At 13.7%, Germany's gender pay gap is only slightly narrower than Switzerland's. Despite legislation and regulations that seek to bridge the gap, German men still earn more than their female counterparts in 45 out of 46 sectors according to the Federal Statistical Office.

Interestingly, the gulf between male and female pay is markedly bigger in western Germany and Berlin compared to the eastern part of the country. In the west it stands at 19%, compared to 7% in the east. This is partly due to a comparative lack of industry in the east of the country, meaning fewer opportunities for workers of any gender, while many of the country's biggest businesses – which are typically spearheaded by wealthy men – are based in the west.

Countries with the widest and narrowest gender pay gaps