Length of paid parental leave for mother 1997

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	Tajikistan	478 days
2	Norway	63 days
3	Sweden	30 days
4	Afghanistan	0 days
5	Albania	0 days
6	Algeria	0 days
7	Angola	0 days
8	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
9	Argentina	0 days
10	Armenia	0 days
11	Australia	0 days
12	Austria	0 days
13	Azerbaijan	0 days
14	Bahamas	0 days
15	Bahrain	0 days
16	Bangladesh	0 days
17	Barbados	0 days
18	Belarus	0 days
19	Belgium	0 days
20	Belize	0 days
21	Benin	0 days
22	Bhutan	0 days
23	Bolivia	0 days
24	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0 days
25	Botswana	0 days
26	Brazil	0 days
27	Brunei Darussalam	0 days
28	Bulgaria	0 days
29	Burkina Faso	0 days
30	Burundi	0 days
31	Cabo Verde	0 days
32	Cambodia	0 days
33	Cameroon	0 days
34	Canada	0 days
35	Central African Republic	0 days
36	Chad	0 days
37	Chile	0 days
38	China	0 days
39	China, Hong Kong SAR	0 days
40	Colombia	0 days
41	Comoros	0 days
42	Congo	0 days
43	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0 days
44	Costa Rica	0 days
45	Côte d'Ivoire	0 days
46	Croatia	0 days
47	Cyprus	0 days
48	Czech Republic	0 days
49	Denmark	0 days
50	Djibouti	0 days
51	Dominica	0 days
52	Dominican Republic	0 days
53	Ecuador	0 days
54	Egypt	0 days
55	El Salvador	0 days
56	Equatorial Guinea	0 days
57	Eritrea	0 days
58	Estonia	0 days
59	Eswatini	0 days
60	Ethiopia	0 days
61	Fiji	0 days
62	Finland	0 days
63	France	0 days
64	Gabon	0 days
65	Gambia	0 days
66	Georgia	0 days
67	Germany	0 days
68	Ghana	0 days
69	Greece	0 days
70	Grenada	0 days
71	Guatemala	0 days
72	Guinea	0 days
73	Guinea-Bissau	0 days
74	Guyana	0 days
75	Haiti	0 days
76	Honduras	0 days
77	Hungary	0 days
78	Iceland	0 days
79	India	0 days
80	Indonesia	0 days
81	Iran	0 days
82	Iraq	0 days
83	Ireland	0 days
84	Israel	0 days
85	Italy	0 days
86	Jamaica	0 days
87	Japan	0 days
88	Jordan	0 days
89	Kazakhstan	0 days
90	Kenya	0 days
91	Kiribati	0 days
92	Kosovo	0 days
93	Kuwait	0 days
94	Kyrgyzstan	0 days
95	Laos	0 days
96	Latvia	0 days
97	Lebanon	0 days
98	Lesotho	0 days
99	Liberia	0 days
100	Libya	0 days
101	Lithuania	0 days
102	Luxembourg	0 days
103	Madagascar	0 days
104	Malawi	0 days
105	Malaysia	0 days
106	Maldives	0 days
107	Mali	0 days
108	Malta	0 days
109	Marshall Islands	0 days
110	Mauritania	0 days
111	Mauritius	0 days
112	Mexico	0 days
113	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	0 days
114	Mongolia	0 days
115	Montenegro	0 days
116	Morocco	0 days
117	Mozambique	0 days
118	Myanmar	0 days
119	Namibia	0 days
120	Nepal	0 days
121	Netherlands	0 days
122	New Zealand	0 days
123	Nicaragua	0 days
124	Niger	0 days
125	Nigeria	0 days
126	North Macedonia	0 days
127	Oman	0 days
128	Pakistan	0 days
129	Palau	0 days
130	Panama	0 days
131	Papua New Guinea	0 days
132	Paraguay	0 days
133	Peru	0 days
134	Philippines	0 days
135	Poland	0 days
136	Portugal	0 days
137	Puerto Rico	0 days
138	Qatar	0 days
139	Republic of Moldova	0 days
140	Romania	0 days
141	Russia	0 days
142	Rwanda	0 days
143	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0 days
144	Saint Lucia	0 days
145	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 days
146	Samoa	0 days
147	San Marino	0 days
148	Sao Tome and Principe	0 days
149	Saudi Arabia	0 days
150	Senegal	0 days
151	Serbia	0 days
152	Seychelles	0 days
153	Sierra Leone	0 days
154	Singapore	0 days
155	Slovakia	0 days
156	Slovenia	0 days
157	Solomon Islands	0 days
158	Somalia	0 days
159	South Africa	0 days
160	South Korea	0 days
161	South Sudan	0 days
162	Spain	0 days
163	Sri Lanka	0 days
164	State of Palestine	0 days
165	Sudan	0 days
166	Suriname	0 days
167	Switzerland	0 days
168	Syrian Arab Republic	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 pivotal metric that reflects a country's commitment to family well-being and gender equality in the workplace. In 1997, this statistic revealed significant disparities among countries, highlighting the global variation in policies supporting mothers during the postnatal period. This article delves into the global landscape of paid parental leave for mothers in 1997, examining the patterns, implications, and the broader societal context of this critical social issue.

Global Overview of Parental Leave in 1997

The year 1997 presented a diverse picture of parental leave policies worldwide. With data from 189 countries, the length of paid parental leave for mothers varied dramatically, ranging from zero to 478 days. Tajikistan stood out with the maximum paid leave of 478 days, reflecting a robust policy framework supporting maternal health and family integration. In stark contrast, numerous countries, including Angola, Argentina, and Australia, offered no paid leave, indicating gaps in social support systems.

Policy Impact on Family and Society

The disparity in parental leave policies has profound implications for family well-being and societal norms. Countries with generous leave policies, such as Norway and Sweden, which offered 63 and 30 days respectively, showcased a firm commitment to gender equality and work-life balance. These policies not only enhance family cohesion by allowing mothers adequate time to bond with their newborns but also encourage women's participation in the workforce by reducing long-term career interruptions. Conversely, countries with no paid leave, comprising over half of those surveyed in 1997, potentially faced higher maternal stress levels and limited workforce re-entry for women, perpetuating gender disparities in economic participation.

Regional Variations and Cultural Influences

Analyzing the regional distribution of paid parental leave highlights cultural and economic influences that shape these policies. European countries, particularly in Scandinavia, demonstrated progressive approaches with modest yet structured parental leave systems. In contrast, countries in Africa and the Middle East often provided little to no paid leave, reflecting different cultural priorities and economic constraints. The absence of paid leave in several countries can be attributed to developing economies grappling with limited resources and the prioritization of other pressing economic challenges.

Historical Context and Evolution of Parental Leave

The historical context of parental leave policies reveals an evolving recognition of gender roles and economic imperatives. In 1997, the average length of paid parental leave for mothers across the globe was a mere 3.02 days, indicating a nascent understanding of the importance of maternal leave. This period marked the beginning of broader discussions around gender equality and the critical role of supportive policies in fostering inclusive economic growth. Despite the minimal year-over-year change in leave duration, the growing discourse on work-life balance and gender equality laid the groundwork for future legislative advancements in many countries.

Future Prospects and Global Trends in Parental Leave

Looking ahead, the trends observed in 1997 hinted at a gradual shift towards more inclusive parental leave policies. The increasing recognition of the benefits associated with paid leave, such as improved maternal health outcomes and higher female workforce participation, encouraged countries to reevaluate their policies. As nations strive to address gender disparities and enhance family support systems, the evolution of parental leave policies continues to be a focal point in global discussions on social welfare and economic development.

In conclusion, the length of paid parental leave for mothers in 1997 underscored significant global disparities, with implications for family well-being, workforce participation, and gender equity. The analysis of this metric revealed the need for comprehensive policies that address the diverse needs of families across different cultural and economic landscapes. As societies progress, understanding and improving parental leave policies remain critical to fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for mothers worldwide.

Insights by country

Slovakia

In 1997, Slovakia ranked 155th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an astonishing 0 days of paid leave available. This ranking reflects a significant lack of support for new mothers during a critical period in child-rearing, which may have contributed to challenges in work-life balance and family wellbeing.

The absence of paid parental leave in Slovakia during this time can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including the country's transitional economy following the split from Czechoslovakia in 1993. The focus on economic recovery and structural reforms may have overshadowed the development of family-friendly policies.

In contrast, many countries around the world were beginning to recognize the importance of parental leave in supporting families, which highlights Slovakia's lagging position in this aspect of social policy. This lack of provision for new mothers has had long-term implications for gender equality and workforce participation rates among women in Slovakia.

Cabo Verde

In 1997, Cabo Verde ranked 31 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at a total of 0 days. This statistic reflects the limited maternity benefits available to mothers in the country during that period, indicating a lack of formal support for working mothers.

Several factors may contribute to this statistic, including Cabo Verde's economic conditions, social norms, and the level of development in labor policies. As an archipelago with a relatively small population, the nation faced challenges in implementing comprehensive social welfare programs.

In contrast, many countries have since expanded their parental leave policies, recognizing the importance of maternal health and child development. The global trend has seen an increase in paid parental leave, which is linked to improved health outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Croatia

In 1997, Croatia ranked 46th out of 189 countries concerning the length of paid parental leave for mothers, a position reflecting a broader trend in the region. During this year, the country provided 0 days of paid parental leave for mothers, which was indicative of the limited support structures in place for new parents at that time.

The absence of paid parental leave in Croatia can be attributed to several factors, including the country's economic situation post-independence, as well as its emerging policies on family and social welfare. The challenges of transitioning from a socialist to a market-based economy may have limited the government's ability to implement comprehensive parental leave policies.

In a broader context, many countries in the early 1990s were grappling with similar issues, with varying degrees of parental support systems in place. This statistic highlights the need for policy reforms aimed at improving parental leave to enhance child well-being and support families in Croatia.

Singapore

In 1997, Singapore ranked 154 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This lack of paid leave was reflective of the country's economic policies at the time, which prioritized workforce participation and economic growth over family-oriented benefits.

The absence of paid parental leave could have been influenced by Singapore's focus on maintaining a competitive labor market and attracting foreign investment, which often led to less emphasis on social welfare programs. Moreover, the societal norms and expectations surrounding gender roles and family structures may have contributed to this statistic, as traditional views often placed the responsibility of childcare on extended family members rather than the state.

It is notable that Singapore's parental leave policies have evolved significantly since 1997, ultimately leading to increased support for working mothers. This reflects a broader shift in both governmental policy and societal attitudes towards work-life balance and family welfare.

Burundi

In 1997, Burundi ranked 30th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded value of 0 days. This lack of paid leave reflects broader socio-economic conditions and policies that were prevalent in the country during this period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, limited government resources, and ongoing political instability that affected social welfare programs. Additionally, cultural norms surrounding gender roles may have influenced the prioritization of parental leave policies.

It is noteworthy that in many developing countries, similar challenges persist, as they often grapple with balancing social support systems amidst economic challenges and fluctuating political environments. This statistic underscores the importance of continued advocacy for parental rights and social welfare reform in Burundi and similar contexts.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan had the highest length of paid parental leave for mothers in the world in 1997, offering a remarkable total of 478 days. This extensive leave policy reflects the country’s commitment to supporting family welfare and maternal health during a critical period following childbirth.

The generous duration of paid parental leave can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including a focus on population growth and the well-being of children in a post-Soviet context, where family structures were traditionally emphasized. Such policies were also part of broader social protection measures aimed at stabilizing the population following the challenges faced during the civil war in the 1990s.

Interestingly, this policy stands in stark contrast to many other nations, highlighting Tajikistan's prioritization of maternal leave during a time when many countries offered significantly less. The emphasis on longer parental leave may also reflect cultural values surrounding motherhood and child-rearing, which are pivotal in Tajik society.

Eritrea

In 1997, Eritrea ranked 57th out of 189 countries in terms of parental leave policies, with a notably low provision of 0 days of paid parental leave for mothers. This lack of paid leave reflects broader socio-economic challenges within the country, where resources for social welfare programs have been limited due to ongoing conflicts and economic constraints.

The absence of paid parental leave can hinder maternal and child health outcomes, as it may force mothers to return to work shortly after childbirth, impacting their ability to bond with their newborns and recover physically. Additionally, the socio-political landscape of Eritrea, characterized by centralized governance and limited international engagement, has likely contributed to the lack of progressive labor policies, including those related to family leave.

It is noteworthy that many countries around the world have since moved towards more supportive policies for working mothers, reflecting a global trend towards recognizing the importance of family leave in promoting child wellbeing and gender equality in the workplace.

Georgia

In 1997, Georgia ranked 66th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an alarming figure of 0 days of paid leave available. This absence of paid parental leave reflects broader socio-economic challenges faced by the country during the post-Soviet transition, including a struggling economy and limited social welfare programs.

The lack of paid parental leave may have contributed to challenges in maternal and child health, as well as impacting women's participation in the workforce. Furthermore, this policy environment was indicative of a broader trend in Central and Eastern Europe during the 1990s, where many countries were reforming their social systems amidst economic instability.

Globally, the trend has shifted over the years, with many countries recognizing the importance of paid parental leave for promoting gender equality and supporting families. As of 2023, numerous nations have implemented more comprehensive parental leave policies, highlighting the significant changes in societal values toward family support since the late 1990s.

Sierra Leone

In 1997, Sierra Leone ranked 153rd out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded length of 0 days. This lack of statutory paid leave reflects broader socio-economic challenges faced by the country, particularly during a period marked by civil conflict and instability.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors including limited government resources, a struggling economy, and the prioritization of immediate post-war recovery efforts over family welfare policies. Additionally, cultural norms and practices may also play a role in shaping attitudes towards parental leave.

It is important to note that many countries in similar situations often face comparable challenges, leading to inadequate support systems for families. This historical context emphasizes the need for comprehensive policy reforms to ensure better protection and benefits for mothers and families in Sierra Leone.

Sudan

In 1997, Sudan ranked 165th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This lack of paid leave reflects broader socio-economic challenges faced by the country, including ongoing conflict, economic instability, and limited resources allocated to social welfare programs.

The absence of paid parental leave can significantly impact maternal and child health, as well as family stability. In many cases, women are forced to return to work shortly after childbirth, which can hinder both recovery and bonding with the newborn. The situation is exacerbated by cultural norms that may not prioritize maternal health or support systems for new mothers.

Overall, the statistic highlights the need for comprehensive reforms in Sudan's labor policies to enhance the well-being of families and promote gender equality in the workforce.

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