Gender Wage Gap 2012
Gender wage gap measures income disparity between men and women. Discover which countries have the highest and lowest gaps.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tanzania | 35.702 % | |
2 | South Korea | 32.69 % | |
3 | Uganda | 26.72 % | |
4 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 21.924 % | |
5 | Czech Republic | 21.25 % | |
6 | Madagascar | 20.475 % | |
7 | Ukraine | 19.98 % | |
8 | Chile | 18.805 % | |
9 | Spain | 18.75 % | |
10 | United Kingdom | 18.137 % | |
11 | Cambodia | 16.77 % | |
12 | Mauritius | 16.503 % | |
13 | Switzerland | 15.951 % | |
14 | United States | 14.761 % | |
15 | Peru | 13.561 % | |
16 | France | 12.16 % | |
17 | Gambia | 11.723 % | |
18 | South Africa | 11.003 % | |
19 | Brazil | 10.496 % | |
20 | Indonesia | 8.763 % | |
21 | Namibia | 7.852 % | |
22 | Portugal | 7.176 % | |
23 | Vietnam | 6.878 % | |
24 | Republic of Moldova | 4.321 % | |
25 | Nicaragua | 0.915 % | |
26 | Italy | 0.434 % | |
27 | Venezuela | 0.416 % | |
28 | Jamaica | 0.265 % | |
29 | Paraguay | -0.134 % | |
30 | Argentina | -0.865 % | |
31 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | -1.295 % | |
32 | Malaysia | -2.57 % | |
33 | El Salvador | -2.581 % | |
34 | Panama | -3.226 % | |
35 | Mexico | -3.598 % | |
36 | Colombia | -6.918 % | |
37 | Costa Rica | -7.238 % | |
38 | Turkey | -7.351 % | |
39 | Philippines | -8.963 % | |
40 | Samoa | -13.377 % | |
41 | Egypt | -15.751 % | |
42 | Honduras | -16.374 % |
- #1
Tanzania
- #2
South Korea
- #3
Uganda
- #4
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- #5
Czech Republic
- #6
Madagascar
- #7
Ukraine
- #8
Chile
- #9
Spain
- #10
United Kingdom
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #42
Honduras
- #41
Egypt
- #40
Samoa
- #39
Philippines
- #38
Turkey
- #37
Costa Rica
- #36
Colombia
- #35
Mexico
- #34
Panama
- #33
El Salvador
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2012, Tanzania recorded the highest Gender Wage Gap at 35.70%, while Honduras had the lowest at -16.37%. The global range highlights significant disparities in income between men and women across different countries. The average Gender Wage Gap among the 42 countries with available data was 7.24%, reflecting a persistent global issue in gender income equality.
Economic Factors Influencing the Gender Wage Gap
The economic structure of a country plays a critical role in determining its Gender Wage Gap. In Tanzania, where the gap is the highest at 35.70%, the economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, a sector where men typically dominate higher-paying roles. Similarly, South Korea with a gap of 32.69%, has a strong manufacturing sector that traditionally employs more men in high-paying positions. Conversely, countries like Honduras and Egypt, with negative gaps of -16.37% and -15.75% respectively, may reflect higher female participation in sectors like services, where wage differences are often less pronounced.
Policy and Cultural Influences on Wage Disparities
Government policies and cultural norms significantly impact gender wage disparities. In South Korea, societal expectations often discourage women from pursuing long-term careers, contributing to its high gap of 32.69%. In contrast, countries like Philippines and Samoa with gaps of -8.96% and -13.38% respectively, benefit from progressive policies promoting gender equality and higher female labor force participation. These policies can mitigate traditional barriers and result in more equitable wage distribution.
Geographic and Demographic Patterns
Geographic and demographic factors also shape the Gender Wage Gap. In regions with high urbanization, such as United Kingdom and Spain with gaps of 18.14% and 18.75% respectively, the concentration of industries in urban areas can lead to increased competition and wage disparities. Conversely, countries with significant rural populations, like Uganda and Madagascar with gaps of 26.72% and 20.48%, may see larger disparities due to limited access to diverse employment opportunities for women.
Implications of the Gender Wage Gap
The persistent Gender Wage Gap has far-reaching implications for economic growth and social development. Countries with high gaps, such as Czech Republic at 21.25%, may experience slower economic growth due to underutilization of female talent. On the other hand, countries with smaller or negative gaps, like Colombia and Mexico with gaps of -6.92% and -3.60%, can leverage gender diversity to enhance productivity and innovation. Addressing these disparities is crucial for achieving equitable economic development and enhancing global competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gender Wage Gap in 2012
Which country had the highest gender wage gap in 2012?
Tanzania had the highest gender wage gap in 2012, with a gap of 35.7%.
Which country had the lowest gender wage gap in 2012?
Honduras had the lowest gender wage gap in 2012, with a gap of -16.37%.
What was the average gender wage gap across all countries in the dataset for 2012?
The average gender wage gap across all 42 countries in the dataset for 2012 was 7.24%.
What was the median gender wage gap value in 2012?
The median gender wage gap value in 2012 was 7.51%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for the highest gender wage gaps in 2012?
The top 3 countries with the highest gender wage gaps in 2012 were Tanzania (35.7%), South Korea (32.69%), and Uganda (26.72%).
What is the range of gender wage gaps in the dataset for 2012?
The range of gender wage gaps in the dataset for 2012 spans from -16.37% in Honduras to 35.7% in Tanzania.
Insights by country
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Democratic Republic of the ranked #4 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 21.924 % in 2012. This figure is notably lower than that of many countries in the region, reflecting ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality in the workforce.
Key drivers of this gap include limited access to education and economic opportunities for women, exacerbated by the country's ongoing political instability and conflict, which disproportionately affects female employment prospects.
Jamaica
In 2012, Jamaica had a Gender Wage Gap of 0.265 %, ranking #28 out of 42 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to other countries in the Caribbean region, where wage disparities can be more pronounced. Key drivers of Jamaica's wage gap include the country's focus on gender equality policies and the increasing participation of women in the workforce, particularly in education and healthcare sectors.
Philippines
In 2012, the Philippines ranked #39 globally with a gender wage gap of -8.963 %. This figure indicates that women earned approximately 9% more than men, which is atypical compared to many countries in the region where men generally earn more. Contributing factors include the high participation of women in the workforce, particularly in the service sector, and government policies promoting gender equality in employment.
United States
The United States had a **Gender Wage Gap** of **14.761%** in 2012, ranking **#14** out of 42 countries. This gap is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively better position in gender wage equality compared to many other nations. Key drivers of this statistic include the diverse labor market and ongoing policy discussions around equal pay, which have influenced wage structures across various industries.
Czech Republic
In 2012, the Czech Republic had a Gender Wage Gap of 21.25 %, ranking #5 out of 42 countries. This figure is notably higher than the European Union average, indicating significant disparities in earnings between men and women. Key factors contributing to this gap include traditional gender roles in the workforce and a concentration of women in lower-paying sectors, which persist despite the country's robust economic development.
Uganda
In 2012, Uganda had a Gender Wage Gap of 26.72 %, ranking #3 out of 42 countries. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, indicating a substantial disparity in earnings between men and women. Key drivers of this wage gap include limited access to education and vocational training for women, as well as prevailing cultural norms that prioritize male employment in higher-paying sectors.
Republic of Moldova
The Republic of Moldova had a Gender Wage Gap of 4.321% in 2012, ranking #24 out of 42 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating relatively smaller disparities in earnings between men and women. Key drivers behind this statistic include Moldova's labor market policies that promote gender equality and the significant participation of women in various sectors, particularly in agriculture and services.
Peru
In 2012, Peru had a Gender Wage Gap of 13.561%, ranking #15 out of 42 countries. This gap is narrower than the regional average in Latin America, indicating relatively better gender wage equality compared to some neighboring countries. Factors contributing to this statistic include a growing emphasis on women's participation in the workforce and government initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in employment.
Portugal
In 2012, Portugal had a Gender Wage Gap of 7.176 %, ranking #22 out of 42 countries. This gap is notably lower than the European Union average, indicating relatively better wage equality for women in Portugal compared to many of its neighbors. Contributing factors include a strong emphasis on gender equality in Portuguese labor policies and a significant presence of women in the public sector, which traditionally offers more equitable pay structures.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom ranked #10 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 18.137 % in 2012. This figure is notably higher than the average in Western Europe, where many countries report gaps below 15%. Key drivers of this gap include sectoral segregation, with women often concentrated in lower-paying industries, and the lingering effects of part-time work, which disproportionately affects female employees.
Data Source
Gender wage gap, 2025
The dataset "Gender wage gap, 2025" from Our World in Data presents country-level statistics on the differences in average wages between genders, utilizing data from the International Labour Organization (ILO). It aims to provide insights into wage disparities across various countries and regions over time.
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