Length of paid parental leave for mother 2010

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	Japan	309 days
4	Italy	180 days
5	Luxembourg	180 days
6	Slovenia	130 days
7	Belgium	90 days
8	Croatia	90 days
9	Norway	63 days
10	Germany	60 days
11	Sweden	60 days
12	Portugal	42 days
13	Afghanistan	0 days
14	Albania	0 days
15	Algeria	0 days
16	Angola	0 days
17	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
18	Argentina	0 days
19	Armenia	0 days
20	Australia	0 days
21	Austria	0 days
22	Azerbaijan	0 days
23	Bahamas	0 days
24	Bahrain	0 days
25	Bangladesh	0 days
26	Barbados	0 days
27	Belarus	0 days
28	Belize	0 days
29	Benin	0 days
30	Bhutan	0 days
31	Bolivia	0 days
32	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0 days
33	Botswana	0 days
34	Brazil	0 days
35	Brunei Darussalam	0 days
36	Bulgaria	0 days
37	Burkina Faso	0 days
38	Burundi	0 days
39	Cabo Verde	0 days
40	Cambodia	0 days
41	Cameroon	0 days
42	Canada	0 days
43	Central African Republic	0 days
44	Chad	0 days
45	Chile	0 days
46	China	0 days
47	China, Hong Kong SAR	0 days
48	Colombia	0 days
49	Comoros	0 days
50	Congo	0 days
51	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0 days
52	Costa Rica	0 days
53	Côte d'Ivoire	0 days
54	Cyprus	0 days
55	Czech Republic	0 days
56	Denmark	0 days
57	Djibouti	0 days
58	Dominica	0 days
59	Dominican Republic	0 days
60	Ecuador	0 days
61	Egypt	0 days
62	El Salvador	0 days
63	Equatorial Guinea	0 days
64	Eritrea	0 days
65	Estonia	0 days
66	Eswatini	0 days
67	Ethiopia	0 days
68	Fiji	0 days
69	Finland	0 days
70	France	0 days
71	Gabon	0 days
72	Gambia	0 days
73	Georgia	0 days
74	Ghana	0 days
75	Greece	0 days
76	Grenada	0 days
77	Guatemala	0 days
78	Guinea	0 days
79	Guinea-Bissau	0 days
80	Guyana	0 days
81	Haiti	0 days
82	Honduras	0 days
83	Hungary	0 days
84	Iceland	0 days
85	India	0 days
86	Indonesia	0 days
87	Iran	0 days
88	Iraq	0 days
89	Ireland	0 days
90	Israel	0 days
91	Jamaica	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

The "Length of paid parental leave for mother" is a crucial metric that provides insight into how countries support family well-being and workforce participation. In 2010, this measure varied significantly across the globe, reflecting diverse cultural, economic, and political landscapes. This article delves into the global statistics of 2010, analyzing the impact of varying lengths of paid leave, and highlighting key patterns and insights.

Global Overview of Paid Parental Leave in 2010

In 2010, data from 189 countries revealed a stark disparity in the length of paid parental leave available to mothers. The minimum recorded value was 0 days, highlighting that several countries did not offer paid leave. In contrast, Tajikistan stood out with the maximum provision of 478 days, underscoring its strong commitment to parental support. The global average was a mere 10.83 days, with a median of 0 days, indicating that many countries still lagged in providing adequate support to new mothers.

Regional Disparities and Influences

Significant regional disparities were evident in the data. European nations such as Italy and Luxembourg were among the top providers, each offering 180 days of paid leave, reflecting Europe's general trend towards comprehensive social support systems. In Asia, South Korea and Japan were leading with 365 and 309 days, respectively, showcasing their evolving social policies. Conversely, many countries, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean, such as Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, and Argentina, provided no paid leave, potentially due to economic constraints and differing societal norms.

The length of paid parental leave has profound economic and social implications. Economically, countries with longer leave periods, such as those in Europe and parts of Asia, tend to support higher female workforce participation rates. This policy not only aids in balancing family and work life but also contributes to a more stable economic environment by fostering a more inclusive workforce. Socially, longer leave periods are directly linked to better health outcomes for both mothers and infants, promoting stronger family units and fostering early childhood development.

Policy Insights and Challenges

The data from 2010 reflects not only the existing policies but also highlights the challenges that governments face in implementing comprehensive parental leave. Countries like Tajikistan, leading with 478 days, set a benchmark for policy excellence. However, the lack of provision in many nations indicates a gap in policy implementation. Factors such as economic capability, cultural attitudes towards gender roles, and political will play pivotal roles in shaping these policies. For instance, countries with no paid leave often cite budgetary constraints and prioritize other areas of social spending.

Future Projections and Recommendations

Looking towards the future, the importance of increasing paid parental leave cannot be overstated. As more countries recognize the benefits of such policies, there is potential for significant change. International organizations advocate for minimum standards, which could influence countries to enhance their current offerings. For countries offering no paid leave, adopting even modest improvements could yield substantial social and economic benefits. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and international bodies will be essential to create sustainable policies that support families and promote gender equality in the workforce.

The statistics from 2010 paint a vivid picture of the global landscape concerning the length of paid parental leave for mothers. With significant variation across nations, this metric continues to be a crucial area for policy development and international dialogue. As the world progresses, the challenge remains to ensure that all mothers receive adequate support during this critical period of life.

Insights by country

Micronesia (Fed. States of)

In 2010, Micronesia (Fed. States of) ranked 116th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic indicates a lack of formal governmental support for maternal leave, reflecting broader issues related to labor rights and gender equality in the region.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including limited economic resources, a small population, and a workforce that predominantly engages in subsistence agriculture. These conditions may constrain the government's capacity to implement comprehensive welfare policies.

Additionally, many families in Micronesia rely on traditional support systems rather than formal employment benefits. As a result, while the official leave policy may be minimal, community and familial structures often play a crucial role in supporting mothers during the early stages of childbirth.

Netherlands

In 2010, the Netherlands ranked 124th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic is particularly noteworthy given the country's reputation for progressive social policies and high standards of living.

The absence of paid parental leave at that time can be attributed to various factors, including a reliance on a social insurance system that did not prioritize paid leave for new mothers. Instead, the Dutch system historically focused on other aspects of social welfare, which may have contributed to this ranking.

Interestingly, while the Netherlands provided no paid leave for mothers in 2010, it has since reformed its parental leave policies to include more comprehensive benefits, reflecting a broader trend in many countries to recognize the importance of supporting families during the early stages of child-rearing.

Timor-Leste

In 2010, Timor-Leste ranked 171st out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days provided. This ranking highlights the significant challenges faced by mothers in the country, as the absence of paid parental leave can adversely affect maternal and child health outcomes.

The lack of paid parental leave in Timor-Leste can be attributed to various factors, including the country's ongoing development issues, economic constraints, and a need for comprehensive labor laws that support working families. Following its independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has focused on rebuilding its infrastructure and institutions, often prioritizing immediate economic stability over social welfare policies.

Moreover, it is notable that many countries in the region have made strides in providing parental benefits, emphasizing the potential for policy reform in Timor-Leste. For instance, several Southeast Asian nations offer substantial parental leave, which underscores the disparities in maternal support across the region.

Romania

In 2010, Romania ranked 142nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a reported duration of 0 days. This statistic reflects Romania's limited support for new mothers in terms of maternity benefits, which can significantly impact family planning and the well-being of both mothers and children.

The absence of paid parental leave during this period can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, a focus on labor market participation, and the prioritization of other social policies. Furthermore, Romania's historical context, including its transition from a communist regime to a market economy, has influenced its social welfare policies.

Notably, many countries around the world have recognized the importance of paid parental leave for fostering child development and supporting gender equality in the workplace, highlighting a stark contrast with Romania's approach in 2010. The lack of such provisions may contribute to lower birth rates and challenges in the retention of skilled workers within the country.

Lithuania

In 2010, Lithuania ranked 105th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a notably low provision of 0 days. This statistic highlights the country's limited support for new mothers during a critical period of child development and family bonding.

The absence of paid parental leave in Lithuania during this year may reflect broader socio-economic challenges and policy priorities that did not emphasize family welfare or gender equality in the workplace. Factors contributing to this situation could include economic constraints, historical labor policies, and a lack of advocacy for parental rights at that time.

Moreover, this statistic is part of a larger trend observed in various countries, where inadequate parental leave policies can impact women's workforce participation and child health outcomes. Countries with more supportive parental leave frameworks often report better maternal and child health indicators, highlighting the importance of such policies for societal well-being.

Paraguay

In 2010, Paraguay ranked 135th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing a stark statistic of 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid parental leave reflects a broader trend in labor policies within the country, which often prioritize economic factors over family support systems.

The lack of paid maternity leave in Paraguay can be attributed to several factors, including limited governmental resources, a predominantly informal labor market, and cultural attitudes that may not place a strong emphasis on parental leave as a critical component of family welfare. Consequently, many women are compelled to return to work shortly after childbirth, which can impact both maternal health and child development.

Additionally, the situation in Paraguay contrasts sharply with higher-ranking countries that provide extensive paid parental leave, highlighting a significant area for potential policy reform aimed at improving family support and promoting gender equality in the workplace.

Portugal

In 2010, Portugal ranked 12th out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a substantial 42 days of paid leave. This duration reflects the country's commitment to supporting families and promoting child welfare, aligning with broader European Union standards aimed at improving work-life balance.

The provision of 42 days of paid parental leave can be attributed to Portugal's social policies that prioritize family support, which are influenced by demographic trends such as low birth rates and an aging population. These policies are designed to encourage higher fertility rates and ensure that parents have the necessary time to bond with their newborns.

In comparison to other countries, Portugal's parental leave policies are relatively generous, although they still fall short of the longer leave durations provided by some Scandinavian nations, which often exceed a year. The emphasis on parental leave is part of a broader strategy to enhance gender equality and provide mothers with the opportunity to return to the workforce with less disruption.

New Zealand

In 2010, New Zealand ranked 125th out of 189 countries for the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This ranking reflects a significant gap in parental support compared to many other developed nations, where paid leave policies often extend for several months.

The absence of paid parental leave has been largely attributed to historical policy decisions and economic considerations, as the government prioritized other social welfare programs. Furthermore, cultural attitudes towards parental roles and employment may have influenced the lack of a formalized paid leave system during this period.

In contrast, many countries in Europe and parts of Asia have implemented comprehensive parental leave policies, with some providing paid leave for up to a year or more. This disparity highlights ongoing discussions in New Zealand regarding the need for reform in family support policies to better align with international standards.

Maldives

In 2010, the Maldives ranked 109th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid parental leave reflects broader challenges within the nation's labor policies and social welfare systems.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a relatively small population and limited economic resources that may influence government priorities on social policies. Additionally, the Maldives' economy relies heavily on tourism, which often does not align with comprehensive family support initiatives.

Globally, the average length of paid parental leave varies significantly, with many countries offering several months of paid time off to support new mothers. The absence of such provisions in the Maldives underscores the need for reforms aimed at enhancing family welfare and supporting working mothers in the region.

Pakistan

In 2010, Pakistan ranked 131 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 parental support policies when compared to global standards, where many countries provide extensive leave to promote maternal and child health.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including limited economic resources, cultural norms, and a lack of political will to prioritize family-friendly policies. In many cases, traditional views on gender roles may also contribute to the limited recognition of women's rights in the workforce.

Globally, countries with more generous parental leave policies tend to exhibit better health outcomes for mothers and children, along with higher levels of female workforce participation. The stark contrast in Pakistan's policy underscores the challenges that women face in balancing work and family responsibilities.

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