Gender Wage Gap 2020
Gender wage gap measures income disparity between men and women. Discover which countries have the highest and lowest gaps.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 |  South Korea | 29.55 % | |
2 |  Mali | 24.819 % | |
3 |  India | 21.196 % | |
4 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | 19.989 % | |
5 |  United Kingdom | 16.157 % | |
6 |  Czech Republic | 15.91 % | |
7 |  Cambodia | 15.474 % | |
8 |  Finland | 15.35 % | |
9 |  Botswana | 14.456 % | |
10 |  Slovakia | 14.22 % | |
11 |  United States | 13.771 % | |
12 |  Spain | 11.76 % | |
13 |  France | 11.56 % | |
14 |  Angola | 11.319 % | |
15 |  Chile | 10.068 % | |
16 |  Sri Lanka | 9.859 % | |
17 |  Sweden | 9.76 % | |
18 |  Switzerland | 9.363 % | |
19 |  Indonesia | 8.752 % | |
20 |  Puerto Rico | 7.544 % | |
21 |  Vietnam | 7.252 % | |
22 |  Myanmar | 7.226 % | |
23 |  Bhutan | 7.084 % | |
24 |  Portugal | 5.66 % | |
25 |  Brazil | 5.646 % | |
26 |  Zambia | 4.254 % | |
27 |  Mongolia | 3.563 % | |
28 |  Greece | 3.479 % | |
29 |  Republic of Moldova | 3.307 % | |
30 |  Peru | 2.36 % | |
31 |  Romania | 0.9 % | |
32 |  Argentina | -0.136 % | |
33 |  Dominican Republic | -2.099 % | |
34 |  Egypt | -2.423 % | |
35 |  Italy | -2.519 % | |
36 |  Uruguay | -3.576 % | |
37 |  Tanzania | -5.769 % | |
38 |  Mexico | -6.491 % | |
39 |  Thailand | -6.63 % | |
40 |  Costa Rica | -7.679 % | |
41 |  Belize | -8.98 % | |
42 |  Turkey | -9.898 % | |
43 |  State of Palestine | -11.516 % | |
44 |  Panama | -13.788 % | |
45 |  Philippines | -19.39 % | |
46 |  Jordan | -30.012 % | |
47 |  Honduras | -57.224 % | |
48 |  Afghanistan | -125.212 % |
- #1South Korea
- #2Mali
- #3India
- #4Bosnia and Herzegovina
- #5United Kingdom
- #6Czech Republic
- #7Cambodia
- #8Finland
- #9Botswana
- #10Slovakia
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #48Afghanistan
- #47Honduras
- #46Jordan
- #45Philippines
- #44Panama
- #43State of Palestine
- #42Turkey
- #41Belize
- #40Costa Rica
- #39Thailand
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2020, the country with the highest Gender Wage Gap was South Korea at 29.55%, while the range of the gap globally extended from -125.21% to 29.55%. The global average was a mere 0.59%, reflecting a complex landscape of gender income disparity worldwide.
Economic Drivers Behind the Gender Wage Gap
The variations in the Gender Wage Gap across countries can often be attributed to underlying economic factors. For instance, South Korea, leading with the highest gap of 29.55%, has long been characterized by a male-dominated corporate culture and lower female labor force participation rates compared to other developed nations. In contrast, Finland and the United Kingdom, with gaps of 15.35% and 16.16% respectively, have made strides in gender equality legislation yet still face challenges in achieving parity due to sectoral segregation and part-time work predominance among women.
Conversely, countries with negative wage gaps, such as Afghanistan at -125.21% and Honduras at -57.22%, may indicate situations where women, often in informal sectors or lower-paying jobs, earn more relative to men, possibly due to economic structures that favor female-dominated industries or significant male emigration.
Policy and Cultural Influences
Government policies and cultural contexts play significant roles in shaping the Gender Wage Gap. Nations like Czech Republic and Slovakia, with gaps of 15.91% and 14.22% respectively, illustrate how historical legacies and family policies can influence gender roles and economic participation. These countries have traditionally been slower to adopt flexible work arrangements and parental leave policies that support gender equality.
On the other hand, countries like Philippines and Jordan, with negative gaps of -19.39% and -30.01%, may reflect cultural norms where women are increasingly participating in higher-paying sectors or where male-dominated sectors have diminished economic importance.
Significant Year-over-Year Changes
The year-over-year data offers insights into dynamic changes within the Gender Wage Gap. Cambodia saw the biggest increase in the gap, rising by 4.32% to reach 15.47%. This could be indicative of shifts in labor market structures or industry-specific growth that disproportionately benefit male workers.
Conversely, Honduras experienced a dramatic decrease of -32.35%, reaching a gap of -57.22%. Such a significant reduction might suggest an economic shift favoring sectors where women are prevalent, or policy interventions aimed at reducing gender disparity. Similarly, Panama and State of Palestine observed reductions of -23.01% and -19.36%, respectively, reflecting potential economic or policy-driven changes that favor female wage growth.
Implications and Future Directions
The Gender Wage Gap in 2020 underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities in achieving gender economic parity. While some countries show progress through negative or narrowing gaps, others remain entrenched in traditional disparities. The data highlights the importance of tailored policy interventions, such as promoting gender-inclusive economic policies, enhancing educational opportunities for women, and addressing cultural norms that impede gender equality.
As nations continue to navigate the post-pandemic economic landscape, understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to the Gender Wage Gap will be crucial. Future efforts must focus on creating equitable work environments and dismantling systemic barriers, ensuring that economic recovery efforts are inclusive and benefit all genders equally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gender Wage Gap in 2020
Which country had the highest gender wage gap in 2020?
South Korea had the highest gender wage gap in 2020, with a gap of 29.55%.
Which country had the lowest gender wage gap in 2020?
Afghanistan had the lowest gender wage gap in 2020, with a gap of -125%.
What was the average gender wage gap across all countries in the dataset for 2020?
The average gender wage gap across all countries in the dataset for 2020 was 0.59%.
What was the median gender wage gap among the countries in 2020?
The median gender wage gap among the countries in 2020 was 5.65%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for the highest gender wage gap in 2020?
The top 3 countries with the highest gender wage gap in 2020 were South Korea, Mali, and India.
How many countries are included in the gender wage gap dataset for 2020?
The dataset for the gender wage gap in 2020 includes 48 countries.
Insights by country
Greece
In 2020, Greece ranked #28 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 3.479 %. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively equitable wage distribution compared to many countries. Factors contributing to this statistic include Greece's strong legal framework promoting gender equality and a growing emphasis on women's participation in the workforce, particularly in sectors such as education and healthcare.
Argentina
In 2020, Argentina ranked #32 with a Gender Wage Gap of -0.136 %. This figure indicates that Argentina's gender wage gap is narrower than the global average, reflecting a commitment to gender equity in the workforce.
The relatively low gap can be attributed to progressive labor policies and initiatives aimed at promoting women's participation in the economy, although challenges remain in achieving full parity across all sectors.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic ranked #33 out of 48 countries with a Gender Wage Gap of -2.099 % in 2020. This figure indicates that women earned slightly more than men on average, contrasting with many countries in the region where disparities favor men. Contributing factors include the country's growing female participation in the labor force and the increasing presence of women in higher-paying sectors, such as tourism and services.
Puerto Rico
In 2020, Puerto Rico ranked #20 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 7.544 %. This figure is notably lower than many countries in the Americas, where wage disparities often exceed 10%. Contributing factors include Puerto Rico's unique economic landscape, characterized by a high percentage of women in the labor force and policies aimed at promoting gender equality in employment.
Sweden
In 2020, Sweden had a Gender Wage Gap of 9.76 %, ranking #17 out of 48 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting Sweden's commitment to gender equality in the workplace. Factors contributing to this statistic include robust parental leave policies and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, which support women's participation in the labor force.
State of Palestine
In 2020, the State of Palestine ranked #43 with a Gender Wage Gap of -11.516 %. This figure indicates a significant disparity in earnings between men and women, placing Palestine below the global benchmark for gender wage equality. Contributing factors include ongoing economic challenges due to political instability and limited access to job opportunities for women, which hinder their participation in the workforce.
Slovakia
In 2020, Slovakia ranked #10 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 14.22%. This figure is notably lower than the European Union average, indicating relatively better gender pay equity in the region. Key drivers of this statistic include Slovakia's strong labor laws and policies aimed at promoting gender equality, as well as a growing emphasis on women's participation in the workforce.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina had a Gender Wage Gap of 19.989 %, ranking #4 out of 48 countries. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating significant disparities in earnings between men and women. Key drivers of this gap include a lack of comprehensive gender equality policies and a labor market heavily influenced by traditional gender roles, which often restrict women's access to higher-paying jobs.
Turkey
In 2020, Turkey ranked #42 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of -9.898 %. This figure is notably below the global average, indicating that the country has a significant disparity in earnings between genders compared to many others. Contributing factors include Turkey's economic structure, which often limits women's participation in the workforce, and cultural norms that can restrict women's career advancement opportunities.
Indonesia
In 2020, Indonesia ranked #19 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 8.752%. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively better position among its peers in Southeast Asia. Key drivers of this wage gap include the country's ongoing efforts to improve women's participation in the workforce, along with legal reforms aimed at promoting gender equality in employment.
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.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
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