One of the major determinants of a country’s economy is the minimum wage- the amount of money which it’s poor earn and have to live on. The countries with the lowest minimum wages are essentially poor countries with an abundance of labor which due to a lack of scarcity then becomes quite cheap.
This cheap labor, in combination which a large population and decent infrastructure can be quite attractive to investors; especially those in the manufacturing sector. Therefore, while the reader may generally have a picture of poverty and deprivation ingrained in his mind, the outlook of these countries may not be completely bad.
Nevertheless, for the purpose of stating the facts, these are some of the countries with the lowest minimum wages. This article may also explore the politics behind their economies, and what prospects lay ahead in front of them.
The Global Floor: Top 10 Countries With The Lowest Minimum Wage (2025)
**Disclaimer:** Some countries, such as India, set complex, variable minimum wages by state, sector, and skill level, making a single national average difficult to calculate. Others, like Sweden and Denmark, have no government-mandated minimum wage at all, instead relying on strong collective bargaining agreements that result in high *de facto* wages. These countries are not included in this “lowest” list.
Here are the 10 countries with the lowest minimum monthly wage in 2025.
1. Uganda
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $7 USD
Uganda consistently ranks at the very bottom of global minimum wage lists. The mandated monthly minimum has remained stagnant for decades, last updated in 1984. At approximately $7 per month, it is utterly disconnected from the modern economic reality and cost of living. The vast majority of workers survive in the informal economy, where wages are negotiated ad-hoc and are often higher than this obsolete legal minimum, but still typically below the poverty line.
2. Sierra Leone
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $20 USD
Sierra Leone established a new daily minimum wage in 2022, which translates to about $20 per month for a full-time worker. While a significant increase from the previous rate, it remains one of the world’s lowest. The country faces profound economic challenges, and for many, even this higher wage is insufficient to cover basic necessities like food, housing, and transportation.
3. Cuba
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $25 USD (Official Rate)
Cuba presents a complex case. The government sets very low official wages in Cuban Pesos (CUP). However, the state provides heavily subsidized food rations, housing, and healthcare, which effectively supplements income. Despite recent significant increases, the official minimum wage remains low in dollar terms. The dual currency system (though being phased out) and a growing private sector where wages are much higher make the “real” minimum wage difficult to quantify.
4. Bangladesh
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $48 – $75 USD (Varies by Sector)
Bangladesh sets different minimum wages for its key industrial sectors. For the massive ready-made garment industry, which employs millions, the minimum wage was raised to 12,500 Taka (approx. $113 USD) in 2023. However, for other, less organized sectors, the national minimum wage remains far lower, around 8,000 Taka (approx. $68 USD) per month. When averaged and considering all sectors, many of the country’s lowest-paid workers still fall into this very low income bracket.
5. Gambia
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $50 USD
The Gambia has a established daily minimum wage that translates to approximately $50 per month. The country’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism, with a large informal sector. This wage is critically low, especially in urban areas like Banjul, where the cost of living has risen steadily.
6. Kenya
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $60 – $120 USD (Varies by Role)
Kenya’s minimum wage varies significantly by occupation, age, and whether the job is in an urban or rural area. The lowest general minimum wage for unskilled labor in certain zones can be as low as $60 per month. For more defined roles in major cities like Nairobi, it is higher (closer to $120). However, a large portion of the workforce in agriculture and informal trade earns less than these mandated amounts.
7. Nigeria
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $66 USD (Under Review)
Nigeria’s national minimum wage is a major point of political and social contention. The current rate is 30,000 Naira per month, which hyper-inflation and a devalued currency have rendered inadequate. As of 2024, intense negotiations are ongoing between the government and labor unions to raise it significantly. While a new, higher wage is expected, the current official figure remains among the world’s lowest, and many states struggle to pay even this amount.
8. Pakistan
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $70 – $100 USD (Varies by Province)
Like India, Pakistan sets minimum wages at the provincial level, leading to a range of figures. The lowest provincial minimum wages fall within the $70-$100 per month range. However, enforcement is weak, particularly for domestic workers, agricultural laborers, and those in small-scale manufacturing, where actual pay is often well below the legal minimum.
9. Vietnam
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $90 – $130 USD (Varies by Region)
Vietnam divides the country into four regions, each with its own minimum wage. Region IV, which covers the most rural areas, has the lowest mandated minimum, hovering around $90 per month. While higher than others on this list, it is still considered very low given the rising cost of living in the country, leading to periodic strikes and demands for increase.
10. Albania
Monthly Minimum Wage: ~ $110 USD
Albania has the lowest minimum wage in Europe. While the cost of living is lower than in Western EU nations, this wage—approximately $110 per month—presents a significant challenge for workers, especially with inflation. Many Albanians seek better-paying opportunities abroad, leading to significant emigration.
Important Context and Conclusion
A list of low minimum wages only tells part of the story. Key takeaways include:
Cost of Living is Key: A wage of $100 per month can provide a very different quality of life in rural Bangladesh than in a major European city.
The Informal Economy Dominates: In most of these countries, the majority of workers are not on a formal payroll and are therefore not protected by any minimum wage laws. Their earnings are determined by daily negotiation and market forces.
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): Economists often use PPP to compare wages, which adjusts for the relative cost of goods and services in a country. A low wage in USD terms may have more purchasing power locally than the raw conversion suggests.
Enforcement is a Major Issue: Having a minimum wage law on the books is one thing; enforcing it across all industries, especially agriculture and domestic work, is another challenge entirely.
In 2025, the conversation around minimum wage in these countries continues to be intensely focused on bridging the gap between legal minimums and a living wage that allows workers and their families to live with dignity.