Iraq ranks 61st in global minimum wage comparison, report says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq placed 61st out of 130 countries in a global ranking of monthly minimum wages adjusted for purchasing power parity, according to an international comparative report. The country's monthly minimum wage was recorded at $626 under the PPP-adjusted calculation, which accounts for price differences across countries to compare the real purchasing power of wages. The report placed Iraq in the lower-middle tier of the global ranking, indicating that even after adjusting for living costs, the country's minimum wage remains below those of many comparable economies. Analysts cited in the report said that measuring wages by purchasing power offers a different picture than nominal figures and reflects the cost of living more accurately. The findings are expected to add to domestic debate over wage policy and the capacity of the minimum wage to cover basic needs. A comparison with neighboring countries in the region showed Iraq's PPP-adjusted minimum wage to be relatively low. No further details on the report's methodology or publication date were immediately available.