Length of paid parental leave for mother 2004

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	South Korea	365 days
3	Italy	180 days
4	Luxembourg	180 days
5	Slovenia	130 days
6	Belgium	90 days
7	Norway	63 days
8	Sweden	60 days
9	Afghanistan	0 days
10	Albania	0 days
11	Algeria	0 days
12	Angola	0 days
13	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
14	Argentina	0 days
15	Armenia	0 days
16	Australia	0 days
17	Austria	0 days
18	Azerbaijan	0 days
19	Bahamas	0 days
20	Bahrain	0 days
21	Bangladesh	0 days
22	Barbados	0 days
23	Belarus	0 days
24	Belize	0 days
25	Benin	0 days
26	Bhutan	0 days
27	Bolivia	0 days
28	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0 days
29	Botswana	0 days
30	Brazil	0 days
31	Brunei Darussalam	0 days
32	Bulgaria	0 days
33	Burkina Faso	0 days
34	Burundi	0 days
35	Cabo Verde	0 days
36	Cambodia	0 days
37	Cameroon	0 days
38	Canada	0 days
39	Central African Republic	0 days
40	Chad	0 days
41	Chile	0 days
42	China	0 days
43	China, Hong Kong SAR	0 days
44	Colombia	0 days
45	Comoros	0 days
46	Congo	0 days
47	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0 days
48	Costa Rica	0 days
49	Côte d'Ivoire	0 days
50	Croatia	0 days
51	Cyprus	0 days
52	Czech Republic	0 days
53	Denmark	0 days
54	Djibouti	0 days
55	Dominica	0 days
56	Dominican Republic	0 days
57	Ecuador	0 days
58	Egypt	0 days
59	El Salvador	0 days
60	Equatorial Guinea	0 days
61	Eritrea	0 days
62	Estonia	0 days
63	Eswatini	0 days
64	Ethiopia	0 days
65	Fiji	0 days
66	Finland	0 days
67	France	0 days
68	Gabon	0 days
69	Gambia	0 days
70	Georgia	0 days
71	Germany	0 days
72	Ghana	0 days
73	Greece	0 days
74	Grenada	0 days
75	Guatemala	0 days
76	Guinea	0 days
77	Guinea-Bissau	0 days
78	Guyana	0 days
79	Haiti	0 days
80	Honduras	0 days
81	Hungary	0 days
82	Iceland	0 days
83	India	0 days
84	Indonesia	0 days
85	Iran	0 days
86	Iraq	0 days
87	Ireland	0 days
88	Israel	0 days
89	Jamaica	0 days
90	Japan	0 days
91	Jordan	0 days
92	Kazakhstan	0 days
93	Kenya	0 days
94	Kiribati	0 days
95	Kosovo	0 days
96	Kuwait	0 days
97	Kyrgyzstan	0 days
98	Laos	0 days
99	Latvia	0 days
100	Lebanon	0 days
101	Lesotho	0 days
102	Liberia	0 days
103	Libya	0 days
104	Lithuania	0 days
105	Madagascar	0 days
106	Malawi	0 days
107	Malaysia	0 days
108	Maldives	0 days
109	Mali	0 days
110	Malta	0 days
111	Marshall Islands	0 days
112	Mauritania	0 days
113	Mauritius	0 days
114	Mexico	0 days
115	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	0 days
116	Mongolia	0 days
117	Montenegro	0 days
118	Morocco	0 days
119	Mozambique	0 days
120	Myanmar	0 days
121	Namibia	0 days
122	Nepal	0 days
123	Netherlands	0 days
124	New Zealand	0 days
125	Nicaragua	0 days
126	Niger	0 days
127	Nigeria	0 days
128	North Macedonia	0 days
129	Oman	0 days
130	Pakistan	0 days
131	Palau	0 days
132	Panama	0 days
133	Papua New Guinea	0 days
134	Paraguay	0 days
135	Peru	0 days
136	Philippines	0 days
137	Poland	0 days
138	Portugal	0 days
139	Puerto Rico	0 days
140	Qatar	0 days
141	Republic of Moldova	0 days
142	Romania	0 days
143	Russia	0 days
144	Rwanda	0 days
145	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0 days
146	Saint Lucia	0 days
147	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 days
148	Samoa	0 days
149	San Marino	0 days
150	Sao Tome and Principe	0 days
151	Saudi Arabia	0 days
152	Senegal	0 days
153	Serbia	0 days
154	Seychelles	0 days
155	Sierra Leone	0 days
156	Singapore	0 days
157	Slovakia	0 days
158	Solomon Islands	0 days
159	Somalia	0 days
160	South Africa	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

In 2004, the length of paid parental leave for mothers emerged as a vital social metric, highlighting the disparities in family policies across the globe. This measure has significant implications for family well-being and workforce participation, impacting economic stability and societal growth. Understanding how different countries approach this policy provides insights into global priorities and challenges regarding gender equality, family support, and economic development.

Global Overview of Paid Parental Leave in 2004

The year 2004 saw a wide range of policies on paid parental leave for mothers, with a stark contrast between countries offering extensive leave and those providing none. Data from 189 countries revealed a minimum of 0 days in several countries, while Tajikistan offered the maximum of 478 days. The average length of paid leave across the globe was notably low at just 8.18 days, with a median of 0 days, indicating that many countries did not provide paid leave at all. Prominent among the top-ranking nations were South Korea (365 days), Italy (180 days), and Luxembourg (180 days), showcasing a strong commitment to supporting new mothers.

Economic Implications of Paid Parental Leave

The provision of paid parental leave directly affects economic dynamics by influencing workforce participation, particularly for women. In countries with generous leave policies, such as South Korea and Italy, there tends to be better integration of mothers in the workforce, as they are able to balance professional responsibilities with family needs. Conversely, countries with no paid leave, including Australia and Argentina, may face challenges in retaining female talent, which can hinder economic growth. The absence of paid leave in 0-day countries underscores a potential barrier to achieving gender parity in economic participation, as mothers are often compelled to choose between career and family.

Regional Comparisons and Disparities

Analyzing the length of paid parental leave through a regional lens reveals significant disparities in policy priorities. European countries generally exhibited higher leave durations, with Italy, Luxembourg, and Slovenia leading the way. This reflects the region's robust social safety nets and progressive family policies. In contrast, many African and Asian countries, such as Angola and Afghanistan, recorded zero days of paid leave, highlighting regional challenges related to economic constraints and policy prioritization. These differences illustrate a global divide, where some regions are more advanced in integrating family support into their social frameworks than others.

Policy Impact and Trends in 2004

In the context of 2004, the policy landscape regarding paid parental leave for mothers remained largely stable, with no significant year-over-year changes in the provision of paid leave days. This static nature of policies suggests a period of consolidation rather than expansion for family support measures. Countries like Tajikistan and South Korea, which maintained high leave durations, underscored a commitment to existing policies rather than expansion. However, the presence of zero-day countries, including many in the bottom ten, pointed to potential areas for policy innovation and reform. Global trends indicated a growing recognition of the need for supportive family policies, although changes were yet to be widely implemented.

Future Directions and Considerations

Looking ahead, the global landscape of paid parental leave for mothers in 2004 sets the stage for future policy development. For countries lagging in providing paid leave, the challenge lies in addressing economic constraints and prioritizing family support in policy agendas. Meanwhile, nations with established leave policies may explore enhancements to support diverse family structures and promote gender equality. As international discourse increasingly acknowledges the importance of family well-being, it is anticipated that countries will trend towards more comprehensive leave policies, balancing economic growth with social responsibility. The data from 2004 serves as a benchmark for measuring progress and guiding future initiatives aimed at supporting mothers in the workforce.

Insights by country

Belgium

In 2004, Belgium ranked 6th among 189 countries for the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 90 days of paid leave. This generous policy reflects Belgium's commitment to supporting family welfare and gender equality in the workplace.

The provision of 90 days of paid parental leave can be attributed to Belgium's comprehensive social security system, which emphasizes the importance of early childhood development and the well-being of both mothers and children. The leave policy is designed to facilitate bonding between parents and their newborns, which is crucial for healthy child development.

Additionally, Belgium's progressive stance on parental leave is part of a broader trend in European countries, where there is a strong emphasis on work-life balance and the role of women in both the workforce and family settings. As of 2004, this policy helped position Belgium as a leader in family-friendly labor practices, contributing to higher rates of maternal employment and child health outcomes.

Norway

In 2004, Norway ranked seventh out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, providing 63 days of paid leave. This substantial duration reflects Norway's commitment to supporting families and promoting gender equality in the workplace.

The provision of paid parental leave is influenced by Norway's robust welfare state model, which emphasizes social security and child welfare. Factors contributing to this policy include a strong political focus on family support, high participation rates of women in the labor force, and societal norms that value the early bonding between mothers and their infants.

Furthermore, Norway's parental leave policies have been shown to positively impact child health and development outcomes, contributing to the country's high rankings in global quality of life indices. The emphasis on longer parental leave has also been associated with increased gender equality in caregiving roles, as fathers are encouraged to take leave as well.

Albania

In 2004, Albania ranked 10th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a striking statistic of 0 days of paid leave. This ranking reflects a significant gap in parental support policies compared to many other nations, which often provide extended leave to promote maternal health and early childhood development.

The absence of paid parental leave in Albania during this period can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including a lack of comprehensive labor laws and a historical focus on economic restructuring following the fall of communism. The societal norms surrounding gender roles and the economic pressures on families may have also contributed to the limited support for new mothers.

Interestingly, many countries have since recognized the importance of paid parental leave, leading to improvements in maternal health and child welfare, indicating a growing global trend towards supporting families during the early stages of parenthood.

Chad

In 2004, Chad ranked 40th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, a position reflecting its policies regarding maternal support. Notably, the length of paid parental leave for mothers in Chad was 0 days, indicating a lack of formal maternity leave benefits provided by the government.

This absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the country's economic challenges, limited resources, and social norms that may prioritize immediate economic contributions over parental support. Additionally, the healthcare infrastructure in Chad has historically struggled to provide comprehensive maternal and child health services, further complicating support for new mothers.

In contrast, many countries globally recognize the importance of parental leave in promoting child welfare and maternal health, with varying lengths of paid leave ranging from a few weeks to several months. The lack of such policies in Chad highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing gender equity and family support in the region.

Antigua and Barbuda

In 2004, Antigua and Barbuda ranked 13th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, a position that might seem notable; however, the country offered 0 days of paid parental leave. This statistic highlights the lack of formal support for new mothers in the context of labor rights and family welfare within the nation.

The absence of paid parental leave could be attributed to various factors, including the economic structure of Antigua and Barbuda, where the economy is heavily reliant on tourism and related services, potentially limiting the resources available for social welfare programs. Additionally, cultural factors may also play a role in shaping policies regarding maternity leave, often prioritizing immediate economic productivity over family support.

Interestingly, many Caribbean nations face similar challenges, with varying policies on parental leave that can affect family dynamics and women's participation in the workforce. The lack of support for new mothers can lead to adverse outcomes for both families and the broader economy, emphasizing the importance of considering such policies for future social development.

Botswana

In 2004, Botswana ranked 29th out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was set at 0 days. This statistic reflects a significant gap in maternity benefits compared to many other nations, where paid leave is often an essential component of parental support.

The absence of paid parental leave in Botswana can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including limited government resources, traditional gender roles, and a lack of comprehensive labor laws that support family welfare. As a developing country, Botswana has faced challenges in prioritizing family leave policies amidst other pressing economic issues.

Globally, paid parental leave policies vary widely, with many countries offering extended leave periods to support new mothers. For instance, Scandinavian countries are known for their generous parental leave systems, which can exceed a year. In contrast, Botswana's lack of such provisions may impact maternal health and child development, highlighting the need for policy reforms in this area.

Costa Rica

In 2004, Costa Rica ranked 48th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an official duration of 0 days. This ranking highlights the challenges faced by working mothers in the country, who were not entitled to any paid leave following childbirth during this period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, cultural attitudes towards gender roles, and legislative priorities that may not have placed a strong emphasis on family support policies. As a result, many mothers were required to return to work shortly after giving birth, potentially impacting both maternal health and infant development.

Interestingly, Costa Rica has made strides in other areas related to maternal and child health, such as achieving high rates of maternal healthcare access and low infant mortality rates. However, the lack of paid parental leave remains a significant gap in the social safety net for families, reflecting broader trends in labor rights and family policies across the region.

Croatia

In 2004, Croatia ranked 50th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days allocated for this leave. This statistic reflects a significant gap in parental support policies during a time when many countries were beginning to recognize the importance of maternity leave for both maternal and child health.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, a focus on labor market participation, and a lack of comprehensive family support policies at that time. These conditions often resulted in mothers facing challenges in balancing work and childcare responsibilities, impacting family well-being.

Interestingly, many countries in Europe were gradually enhancing their parental leave policies in the following years, recognizing the benefits of such measures on child development and gender equality in the workplace. Croatia's policy environment has since evolved, reflecting broader trends in social policy reform aimed at improving family welfare.

Bangladesh

In 2004, Bangladesh ranked 21st out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded duration of 0 days. This statistic highlights the country's lack of formal support for maternal leave during a crucial period for both mothers and infants.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms, and a lack of comprehensive labor policies. Many women in Bangladesh work in the informal sector, where labor rights are often overlooked, leading to minimal access to benefits such as maternity leave.

Additionally, the global trend in 2004 showed that many countries were beginning to recognize the importance of parental leave in promoting child health and gender equality, making Bangladesh's position particularly noteworthy. As of that time, various organizations were advocating for improved labor rights, which could pave the way for future reforms in parental leave policies.

Djibouti

In 2004, Djibouti ranked 54th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days allocated for this benefit. This statistic reflects the country's limited provisions for maternity leave, which may impact the well-being of mothers and their newborns.

The absence of paid parental leave in Djibouti can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, cultural attitudes towards gender roles, and a lack of legislative frameworks that prioritize family support. In many developing nations, such policies may be overlooked due to pressing economic challenges and a focus on immediate labor needs.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the lack of paid parental leave can have significant implications for maternal and child health, as well as overall family stability. Countries with more supportive parental leave policies often report better health outcomes for mothers and children, highlighting the importance of such measures in promoting social welfare.

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