Length of paid parental leave for mother 2011

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 critical indicator of how societies support family well-being and women's participation in the workforce. In 2011, this metric varied significantly across different countries, reflecting diverse cultural, economic, and policy landscapes. By examining the statistical overview and top-ranking nations in terms of paid parental leave, we can gain insights into global trends and the implications for mothers worldwide.

Global Landscape of Parental Leave in 2011

In 2011, data on the length of paid parental leave for mothers was available for 189 countries, showcasing a broad spectrum of support levels. The average length of paid leave was just 10.83 days, with the median at 0.00 days, indicating a striking disparity in how countries prioritize this support. The maximum leave offered was 478 days, a figure set by Tajikistan, which underscores the variance in policy approaches worldwide. At the other end of the spectrum, numerous countries, such as Bahrain, the Bahamas, and Australia, reported zero days of paid leave, highlighting significant gaps in support for working mothers.

Regional Contrasts and Cultural Influences

The differences in paid parental leave lengths can often be traced back to regional norms and cultural values. In Europe, countries like Italy and Luxembourg stood out with 180 days of paid leave, reflecting the continent’s strong tradition of social welfare policies. In contrast, many countries in Oceania and certain parts of the Middle East offered no paid leave, pointing to differing policy priorities and cultural attitudes toward family and work. Notably, South Korea and Japan, each with over 300 days of leave, illustrate East Asia's commitment to supporting mothers, potentially as a response to demographic challenges such as aging populations and low birth rates.

The presence or absence of substantial paid parental leave can have profound economic and social implications. In nations with extensive leave policies, such as Tajikistan and South Korea, there is often a higher rate of female labor force participation post-childbirth, as women face fewer barriers in balancing work and family life. Conversely, in countries without such benefits, the economic burden of childcare may discourage continued employment for new mothers, leading to potential income disparities and affecting overall workforce dynamics. Furthermore, generous parental leave policies can contribute to better family health outcomes and greater gender equality.

Policy Development and Global Trends in 2011

2011 saw little change in the average length of paid parental leave globally, with no significant year-over-year increases or decreases in the top-ranking nations. This stagnation suggests that while some countries have long implemented robust leave policies, others have remained on the periphery of this critical issue. However, the global discourse around family-friendly policies was gaining momentum, with increasing recognition of the need for work-life balance and the role of comprehensive parental leave in promoting gender equality. Countries with no statutory paid parental leave were under increasing pressure from advocacy groups and international bodies to adopt more supportive measures.

Future Outlook for Parental Leave Policies

As the world progresses, the emphasis on paid parental leave is expected to grow, influenced by shifts in societal norms, economic realities, and international policy pressures. Countries that lag in providing paid leave might face challenges in attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, potentially impacting their competitive edge in the global market. The success stories from nations with robust parental leave policies will likely serve as models for others, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of supporting working mothers. As we move forward, it will be crucial for nations to balance economic constraints with the societal benefits of comprehensive parental leave, ensuring that all families have the support they need to thrive.

Insights by country

Nicaragua

Nicaragua ranked 126th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers in the year 2011, with a total of 0 days provided. This lack of paid leave reflects broader socio-economic challenges within the country, where policies supporting maternal health and family welfare have historically been underdeveloped.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including limited resources, economic constraints, and a lack of political will to implement comprehensive family support policies. Additionally, Nicaragua, being one of the poorest countries in Central America, often prioritizes immediate economic concerns over social welfare initiatives.

This statistic highlights a significant gap in maternal support compared to other countries, where paid parental leave is more common. For instance, many developed countries offer extensive paid leave, recognizing its importance for child health and family stability, which stands in stark contrast to Nicaragua's situation in 2011.

Brunei Darussalam

In 2011, Brunei Darussalam ranked 35th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects the country's policies on maternity leave, which, unlike many other nations, do not provide financial support during the period immediately following childbirth.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the country's socio-economic structure and cultural norms regarding gender roles and family responsibilities. In Brunei, traditional family values often dictate that childcare is primarily the responsibility of the mother, which may influence governmental policies on parental leave.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that many countries in the region offer varying degrees of parental leave, with some providing extensive benefits. This highlights a potential area for policy improvement in Brunei, as increasing paid parental leave could positively impact maternal health, child development, and gender equality in the workforce.

Germany

In 2011, Germany ranked 10th out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 60 days of paid leave. This policy reflects the country's commitment to supporting families and promoting gender equality in the workplace.

The provision of paid parental leave is influenced by Germany's extensive social welfare system, which aims to provide financial security to new parents while they bond with their children. The relatively short duration of paid leave compared to some other countries may be attributed to a combination of cultural norms, economic considerations, and the balance between work and family life.

Additionally, Germany's parental leave policies have evolved over the years, with significant reforms aimed at improving parental benefits and flexibility. The introduction of the Elterngeld (parental allowance) program in 2007 further enhanced financial support for families, allowing parents to receive benefits for a longer period if they choose to take unpaid leave beyond the initial paid period.

Solomon Islands

In 2011, the Solomon Islands ranked 158 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing 0 days of paid leave. This ranking reflects a significant gap in parental support compared to many other nations, indicating limited workplace protections for new mothers.

The absence of paid parental leave in the Solomon Islands can be attributed to several factors, including economic limitations, cultural norms, and a lack of comprehensive labor laws that prioritize family welfare. The economy of the Solomon Islands, heavily reliant on agriculture and fishing, may not be conducive to implementing such benefits.

Furthermore, the social structure and traditional roles within the community may also play a role, as many families rely on extended family support rather than formal paid leave systems. The lack of paid parental leave has implications for maternal health and child development, as it may hinder mothers' ability to care for newborns during the critical early months.

Dominican Republic

In 2011, the Dominican Republic ranked 59th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an alarming statistic of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provision limits the ability of new mothers to recover from childbirth and bond with their infants, reflecting a significant gap in maternal support compared to many other nations.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints and a labor market that prioritizes immediate productivity over long-term family welfare. Furthermore, cultural attitudes towards gender roles and maternal responsibilities may also influence the limited policy framework surrounding parental leave.

Globally, many countries provide substantial paid maternity leave, often ranging from several weeks to several months, highlighting the Dominican Republic's need for policy reform to better support maternal health and family well-being.

Benin

In 2011, Benin ranked 29th out of 189 countries regarding the provision of paid parental leave for mothers, with a notable statistic of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader challenges in the country’s social policies and labor rights protections.

The absence of paid parental leave may be attributed to several factors, including limited financial resources, economic constraints, and a focus on informal employment sectors where such benefits are less regulated. Additionally, cultural norms surrounding motherhood and work may influence the government's prioritization of family leave policies.

It is important to note that many countries in the region provide minimal or no paid parental leave, which can adversely affect maternal health and child welfare. In contrast, countries with robust paid parental leave policies often experience better health outcomes for mothers and their children, highlighting the potential benefits of investing in such social programs.

Slovakia

In 2011, Slovakia ranked 157th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This statistic highlights a significant gap in parental support policies, which can affect family well-being and child development.

The absence of paid parental leave in Slovakia during this period may reflect broader economic and social policies that prioritize labor market participation over family support. Additionally, cultural attitudes towards gender roles and childcare responsibilities could have influenced the limited provision of parental leave benefits.

Interestingly, many countries have recognized the importance of paid parental leave in fostering healthier family dynamics and supporting child development, which has led to increased advocacy for reform in parental leave policies globally. In contrast, Slovakia's lack of such support in 2011 places it among the countries with minimal parental leave provisions, signaling a potential area for policy improvement and reform.

State of Palestine

In 2011, the State of Palestine ranked 164th 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 is indicative of broader socio-economic challenges, where legislative and social support systems for families are limited.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including ongoing political instability, economic constraints, and a lack of comprehensive labor laws that prioritize family welfare. In a context where many families face economic hardship, the lack of support for new mothers may have significant implications for both maternal and child health.

Additionally, this statistic underscores the need for reforms in labor policies to enhance the rights of workers, particularly women, in the State of Palestine. In contrast, many countries around the world provide substantial parental leave, reflecting a global trend toward supporting families and promoting gender equality in the workplace.

South Korea

In 2011, South Korea had the second-longest paid parental leave for mothers globally, offering a substantial 365 days of leave. This ranking reflects the country's commitment to supporting families and encouraging child-rearing, particularly in a rapidly aging society where population growth is a significant concern.

The extended length of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including government policies aimed at improving birth rates and providing better work-life balance for parents. Additionally, South Korea's cultural emphasis on family values and child upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping these policies.

It is also noteworthy that this generous allowance came at a time when many other developed countries were adjusting their parental leave policies, often leading to shorter durations. This positions South Korea as a leader in parental support, highlighting the importance of nurturing family structures within its society.

China, Hong Kong SAR

In 2011, Hong Kong SAR ranked 47th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic reflects the limited statutory provisions for maternity leave in the region, which primarily rely on employer discretion rather than formal legislation mandating paid leave.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a focus on labor market flexibility and a cultural emphasis on self-reliance. Furthermore, the economic landscape in Hong Kong, characterized by a high cost of living and intense competition, often leads employers to prioritize short-term productivity over employee welfare.

In comparison to global standards, many countries offer significantly more generous parental leave policies, which have been linked to better outcomes for both mothers and children, such as improved health and developmental milestones. This disparity highlights ongoing discussions in Hong Kong regarding the need for reform in family-friendly policies and the potential benefits of enhancing support for working mothers.

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