slow economic growth and limited job opportunities.

5. Myanmar

Photo: SHEE HENG CHONG / Shutterstock.com

Minimum Wage: $33.50 per month

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a nation shaped by political instability and a predominantly agricultural economy.

These factors contribute to the exceptionally low wages for many workers.

4. Sierra Leone

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Minimum Wage: $30.57 per month

Sierra Leone has endured decades of conflict, which have had severe consequences for the nation’s economy.

Many live below the poverty line due to extremely low wages.

3. Kyrgyzstan

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Minimum Wage: $27.63 per month

Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian country, suffers from limited resources and dependency on foreign investments.

This dependency has resulted in persistently low wage levels.

2. Georgia

Photo: Georgia

Minimum Wage: $23.31 per month

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia has made some progress with economic reforms.

However, corruption and unequal resource distribution continue to hinder its development.

1. Bangladesh

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Minimum Wage: $13.71 per month

Known for its textile industry, Bangladesh has one of the lowest minimum wages in the world.

This low level is driven by reliance on cheap labor, which makes the country appealing to foreign companies.