Length of paid parental leave for mother 1988

Discover how the length of paid parental leave for mothers varies by country, impacting family well-being and workforce participation. Explore the statistics that highlight this critical social issue.

189 data points•Updated 11/26/2025•World•Women, Business and the Law, World Bank (WB)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Norway	42 days
2	Afghanistan	0 days
3	Albania	0 days
4	Algeria	0 days
5	Angola	0 days
6	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
7	Argentina	0 days
8	Armenia	0 days
9	Australia	0 days
10	Austria	0 days
11	Azerbaijan	0 days
12	Bahamas	0 days
13	Bahrain	0 days
14	Bangladesh	0 days
15	Barbados	0 days
16	Belarus	0 days
17	Belgium	0 days
18	Belize	0 days
19	Benin	0 days
20	Bhutan	0 days
21	Bolivia	0 days
22	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0 days
23	Botswana	0 days
24	Brazil	0 days
25	Brunei Darussalam	0 days
26	Bulgaria	0 days
27	Burkina Faso	0 days
28	Burundi	0 days
29	Cabo Verde	0 days
30	Cambodia	0 days
31	Cameroon	0 days
32	Canada	0 days
33	Central African Republic	0 days
34	Chad	0 days
35	Chile	0 days
36	China	0 days
37	China, Hong Kong SAR	0 days
38	Colombia	0 days
39	Comoros	0 days
40	Congo	0 days
41	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0 days
42	Costa Rica	0 days
43	Côte d'Ivoire	0 days
44	Croatia	0 days
45	Cyprus	0 days
46	Czech Republic	0 days
47	Denmark	0 days
48	Djibouti	0 days
49	Dominica	0 days
50	Dominican Republic	0 days
51	Ecuador	0 days
52	Egypt	0 days
53	El Salvador	0 days
54	Equatorial Guinea	0 days
55	Eritrea	0 days
56	Estonia	0 days
57	Eswatini	0 days
58	Ethiopia	0 days
59	Fiji	0 days
60	Finland	0 days
61	France	0 days
62	Gabon	0 days
63	Gambia	0 days
64	Georgia	0 days
65	Germany	0 days
66	Ghana	0 days
67	Greece	0 days
68	Grenada	0 days
69	Guatemala	0 days
70	Guinea	0 days
71	Guinea-Bissau	0 days
72	Guyana	0 days
73	Haiti	0 days
74	Honduras	0 days
75	Hungary	0 days
76	Iceland	0 days
77	India	0 days
78	Indonesia	0 days
79	Iran	0 days
80	Iraq	0 days
81	Ireland	0 days
82	Israel	0 days
83	Italy	0 days
84	Jamaica	0 days
85	Japan	0 days
86	Jordan	0 days
87	Kazakhstan	0 days
88	Kenya	0 days
89	Kiribati	0 days
90	Kosovo	0 days
91	Kuwait	0 days
92	Kyrgyzstan	0 days
93	Laos	0 days
94	Latvia	0 days
95	Lebanon	0 days
96	Lesotho	0 days
97	Liberia	0 days
98	Libya	0 days
99	Lithuania	0 days
100	Luxembourg	0 days
101	Madagascar	0 days
102	Malawi	0 days
103	Malaysia	0 days
104	Maldives	0 days
105	Mali	0 days
106	Malta	0 days
107	Marshall Islands	0 days
108	Mauritania	0 days
109	Mauritius	0 days
110	Mexico	0 days
111	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	0 days
112	Mongolia	0 days
113	Montenegro	0 days
114	Morocco	0 days
115	Mozambique	0 days
116	Myanmar	0 days
117	Namibia	0 days
118	Nepal	0 days
119	Netherlands	0 days
120	New Zealand	0 days
121	Nicaragua	0 days
122	Niger	0 days
123	Nigeria	0 days
124	North Macedonia	0 days
125	Oman	0 days
126	Pakistan	0 days
127	Palau	0 days
128	Panama	0 days
129	Papua New Guinea	0 days
130	Paraguay	0 days
131	Peru	0 days
132	Philippines	0 days
133	Poland	0 days
134	Portugal	0 days
135	Puerto Rico	0 days
136	Qatar	0 days
137	Republic of Moldova	0 days
138	Romania	0 days
139	Russia	0 days
140	Rwanda	0 days
141	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0 days
142	Saint Lucia	0 days
143	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 days
144	Samoa	0 days
145	San Marino	0 days
146	Sao Tome and Principe	0 days
147	Saudi Arabia	0 days
148	Senegal	0 days
149	Serbia	0 days
150	Seychelles	0 days
151	Sierra Leone	0 days
152	Singapore	0 days
153	Slovakia	0 days
154	Slovenia	0 days
155	Solomon Islands	0 days
156	Somalia	0 days
157	South Africa	0 days
158	South Korea	0 days
159	South Sudan	0 days
160	Spain	0 days
161	Sri Lanka	0 days
162	State of Palestine	0 days
163	Sudan	0 days
164	Suriname	0 days
165	Sweden	0 days
166	Switzerland	0 days
167	Syrian Arab Republic	0 days
168	Tajikistan	0 days
169	Tanzania	0 days
170	Thailand	0 days
171	Timor-Leste	0 days
172	Togo	0 days
173	Tonga	0 days
174	Trinidad and Tobago	0 days
175	Tunisia	0 days
176	Turkey	0 days
177	Uganda	0 days
178	Ukraine	0 days
179	United Arab Emirates	0 days
180	United Kingdom	0 days
181	United States	0 days
182	Uruguay	0 days
183	Uzbekistan	0 days
184	Vanuatu	0 days
185	Venezuela	0 days
186	Vietnam	0 days
187	Yemen	0 days
188	Zambia	0 days
189	Zimbabwe	0 days

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

The 1988 statistics on the length of paid parental leave for mother provide a fascinating snapshot of how different countries approached maternity support during this time. This metric is crucial for understanding the intersection of people and society, as it impacts family well-being, workforce participation, and gender equality. By analyzing the data from 189 countries, we can gain insights into the societal values and economic policies that defined this era.

Global Overview of Parental Leave in 1988

Globally, the average length of paid parental leave for mothers in 1988 was a mere 0.22 days, reflecting minimal investment in maternity leave policies across most nations. This average is notably skewed by Norway, which offered 42 days of paid leave, the highest among the countries surveyed. The majority of the 189 countries reported no paid leave, highlighting the nascent stage of formal maternity support systems worldwide. The data indicates a stark contrast between nations, with many, including the United States, Australia, and Argentina, providing no paid leave at all.

Nordic Leadership in Maternity Leave

Norway's policy of 42 days of paid parental leave in 1988 underscores the country's commitment to supporting mothers in the workforce. This policy places Norway as a leader in gender equality and family support during this period. The generous leave reflects a broader societal commitment to work-life balance and child welfare, which has historically characterized the Nordic countries. This trend likely contributed to higher female labor force participation rates and better child health outcomes, setting a precedent for other nations to follow in subsequent decades.

Economic Implications of Limited Leave

The lack of paid parental leave in most countries in 1988 had significant economic implications. Without financial support during maternity leave, many women faced challenges in balancing work and family life, often resulting in reduced workforce participation. This scarcity of maternal benefits contributed to gender disparities in employment and income. Countries providing no paid leave, such as the United States and Australia, may have inadvertently perpetuated workplace inequality and limited the economic advancement of women. The data from 1988 highlights an emerging awareness of the need for supportive parental leave policies to foster economic growth and gender equality.

Policy Evolution and Future Trends

In 1988, the global landscape of paid parental leave was still evolving, with most countries yet to implement comprehensive policies. The stark differences in leave durations illustrate varying national priorities concerning gender equality and family support. Over the following decades, many nations began to recognize the importance of paid maternity leave, resulting in significant policy reforms. These changes were driven by an increasing understanding of the benefits of parental leave, such as improved maternal and child health, reduced gender gaps, and positive economic impacts. Norway's stance in 1988 foreshadowed broader shifts, with countries gradually increasing leave durations to better support working mothers.

Regional Disparities in Maternity Leave

The 1988 data reveals stark regional disparities in maternity leave policies. While Norway stands out in Europe for its progressive approach, many countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas reported no paid leave. This disparity reflects broader regional socio-economic and cultural differences. In many developing regions, economic constraints and traditional gender roles likely hindered the implementation of paid parental leave. In contrast, countries with more advanced social welfare systems, like those in Scandinavia, were better positioned to support comprehensive family policies. These regional differences underscore the need for tailored policy solutions that consider local contexts.

In conclusion, the 1988 statistics on the length of paid parental leave for mothers highlight a critical social issue that continues to evolve. The minimal global average and substantial disparities underscore the varied approaches to supporting mothers worldwide. As nations continue to develop and refine their policies, the lessons from 1988 remain relevant in shaping future strategies for gender equality and family support.

Insights by country

Egypt

In 1988, Egypt ranked 52nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader socio-economic and cultural factors that characterized the country during this period, where women's workforce participation was often limited by traditional gender roles and economic constraints.

The absence of paid parental leave in Egypt can be attributed to several factors, including limited government support for family welfare, economic challenges, and a prevailing focus on labor productivity over family-oriented policies. The implications of such policies can be significant, affecting not only maternal health but also child well-being and family dynamics.

Globally, many countries have recognized the importance of parental leave in supporting families, with some offering extensive paid leave periods. For context, countries in Scandinavia, for example, provide generous parental leave policies, which have been linked to higher rates of workforce participation among women and improved child health outcomes.

Grenada

In 1988, Grenada ranked 68th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of paid parental leave reflects the broader socio-economic conditions of the time, where many Caribbean nations faced economic challenges and were less focused on family-friendly policies.

The absence of paid parental leave in Grenada can be attributed to several factors, including limited financial resources, a focus on economic recovery post-revolution, and societal norms that may not prioritize parental leave. Additionally, the region's labor market dynamics often prioritize immediate workforce participation over long-term family support policies.

As a point of comparison, many developed countries in 1988 were beginning to implement more robust family leave policies, highlighting a significant disparity in social welfare approaches between Grenada and nations with more extensive support systems for new mothers.

Philippines

In 1988, the Philippines ranked 132 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of statutory paid parental leave reflects broader issues within the country’s labor and social welfare policies at the time, which often did not prioritize family support mechanisms.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms regarding gender roles, and a lack of legislative advocacy for women's rights in the workplace. During this period, the Philippine economy faced significant challenges, leading to limited public resources allocated for social programs.

Interestingly, the global trend during the late 1980s was gradually shifting towards recognizing the importance of parental leave, with many countries beginning to implement more supportive policies. However, the Philippines lagged behind, emphasizing the need for reforms in labor laws to support working mothers and improve family welfare.

Mongolia

In 1988, Mongolia ranked 112th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an official provision of 0 days. This statistic reflects a significant lack of formal support for mothers in the workforce during a period when Mongolia was undergoing substantial political and economic changes as it transitioned from a socialist state.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the country's economic challenges and a focus on labor productivity over social welfare policies. During this time, the government was likely prioritizing economic stability and growth, which may have led to limited investment in family-oriented social support systems.

Additionally, it is important to note that the absence of parental leave could have long-term implications for maternal and child health, as well as for gender equality in the workplace. In contrast to the 1988 situation, many countries have since recognized the importance of supporting families through paid leave policies, leading to a global trend towards more extensive parental leave provisions.

Qatar

In 1988, Qatar ranked 136 out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provision reflects the country's early stage in developing comprehensive labor laws and social welfare policies, particularly regarding family support.

The absence of paid parental leave during this period can be attributed to various factors, including the economic structure of Qatar, which was largely reliant on expatriate labor and less focused on social benefits for workers. Additionally, the cultural context surrounding family and gender roles may have influenced the limited provisions for maternal leave at that time.

It is important to note that as of recent years, Qatar has made significant strides in improving labor rights and social policies, indicating a shift towards more supportive measures for families, though the historical context remains critical for understanding the evolution of such policies.

Somalia

In 1988, Somalia ranked 156 out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of leave. This statistic reflects the challenging socio-political landscape of Somalia during this period, a time marked by civil unrest and instability that severely affected the country's social services and labor policies.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the lack of a stable government, ongoing conflict, and economic hardships that hindered the development of a comprehensive social safety net. These conditions resulted in minimal support for family-oriented policies, which are often critical in promoting maternal and child health.

Additionally, Somalia's low ranking in parental leave provisions is consistent with many other conflict-affected nations, where resources are often redirected towards immediate survival rather than long-term welfare policies. Such statistics underscore the broader challenges faced by women and families in conflict zones, where access to essential services is severely compromised.

Seychelles

In 1988, Seychelles ranked 150th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This statistic reflects the limited support for maternal leave during this period, which may have impacted working mothers and their families significantly.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including a smaller economy and a focus on other social priorities at the time. The Seychelles, known for its tourism and fishing industries, may have prioritized economic growth over social welfare policies, resulting in a lack of formal support systems for new mothers.

Globally, paid parental leave has been recognized as a crucial factor in promoting maternal health and child development, with many countries implementing policies to enhance family support. In contrast, Seychelles' policy in 1988 highlights the disparities in parental leave provisions across different nations and the evolving nature of labor rights over the decades.

Sri Lanka

In 1988, Sri Lanka ranked 161 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects a significant limitation in maternity support during that period, highlighting the country's relatively low prioritization of maternal welfare compared to other nations.

The absence of paid parental leave may be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including limited resources allocated to social welfare programs, traditional gender roles, and a focus on labor laws that did not yet prioritize family leave policies. Additionally, the political and economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka during this time, including civil unrest and a struggling economy, may have impeded the implementation of more progressive parental leave policies.

Globally, many countries were beginning to adopt more supportive family leave policies, and Sri Lanka's lack of provision placed it significantly behind international standards. This scenario has evolved in subsequent decades, with many nations recognizing the importance of parental leave in promoting child health and family well-being.

Rwanda

In 1988, Rwanda ranked 140 out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days granted for this purpose. This lack of paid leave reflects the broader socio-economic conditions and governmental policies of the time, which were heavily influenced by the country's ongoing political instability and economic challenges.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a focus on immediate economic recovery and the prioritization of other pressing national issues over family welfare policies. The aftermath of the Rwandan Civil War, which began in 1990, further complicated social services and labor rights, leaving little room for the implementation of comprehensive parental leave policies.

In contrast, many countries around the world were beginning to establish or expand parental leave entitlements during this period, highlighting a significant gap in Rwanda's approach to maternal support. This statistic underscores the challenges faced by women in the workforce and the need for progressive labor policies to support family life.

Serbia

In 1988, Serbia ranked 149 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a striking 0 days of paid leave available. This lack of support for new mothers reflects broader socio-economic conditions and governmental policies that prioritized other sectors over family welfare during that period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the economic challenges faced by the country in the late 1980s, which were exacerbated by political instability and the onset of conflicts in the region. The social policies of the time often did not account for family-oriented benefits, leading to minimal support for working mothers.

Interestingly, many countries around the world began to recognize the importance of paid parental leave as a critical component of family welfare and child development in the following decades, underscoring the evolving attitudes towards maternal rights and child-rearing support.

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