Length of paid parental leave for mother 1992

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)•

View data for:

Interactive Map

Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Norway	56 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 length of paid parental leave for mothers is a significant metric that reflects a country's commitment to supporting family well-being and gender equality in the workforce. In 1992, the global landscape of paid parental leave varied greatly, with notable disparities between countries. This article explores the international comparison of paid parental leave for mothers in 1992, examining its implications for society and the workforce.

Global Disparities in 1992

The length of paid parental leave for mothers varied significantly across the globe in 1992. Norway emerged as the leader by providing mothers with an impressive 56 days of paid leave, far surpassing other countries. In stark contrast, a vast majority of the 189 countries with available data, including nations like the United States, Australia, and Argentina, offered no paid leave at all. This disparity highlights the different levels of policy development and societal priorities regarding family and workforce integration.

Impact on Family and Workforce

Paid parental leave is a crucial factor in determining family well-being and workforce participation, particularly for mothers. Countries offering generous leave, like Norway, tend to see better health outcomes for mothers and infants, as well as higher rates of female workforce participation. Conversely, the absence of paid leave, as seen in many countries in 1992, can lead to increased financial strain on families and discourage mothers from returning to work. This lack of support can perpetuate gender inequality in the labor market, as women may face more significant challenges in balancing child-rearing responsibilities with career advancement.

Regional Trends and Policy Influence

Examining regional trends, European countries in 1992 generally offered more robust paid parental leave policies compared to their counterparts in other parts of the world. This trend is reflective of the European Union's broader social policy framework, which emphasizes the importance of family-friendly policies. The data also suggests that cultural and political factors play a crucial role in shaping these policies. For instance, Nordic countries, known for their progressive social policies, were at the forefront of providing substantial leave, setting a standard that many other regions would gradually follow.

Historical Context and Evolution

The early 1990s was a period of significant social and economic transition globally, influencing the policy landscape around parental leave. In 1992, the average length of paid leave was remarkably low, with an average value of just 0.30 days across the surveyed countries. This statistic reflects the nascent stage of parental leave policies in much of the world at the time. However, Norway's notable increase in paid leave length, marked by a 33.3% rise, exemplifies how certain countries were beginning to prioritize family and gender equality issues—trends that would gain more traction in the following decades.

Future Projections and Global Implications

Though 1992 showcased significant disparities in paid parental leave, it also set the stage for future developments. As awareness of the benefits of parental leave grows, more countries are likely to adopt and expand their policies. This shift not only supports family well-being but also has broader economic implications, as it can enhance workforce participation and productivity by encouraging more equitable sharing of child-rearing responsibilities. In the long run, advancements in paid parental leave policies could contribute to reducing gender gaps in employment and ensure a more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The data from 1992 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of policy in shaping social outcomes. As countries continue to refine their approaches to parental leave, the lessons from this year underscore the need for a balanced consideration of both economic factors and family welfare to foster a more equitable society.

Insights by country

Estonia

In 1992, Estonia ranked 56 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This statistic reflects the transitional period in Estonia following its independence from the Soviet Union, where the social welfare system was undergoing significant changes and restructuring.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to the economic challenges faced by the newly independent nation, including the need to stabilize the economy and implement reforms. During this time, the focus was primarily on economic recovery rather than social welfare policies.

Moreover, Estonia's historical context, particularly its previous governance under Soviet rule, influenced the development of family policies, which were not prioritized in the same manner as in many Western countries. By the early 2000s, Estonia would begin to reform its parental leave policies, ultimately expanding them to support families more comprehensively.

Mauritius

In 1992, Mauritius ranked 109th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an official provision of 0 days. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader socio-economic conditions and labor policies in the country during that period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a focus on economic development and the prioritization of workforce participation over family welfare. At the time, Mauritius was undergoing significant economic changes, transitioning from an agriculture-based economy to a manufacturing and tourism-driven one, which may have influenced labor regulations.

Interestingly, this policy landscape has evolved in subsequent years, with many countries recognizing the importance of parental leave for child development and gender equality. In the years following 1992, Mauritius began to implement more supportive family policies, reflecting a global trend toward improving parental leave provisions.

Eswatini

In 1992, Eswatini ranked 57th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic highlights the limited support for new mothers in the context of parental leave policies during that period.

The absence of paid parental leave may reflect broader socio-economic challenges in Eswatini, including high levels of poverty and a predominance of informal employment, which often lacks benefits such as paid leave. Furthermore, cultural norms and economic structures in the country may prioritize immediate labor contributions over family support.

Globally, many countries have recognized the importance of paid parental leave for promoting child health and maternal well-being, yet Eswatini's policy landscape in 1992 did not align with these emerging trends. A comparative analysis with neighboring countries reveals varying approaches to parental leave, indicating a need for policy reform to align with international best practices.

Gabon

In 1992, Gabon ranked 62nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects the limited support mechanisms available for new mothers in the country, which can impact maternal and child health outcomes.

The absence of paid parental leave may be influenced by various socio-economic factors, including the country's reliance on oil revenues and the prioritization of economic stability over social welfare programs. Additionally, Gabon's relatively small population and limited resources may have contributed to a lack of comprehensive family support policies.

Globally, the trend towards paid parental leave has gained traction, with many countries recognizing the importance of supporting families during early child development. This statistic highlights the disparities in parental leave policies, particularly in low and middle-income countries, where such support is often lacking.

Canada

In 1992, Canada ranked 32nd out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days of paid leave available. This lack of paid parental leave reflected the country's limited support for new mothers during this period, which was significantly lower compared to other developed nations.

The absence of paid leave can be attributed to various factors, including societal attitudes towards gender roles, economic constraints, and the prevailing labor policies at the time. During the early 1990s, Canada was still in the process of establishing more comprehensive family-friendly policies, which would evolve significantly in subsequent years.

It is noteworthy that many countries have since adopted more progressive parental leave policies, emphasizing the importance of supporting families and promoting gender equality in the workplace. By 2020, Canada had made advancements in this area, offering up to 18 months of parental leave, demonstrating a significant shift towards recognizing the needs of parents and the importance of early childhood development.

Japan

In 1992, Japan ranked 85th out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a notably low provision of 0 days. This lack of paid parental leave was indicative of Japan's traditional labor practices and societal norms, which often prioritized work commitments over family support structures.

The absence of paid leave can be attributed to several factors, including a strong work culture, where employees are expected to prioritize their jobs, and a limited focus on family-friendly policies during that period. Additionally, gender roles in Japan have historically placed a heavy burden on women to balance both work and family, making it challenging for mothers to take extended leave.

In contrast to 1992, many countries have since recognized the importance of supporting new parents, leading to significant changes in parental leave policies globally. This shift has been essential in promoting gender equality and improving family welfare.

Latvia

In 1992, Latvia ranked 94th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a notable duration of 0 days. This lack of paid parental leave reflects the significant economic and social restructuring occurring in Latvia following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The absence of parental leave policies during this period can be attributed to the challenges of transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system, which often led to a focus on immediate economic survival rather than social welfare reforms. Additionally, Latvia was still grappling with the effects of political instability and the need to establish new legislative frameworks.

Comparatively, many other countries in Europe had already begun implementing more supportive parental leave policies, highlighting Latvia's lag in this essential aspect of social policy at the time. The situation in 1992 underscores the broader socio-economic context in which Latvia was operating as it sought to redefine its national identity and social support systems.

Czech Republic

In 1992, the Czech Republic ranked 46th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This statistic reflects the transitional phase the country was undergoing following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the establishment of its own social policies.

The absence of paid parental leave during this period can be attributed to several factors, including the focus on economic stabilization and the challenges of implementing comprehensive social welfare policies in a newly independent state. Additionally, the political landscape at the time prioritized other pressing economic reforms over family-oriented policies.

It is noteworthy that over the years, the Czech Republic has made significant strides in improving parental leave policies, moving towards more supportive measures for families, which contrasts sharply with the situation in 1992.

Dominican Republic

In 1992, the Dominican Republic ranked 50th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This absence of paid maternity leave reflects the country's economic and social policies during that period, which often prioritized labor market flexibility over extensive family support systems.

The lack of parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, limited government resources, and a cultural context that traditionally emphasized women's roles primarily within the household rather than in the workforce. Consequently, many mothers were compelled to return to work shortly after childbirth, which may have implications for both maternal and infant health.

Globally, the trend toward paid parental leave has evolved significantly, with many countries recognizing the importance of supporting families through financial assistance during early child-rearing. As of 1992, however, the Dominican Republic's policies reflected a growing but still limited acknowledgment of these needs.

Ghana

In 1992, Ghana ranked 66 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic reflects a significant lack of formalized maternity benefits, indicating that new mothers were not entitled to any paid leave during the critical period following childbirth.

The absence of paid parental leave in Ghana during this time can be attributed to various factors, including limited economic resources, a lack of comprehensive labor laws, and societal norms that did not prioritize maternal welfare in the workplace. Additionally, the country's focus on economic recovery and growth in the early 1990s may have hindered the implementation of such social policies.

Globally, the trend towards providing paid parental leave has evolved significantly since the 1990s, with many countries recognizing its importance for maternal and child health, as well as for gender equality in the workplace. In contrast to Ghana's situation in 1992, many nations today offer extensive maternity leave, highlighting the progress made in labor rights and family support systems.

Data Source

Women, Business and the Law, World Bank (WB)

The Women, Business and the Law (WBL) team invites collaboration from public and private sector experts on data collection and dissemination to help create jobs for women and boost economic growth globally. The next WBL report is expected to be published in March 2026. If you are a private sector expert interested in contributing, please refer to the expert contributors page for more information. For the first time, governments are invited to nominate focal points to coordinate the completion of questionnaires. If you wish to contribute, please refer to the government engagement page.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Length of paid parental leave for mother data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

More People and Society Facts

Currently married (Percent)

The percentage of currently married individuals by country highlights societal trends in family structure and relationships. Understanding these statistics can provide insights into cultural norms and demographic shifts, influencing policies and social programs.

View data

Browse All People and Society

Explore more facts and statistics in this category

All Categories

Discover more categories with comprehensive global data