Length of paid parental leave for mother 2005

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

The Length of Paid Parental Leave for Mother is a critical metric reflecting societal values towards family and work-life balance. In 2005, this statistic varied significantly across the globe, highlighting disparities in social policies and their implications on the workforce. This article delves into the complexities and contrasts of paid parental leave in different countries, shedding light on this pressing social issue.

Global Overview of Paid Parental Leave in 2005

The year 2005 presented a diverse landscape in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with data covering 189 countries. The length of paid leave ranged from 0 days in many countries to a remarkable 478 days in Tajikistan. The average length across all countries was a mere 8.18 days, while the median stood at 0 days, underscoring the prevalence of countries providing no paid leave at all.

Countries Leading in Paid Parental Leave

Tajikistan emerged as the leader with the longest paid parental leave at 478 days, reflecting a strong commitment to supporting maternal health and family well-being. Following Tajikistan, South Korea offered 365 days of paid leave, indicating a robust policy framework to promote gender equality and family support. Italy and Luxembourg both provided 180 days, showcasing their advanced social welfare systems. These countries demonstrate a significant investment in family policies, which can lead to positive impacts on demographic trends and workforce participation.

Countries with No Paid Parental Leave

Conversely, a considerable number of countries, including Australia, Argentina, and Afghanistan, reported 0 days of paid parental leave for mothers. This lack of support can have far-reaching implications on families, particularly affecting maternal health, children's early development, and women's ability to re-enter the workforce. The absence of paid parental leave in these countries highlights an area for potential policy development aimed at bolstering family support systems and economic stability.

Regional Disparities and Societal Implications

The regional disparities in paid parental leave are stark, with Europe generally offering more generous leave policies compared to Africa and parts of Asia and the Americas. While European countries like Italy and Sweden lead with substantial paid leave, regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of South Asia show minimal or no provision. These disparities not only reflect economic differences but also reveal varying cultural attitudes towards family responsibilities and gender roles. Enhancing paid parental leave can contribute to reducing gender inequality and fostering a more inclusive workforce.

Policy Considerations and Future Projections

The data from 2005 underscores the critical need for comprehensive policy reforms in countries lagging in paid parental leave. Policymakers can draw insights from leading countries to design effective frameworks that balance economic constraints with social benefits. As the global economy evolves, the importance of aligning parental leave policies with broader social objectives becomes increasingly apparent. Future projections suggest that countries investing in extended paid leave may experience improvements in child health outcomes, maternal well-being, and overall economic productivity.

In conclusion, the Length of Paid Parental Leave for Mother in 2005 reveals significant global disparities, with far-reaching implications for family dynamics and workforce participation. By analyzing these differences, stakeholders can better understand how to support families and empower women in the labor market, ultimately fostering more equitable and sustainable societies.

Insights by country

Dominican Republic

In 2005, the Dominican Republic ranked 56th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing a total of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic highlights the country's limited support for new mothers in terms of maternity benefits, which can have significant implications for both maternal and child health outcomes.

The absence of paid parental leave is often linked to various socio-economic factors, including a reliance on informal labor markets, economic constraints, and cultural attitudes towards gender roles and family responsibilities. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive family policies may contribute to lower participation rates of women in the workforce, impacting overall economic growth.

In contrast to many countries that offer substantial maternity leave, the Dominican Republic's policy reflects a broader trend in some regions where economic priorities may outweigh the need for supportive family leave. This situation underscores the importance of reforming social policies to enhance women's rights and family welfare.

China, Hong Kong SAR

In 2005, Hong Kong SAR ranked 43rd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, a notably low position that reflects the region's policies on family leave. The actual duration of paid parental leave for mothers was 0 days, indicating that there was no statutory entitlement for paid leave during this period.

This situation can be attributed to a range of factors, including the region's economic policies that prioritize labor market flexibility and competitiveness. Additionally, cultural norms surrounding family roles and employment may have influenced the lack of formal support for maternity leave, with a focus on self-reliance and rapid workforce reintegration.

Interestingly, this statistic contrasts sharply with many other developed regions, where paid parental leave is more common and often spans several months. For instance, countries such as Sweden and Norway offer extensive parental leave benefits, highlighting the disparities in family support policies worldwide.

Austria

In 2005, Austria ranked 17th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a reported duration of 0 days. This statistic reflects a unique aspect of Austria's parental leave policies at the time, where the structure of parental leave was not as financially supportive for mothers immediately after childbirth.

The relatively short or non-existent paid parental leave may be influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, cultural attitudes toward gender roles, and the prioritization of labor market participation. Austria has traditionally emphasized the importance of both parents' involvement in child-rearing, which may have contributed to a system that encourages sharing parental responsibilities rather than solely focusing on maternal leave.

It is notable that while the official paid leave was recorded as zero days, parents could still access other forms of leave and benefits, reflecting a more complex landscape of parental support. Additionally, global trends in parental leave policies have evolved significantly since 2005, with many countries recognizing the importance of paid leave in promoting child health and family welfare.

Djibouti

In 2005, Djibouti ranked 54th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with an actual provision of 0 days. This statistic highlights a significant gap in parental support policies within the country, reflecting a broader trend of limited welfare provisions in many developing nations.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms surrounding gender roles, and a lack of legislative frameworks that prioritize family welfare. Djibouti's economy, primarily reliant on services and trade, may struggle to implement comprehensive social benefits without significant financial backing.

Moreover, the lack of paid parental leave can have lasting impacts on maternal and child health, as well as on gender equality in the workforce. Countries with more supportive parental leave policies typically see better health outcomes for children and mothers, alongside improved economic participation by women.

Kosovo

In 2005, Kosovo ranked 95th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic reflects the challenging socio-economic environment in Kosovo following the 1998-1999 conflict, where recovery efforts were focused on rebuilding infrastructure and stabilizing the economy rather than developing comprehensive social welfare systems.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to limited governmental resources and prioritization of urgent economic reforms over family welfare policies. Furthermore, the political instability and transitional governance during this period hindered the establishment of supportive legislation for maternity and parental leave.

As a point of comparison, many European countries have since implemented substantial parental leave policies, recognizing their importance for child development and family support, highlighting the disparity in social welfare provisions that existed in Kosovo during this time.

Togo

Togo ranked 172nd out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers in 2005, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of support for new mothers reflects broader challenges in the country's social welfare system and labor policies, which often prioritize economic productivity over family support.

The absence of paid parental leave can have significant implications for maternal and child health, as well as for the overall well-being of families. In Togo, factors such as limited economic resources, underdeveloped labor laws, and cultural attitudes towards gender roles may contribute to this situation. Many women face the dilemma of balancing their responsibilities at home with the need to return to work shortly after childbirth.

Globally, countries with more comprehensive parental leave policies tend to report better health outcomes for mothers and infants, highlighting the importance of supportive measures during the critical postpartum period.

Mauritius

In 2005, Mauritius ranked 113th out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This ranking reflects the country's limited provisions for maternity leave, which can impact maternal health and child welfare.

The lack of paid parental leave may be influenced by various factors, including economic constraints, labor market conditions, and cultural attitudes towards gender roles and family responsibilities. Such policies are often tied to broader social welfare systems that prioritize immediate economic productivity over long-term family support.

Interestingly, many countries that provide substantial paid parental leave have been shown to benefit from improved health outcomes for mothers and infants, as well as increased workforce participation rates among women. As such, the absence of paid parental leave in Mauritius during this period could have implications for gender equality and child development in the nation.

Philippines

In 2005, the Philippines ranked 136th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an alarming statistic of 0 days allocated for this purpose. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader issues related to gender equality and maternal support within the nation's labor policies.

The absence of paid leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms surrounding gender roles, and a lack of legislative focus on family welfare. These elements may hinder the implementation of robust parental leave policies, affecting women's workforce participation and overall family well-being.

Moreover, it is notable that many countries in Asia have likewise struggled with inadequate parental leave provisions, often leading to significant disparities in maternal health outcomes and child development. The absence of support mechanisms, such as paid leave, contributes to challenges faced by working mothers in balancing professional obligations with family responsibilities.

Nigeria

In 2005, Nigeria ranked 127 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic highlights a significant gap in parental support compared to many other nations, reflecting the country's challenges in providing adequate maternity benefits.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including a lack of comprehensive labor laws, economic constraints, and cultural norms that often prioritize immediate workforce participation over family support. As a developing nation, Nigeria faces ongoing challenges in balancing economic growth with the welfare of its citizens.

Moreover, such limited parental leave policies can have long-term implications for maternal and child health, as well as workforce participation rates. Comparable countries often provide varying lengths of paid leave, indicating a global trend toward supporting families during critical early developmental stages.

Pakistan

In 2005, Pakistan ranked 130th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, providing 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects a significant gap in maternity benefits compared to many other nations, where paid parental leave is often a standard policy to support new mothers and promote child welfare.

The absence of paid parental leave in Pakistan can be attributed to various factors, including cultural norms, economic constraints, and a lack of comprehensive labor policies. Traditional views often prioritize male breadwinners, which can lead to insufficient attention to women's health and welfare in the workplace.

Globally, many countries have recognized the importance of paid parental leave in improving maternal and child health outcomes, as well as promoting gender equality in the workforce. As of 2021, countries like Sweden and Norway offer extensive paid parental leave, reflecting a growing trend towards supporting families during critical early life stages.

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