Length of paid parental leave for mother 1998

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	Belgium	90 days
3	Norway	63 days
4	Sweden	30 days
5	Afghanistan	0 days
6	Albania	0 days
7	Algeria	0 days
8	Angola	0 days
9	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
10	Argentina	0 days
11	Armenia	0 days
12	Australia	0 days
13	Austria	0 days
14	Azerbaijan	0 days
15	Bahamas	0 days
16	Bahrain	0 days
17	Bangladesh	0 days
18	Barbados	0 days
19	Belarus	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 mother" is a critical measure of social policy that reflects how societies support maternal health, family well-being, and workforce participation. In 1998, the length of paid parental leave for mothers varied significantly across 189 countries, highlighting the diverse approaches to parental leave policies worldwide. Analyzing the statistics from this year provides insight into global trends and the socio-economic factors driving these variations.

Global Divergences in Maternal Leave

The statistics from 1998 reveal striking disparities in the length of paid parental leave available to mothers. Tajikistan stood out with a remarkable 478 days of paid leave, the highest recorded, emphasizing the country's commitment to maternal and child welfare. In stark contrast, many countries, including Australia, Argentina, and Austria, offered no paid parental leave, placing them at the minimum end of the spectrum. This vast range underscores the divergent prioritization of family policies across different national contexts, often influenced by political, economic, and cultural factors.

Regional Comparisons and Trends

Examining regional trends, Europe showcased a more supportive stance towards maternal leave. Belgium provided 90 days, while Norway and Sweden offered 63 and 30 days, respectively. These European nations demonstrate a stronger emphasis on social welfare policies. Conversely, many countries in Africa and the Middle East, such as Angola and Yemen, reported zero days of paid leave, reflecting regional economic challenges and differing policy priorities. These regional disparities highlight how economic prosperity and social policy frameworks influence parental leave provisions.

The availability of paid parental leave has profound implications for social well-being. In countries like Tajikistan, where extended leave is provided, mothers benefit from greater bonding time with their newborns, leading to improved health outcomes for both mother and child. Furthermore, such policies can enhance women's participation in the workforce by reducing the career penalties associated with childbirth. In contrast, the absence of paid parental leave in many countries might contribute to increased financial stress for families, potentially affecting maternal mental health and child development.

Economic Implications of Parental Leave

The length of paid parental leave is closely tied to economic considerations. Countries with robust economies, such as Belgium and Norway, can afford to provide substantial leave, reflecting their investment in human capital and long-term economic growth. This strategy not only supports families but also promotes gender equality in the workplace by mitigating career disruptions due to childbirth. Conversely, countries with limited economic resources may struggle to implement similar policies, thus perpetuating cycles of economic inequality and limiting workforce diversity.

Historical Context and Future Projections

The situation in 1998 can be contextualized within broader historical trends in parental leave. The data indicates little year-over-year change in the length of leave, with the average value remaining at 3.50 days. This stagnation suggests that while some countries made strides in parental leave policies, global progress was uneven. Looking forward, increasing awareness of the importance of paid parental leave is likely to drive policy changes, particularly as international organizations advocate for standardized minimum leave durations. As societies continue to recognize the value of supporting working parents, future projections indicate a potential shift towards more equitable and generous leave policies globally.

In conclusion, the 1998 data on the "Length of paid parental leave for mother" sheds light on significant global variations and the multifaceted factors influencing these differences. Understanding these patterns is crucial for shaping effective policies that enhance family well-being and foster economic stability. As countries navigate the challenges of modern workforce demands and family dynamics, the importance of comprehensive parental leave policies becomes increasingly evident.

Insights by country

Estonia

In 1998, Estonia ranked 58th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days allocated for this purpose. This absence of paid leave reflects the country's early post-Soviet economic landscape, where social benefits and family support systems were still undergoing significant transformation and reform.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the prioritization of economic recovery and growth over social welfare programs during this transitional period. Estonia was focused on establishing a market economy, which often resulted in reduced state spending on social services.

Comparatively, other countries at the time were beginning to implement or expand their parental leave policies, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of supporting families. This statistic highlights Estonia's initial challenges in balancing economic development with social support systems, a dynamic that has since evolved significantly in the years following 1998.

Algeria

In 1998, Algeria ranked 7th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a notable statistic of 0 days of paid leave. This ranking highlights the lack of formal parental support within the country during this period, which may have significant implications for maternal health and child development.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms regarding gender roles, and a prevailing emphasis on workforce participation over family-oriented policies. These elements often lead to a lower prioritization of social welfare initiatives aimed at supporting new mothers.

Additionally, it is important to note that many countries have since evolved their parental leave policies, reflecting changing attitudes toward family and work-life balance. In contrast, Algeria's situation in 1998 illustrates the challenges faced by women in balancing career and family responsibilities without institutional support.

Cameroon

In 1998, Cameroon ranked 33rd out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a length of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects the country's limited support for working mothers during childbirth and early childcare, which is indicative of broader social and economic challenges.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, a lack of comprehensive labor laws, and cultural attitudes towards gender roles. In many cases, traditional family structures and expectations may place the burden of childcare primarily on women, without institutional support.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that many countries worldwide have recognized the importance of paid parental leave in promoting family well-being and child development. In contrast, Cameroon’s policy landscape in 1998 illustrated significant gaps compared to international norms, which often emphasize the necessity of such benefits for fostering a healthier work-life balance.

Kazakhstan

In 1998, Kazakhstan ranked 89th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days allocated for this purpose. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader socio-economic conditions and government policies that may not prioritize family welfare and maternal support.

The absence of paid parental leave during this period can be attributed to several factors, including the country's transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This transition often led to economic instability and a focus on immediate economic recovery, sidelining social welfare policies.

Furthermore, in the late 1990s, Kazakhstan faced significant challenges such as high unemployment rates and inflation, which may have influenced the government's ability to implement comprehensive family support programs. Comparatively, many countries at the time recognized the importance of paid parental leave, linking it to improved maternal and child health outcomes and greater gender equality in the workforce.

San Marino

In 1998, San Marino ranked 147th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This statistic highlights the limited support for new mothers in the country during this period, reflecting a broader trend of minimal parental benefits in some smaller nations.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including San Marino's small population and economic structure, which may have influenced the government's ability to implement extensive welfare programs. Additionally, cultural attitudes towards family and work may have played a role, with traditional views potentially prioritizing immediate economic contributions over parental leave policies.

Interestingly, many countries in Europe have since expanded their parental leave policies, recognizing the importance of supporting families during the early stages of child-rearing, which can positively impact child development and maternal health.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua ranked 123rd out of 189 countries in 1998 regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers. The country offered a total of 0 days of paid parental leave, reflecting a significant gap in maternity support compared to many other nations.

This lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including limited government resources and an economy that heavily relies on agriculture and informal labor. These factors often hinder the implementation of comprehensive social programs, including maternity benefits.

In contrast, many countries in the region and globally provide varying lengths of paid leave, which facilitates better maternal health outcomes and child development. This disparity highlights ongoing challenges in Nicaragua regarding women's rights and workplace protections.

Grenada

In 1998, Grenada ranked 70th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This statistic highlights the limited support for new mothers in terms of parental leave, which can significantly impact maternal health and child development.

The absence of paid parental leave in Grenada can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints and a focus on maintaining a competitive labor market. Countries with limited resources often prioritize immediate economic stability over social welfare programs, which may lead to lower investment in family support initiatives.

Globally, many nations have recognized the importance of parental leave policies for enhancing family well-being, with many countries providing several weeks to months of paid leave for mothers. The lack of such provisions in Grenada may reflect broader patterns in the Caribbean region, where economic challenges continue to influence social policy developments.

Norway

In 1998, Norway ranked third out of 189 countries for the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing 63 days of paid leave. This generous policy reflects Norway's commitment to supporting families and promoting gender equality in the workplace.

The length of paid parental leave in Norway is part of a broader social welfare system designed to ensure that both parents can take time off to care for their newborns without suffering significant financial loss. Factors contributing to this policy include a strong emphasis on child welfare, societal norms that value parental involvement, and progressive labor laws that encourage work-life balance.

Additionally, Norway has consistently invested in family-friendly policies, resulting in high participation rates among women in the workforce, which is essential for maintaining economic stability. This prioritization of parental leave can also be linked to positive outcomes in child development and family cohesion.

Argentina

In 1998, Argentina was ranked 10th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a striking value of 0 days. This indicates that, at that time, there was no provision for paid maternity leave, which reflects broader societal and economic conditions affecting women's rights and family support policies in the country.

The absence of paid parental leave may have stemmed from various factors, including economic challenges, cultural attitudes towards gender roles, and a lack of political advocacy for women's rights. During the late 1990s, Argentina faced significant economic instability, which likely limited the government's ability to implement comprehensive welfare programs.

Interestingly, in comparison to other countries, this lack of paid parental leave placed Argentina among those with minimal support for new mothers, potentially impacting maternal and infant health outcomes. Many countries have since recognized the importance of parental leave in promoting family well-being and child development, leading to reforms in policies globally.

Azerbaijan

In 1998, Azerbaijan ranked 14th out of 189 countries regarding paid parental leave for mothers, with an actual value of 0 days. This statistic reflects a significant gap in the provision of maternity benefits compared to many other nations, which typically offer substantial paid leave for new mothers.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints and a lack of comprehensive family support policies in the post-Soviet context. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan faced numerous socio-economic challenges that may have hindered the establishment of robust parental leave systems.

Additionally, this statistic highlights broader issues related to gender equality and maternal support in the workforce. Many countries have since improved their parental leave policies to promote better work-life balance, yet Azerbaijan's early stance in 1998 underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women in the workforce during that period.

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