Length of paid parental leave for mother 2009

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	Croatia	90 days
8	Norway	63 days
9	Germany	60 days
10	Sweden	60 days
11	Portugal	42 days
12	Afghanistan	0 days
13	Albania	0 days
14	Algeria	0 days
15	Angola	0 days
16	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
17	Argentina	0 days
18	Armenia	0 days
19	Australia	0 days
20	Austria	0 days
21	Azerbaijan	0 days
22	Bahamas	0 days
23	Bahrain	0 days
24	Bangladesh	0 days
25	Barbados	0 days
26	Belarus	0 days
27	Belize	0 days
28	Benin	0 days
29	Bhutan	0 days
30	Bolivia	0 days
31	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0 days
32	Botswana	0 days
33	Brazil	0 days
34	Brunei Darussalam	0 days
35	Bulgaria	0 days
36	Burkina Faso	0 days
37	Burundi	0 days
38	Cabo Verde	0 days
39	Cambodia	0 days
40	Cameroon	0 days
41	Canada	0 days
42	Central African Republic	0 days
43	Chad	0 days
44	Chile	0 days
45	China	0 days
46	China, Hong Kong SAR	0 days
47	Colombia	0 days
48	Comoros	0 days
49	Congo	0 days
50	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0 days
51	Costa Rica	0 days
52	Côte d'Ivoire	0 days
53	Cyprus	0 days
54	Czech Republic	0 days
55	Denmark	0 days
56	Djibouti	0 days
57	Dominica	0 days
58	Dominican Republic	0 days
59	Ecuador	0 days
60	Egypt	0 days
61	El Salvador	0 days
62	Equatorial Guinea	0 days
63	Eritrea	0 days
64	Estonia	0 days
65	Eswatini	0 days
66	Ethiopia	0 days
67	Fiji	0 days
68	Finland	0 days
69	France	0 days
70	Gabon	0 days
71	Gambia	0 days
72	Georgia	0 days
73	Ghana	0 days
74	Greece	0 days
75	Grenada	0 days
76	Guatemala	0 days
77	Guinea	0 days
78	Guinea-Bissau	0 days
79	Guyana	0 days
80	Haiti	0 days
81	Honduras	0 days
82	Hungary	0 days
83	Iceland	0 days
84	India	0 days
85	Indonesia	0 days
86	Iran	0 days
87	Iraq	0 days
88	Ireland	0 days
89	Israel	0 days
90	Jamaica	0 days
91	Japan	0 days
92	Jordan	0 days
93	Kazakhstan	0 days
94	Kenya	0 days
95	Kiribati	0 days
96	Kosovo	0 days
97	Kuwait	0 days
98	Kyrgyzstan	0 days
99	Laos	0 days
100	Latvia	0 days
101	Lebanon	0 days
102	Lesotho	0 days
103	Liberia	0 days
104	Libya	0 days
105	Lithuania	0 days
106	Madagascar	0 days
107	Malawi	0 days
108	Malaysia	0 days
109	Maldives	0 days
110	Mali	0 days
111	Malta	0 days
112	Marshall Islands	0 days
113	Mauritania	0 days
114	Mauritius	0 days
115	Mexico	0 days
116	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	0 days
117	Mongolia	0 days
118	Montenegro	0 days
119	Morocco	0 days
120	Mozambique	0 days
121	Myanmar	0 days
122	Namibia	0 days
123	Nepal	0 days
124	Netherlands	0 days
125	New Zealand	0 days
126	Nicaragua	0 days
127	Niger	0 days
128	Nigeria	0 days
129	North Macedonia	0 days
130	Oman	0 days
131	Pakistan	0 days
132	Palau	0 days
133	Panama	0 days
134	Papua New Guinea	0 days
135	Paraguay	0 days
136	Peru	0 days
137	Philippines	0 days
138	Poland	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 2009, the length of paid parental leave for mothers was a topic of considerable importance, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards family welfare and working women. As countries around the globe grappled with ensuring both economic productivity and family well-being, the policies on parental leave became crucial indicators of progress. This article delves into the statistics and trends surrounding maternal leave in 2009, exploring how various nations addressed this critical social issue.

Global Overview of Maternal Leave Policies in 2009

In 2009, 189 countries reported data on the length of paid parental leave for mothers, showcasing a wide variance from country to country. This disparity underscores the diversity in policy approaches and cultural attitudes toward parenting and work-life balance. The minimum leave period recorded was zero days, while the maximum reached a staggering 478 days in Tajikistan. The average length of paid leave globally was 9.20 days, with the median also being zero, highlighting that many countries offered little to no paid leave for mothers at this time.

Regional Contrasts in Parental Leave Length

The global statistics reveal significant contrasts between countries and regions. Notably, Tajikistan led with the longest paid parental leave at 478 days, followed closely by South Korea with 365 days. European countries like Italy and Luxembourg provided 180 days each, illustrating a strong commitment to family support in parts of Europe. Conversely, the bottom tier of countries, including the Bahamas, Australia, and several others, reported no paid leave, reflecting a different set of priorities or economic constraints.

The length of paid parental leave can significantly impact both economic and social aspects of a country. Nations offering extended leave, such as those in Europe and parts of Asia, often view it as an investment in the well-being of future generations and a step towards gender equality in the workforce. Such policies can also influence maternal health outcomes and child development positively. On the other hand, countries with limited or no paid leave might face challenges in supporting working mothers, potentially affecting workforce participation rates and economic growth.

Policy Evolution and Global Trends

While 2009 did not see significant year-over-year changes in the length of paid parental leave for mothers, the data indicates a broader global trend towards recognizing the importance of parental leave. Many countries were beginning to reassess their policies, influenced by both international examples and domestic advocacy for better family support systems. As nations observed the benefits of extended parental leave in countries like South Korea and Italy, there was an increasing push towards adopting similar policies elsewhere.

Future Prospects and Challenges

Looking forward, the challenge for many countries remains balancing economic pressures with the social need for adequate parental leave. As more countries recognize the importance of supporting working mothers, there is potential for a shift towards more comprehensive leave policies. However, the diversity in economic capabilities and cultural values means that the pace and scope of these changes will vary significantly. Continued international dialogue and research into the impacts of parental leave can help guide these efforts, fostering policies that benefit both families and economies.

In conclusion, the length of paid parental leave for mothers in 2009 highlighted significant disparities across the globe. As nations continue to navigate the complexities of ensuring both economic vitality and family well-being, parental leave policies will remain a key area of focus. Understanding the implications of these policies can help pave the way for more equitable and supportive systems for future generations.

Insights by country

United Arab Emirates

In 2009, the United Arab Emirates ranked 179 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic highlights a significant gap in family-friendly policies compared to many other nations, particularly those in Europe and parts of Asia where paid parental leave is more common and typically longer.

The absence of paid parental leave in the UAE may be influenced by various factors, including the country's economic structure, reliance on expatriate labor, and cultural attitudes towards gender roles and family responsibilities. Additionally, the UAE’s rapid economic development and focus on attracting a global workforce may have led to a prioritization of economic growth over comprehensive family leave policies.

As a point of comparison, many developed countries provide substantial periods of paid parental leave, reflecting different societal values and commitments to family welfare. The lack of such provisions in the UAE has raised discussions about the need for reform in labor policies to better support working mothers and promote gender equality in the workplace.

Belgium

In 2009, Belgium ranked 6th out of 189 countries for the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing 90 days of paid leave. This significant duration reflects Belgium's commitment to supporting family welfare and work-life balance for new parents.

The paid parental leave policy in Belgium is influenced by a strong social welfare system and labor laws that prioritize family needs. Factors such as public awareness of child development and the importance of maternal bonding also contribute to these policies, encouraging a supportive environment for families.

Moreover, Belgium's approach aligns with broader European standards, where many countries offer substantial parental leave. This statistic underscores the nation's progressive stance on parental rights and highlights its efforts to promote gender equality in both the workplace and at home.

Benin

In 2009, Benin ranked 28th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which stood at 0 days. This statistic highlights a significant gap in parental support policies compared to many other nations, reflecting broader issues related to gender equality and maternal health in the country.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms surrounding gender roles, and a lack of comprehensive labor laws that support working mothers. In many developing countries, including Benin, the prioritization of economic development often overshadows the implementation of social welfare policies.

Moreover, this statistic places Benin in a challenging position compared to global standards, where many countries offer substantial paid parental leave to promote family well-being and support maternal health. For example, some countries provide up to a year of paid leave, which is associated with better health outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Dominica

In 2009, Dominica ranked 57 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic indicates that mothers in Dominica did not receive any state-funded paid leave following childbirth, a situation that reflects the country's limited support for parental leave policies at that time.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, limited government resources, and a focus on other social priorities. Such policies can significantly impact maternal health, child development, and overall family well-being, often leading to challenges for working mothers.

Globally, the trend in parental leave varies greatly, with many countries offering extensive paid leave as a means to support families. For instance, some Nordic countries provide up to a year of paid parental leave, contrasting sharply with Dominica's policy. This disparity highlights the ongoing discussions around the importance of such benefits for fostering supportive family environments.

Afghanistan

In 2009, Afghanistan ranked 12th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded value of 0 days. This statistic highlights the significant gap in maternity benefits available to women in Afghanistan, reflecting broader issues related to gender inequality and the socio-economic environment of the country.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including ongoing conflict, cultural norms that prioritize traditional gender roles, and a lack of infrastructure to support family-friendly policies. Additionally, economic constraints and the high levels of poverty in Afghanistan may limit the government's ability to implement such benefits.

It is noteworthy that Afghanistan's situation contrasts sharply with many other countries where paid parental leave is not only available but also extended, underscoring the challenges faced by Afghan women in balancing work and family responsibilities. This lack of support for new mothers can have long-term implications for child health and development, as well as for women's participation in the workforce.

Bangladesh

In 2009, Bangladesh was ranked 24th out of 189 countries regarding the provision of paid parental leave for mothers, with the country offering 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects the limited support for working mothers in Bangladesh, which can 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, and a lack of policy frameworks that prioritize parental support. In a country where a large portion of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, the absence of comprehensive labor laws further exacerbates the challenges faced by new mothers.

Additionally, it is important to note that many countries worldwide have recognized the importance of paid parental leave as a means to enhance family well-being and promote gender equality in the workplace. As of 2023, the global trend has been toward increasing the duration of paid parental leave, with many nations realizing its benefits for societal health and economic stability.

Bahamas

In 2009, the Bahamas ranked 22nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was notably 0 days. This statistic indicates a lack of formal paid parental leave policies for new mothers, placing the country among those with minimal support for maternal health and family welfare.

The absence of paid parental leave in the Bahamas can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints and the prioritization of labor market flexibility over family leave policies. This environment may impact the well-being of mothers and their newborns, potentially affecting maternal and child health outcomes.

Globally, countries with paid parental leave often report better health indicators for mothers and children, highlighting the importance of such policies in promoting family stability and child development. The lack of paid leave in the Bahamas reflects broader challenges in establishing comprehensive social policies that support families.

Belize

In 2009, Belize ranked 27th out of 189 countries regarding the provision of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded length of 0 days. This statistic indicates that, at that time, there were no government-mandated paid leave benefits for mothers following childbirth, reflecting a lack of support for family leave policies.

The absence of paid parental leave in Belize can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints and the prioritization of immediate labor needs over family welfare programs. Additionally, cultural norms surrounding gender roles and caregiving may have influenced the limited policy framework regarding maternity leave.

It is noteworthy that many countries in the Caribbean region have also struggled with similar issues, often providing minimal or no paid parental leave for new mothers, which can impact child health, maternal well-being, and overall family dynamics.

Mauritius

In 2009, Mauritius ranked 114th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, a statistic that revealed a significant gap in maternal support within the nation. The official length of paid parental leave for mothers in Mauritius was recorded at 0 days, highlighting a lack of financial support for new mothers during the critical postpartum period.

This absence of paid leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, a focus on labor market participation, and potential cultural attitudes towards gender roles and family responsibilities. The lack of a formal structure for paid parental leave may also reflect a broader trend in developing nations where such policies are not yet prioritized.

Additionally, the issue of parental leave in Mauritius has implications for child health and maternal well-being, as the absence of support can lead to increased stress and reduced bonding time between mother and child. Comparatively, many countries worldwide have made progress in extending paid parental leave, indicating a growing recognition of its importance for societal health and economic stability.

Pakistan

In 2009, Pakistan ranked 131 out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with an alarming statistic of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provision reflects broader issues within the country's labor policies and social support systems, which often do not prioritize family welfare and child-rearing responsibilities.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including cultural norms that may not support maternity leave, economic constraints faced by employers, and a labor market that is often informal. These factors contribute to a work environment where mothers are compelled to return to work shortly after childbirth, potentially impacting both maternal and child health.

Globally, the trend towards recognizing the importance of parental leave has been growing, with many countries implementing progressive policies to support families. The lack of such policies in Pakistan highlights a critical area for improvement in promoting gender equality and supporting new parents in their caregiving roles.

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