Length of paid parental leave for mother 2012

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	Chile	42 days
13	Portugal	42 days
14	Romania	30 days
15	Afghanistan	0 days
16	Albania	0 days
17	Algeria	0 days
18	Angola	0 days
19	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
20	Argentina	0 days
21	Armenia	0 days
22	Australia	0 days
23	Austria	0 days
24	Azerbaijan	0 days
25	Bahamas	0 days
26	Bahrain	0 days
27	Bangladesh	0 days
28	Barbados	0 days
29	Belarus	0 days
30	Belize	0 days
31	Benin	0 days
32	Bhutan	0 days
33	Bolivia	0 days
34	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0 days
35	Botswana	0 days
36	Brazil	0 days
37	Brunei Darussalam	0 days
38	Bulgaria	0 days
39	Burkina Faso	0 days
40	Burundi	0 days
41	Cabo Verde	0 days
42	Cambodia	0 days
43	Cameroon	0 days
44	Canada	0 days
45	Central African Republic	0 days
46	Chad	0 days
47	China	0 days
48	China, Hong Kong SAR	0 days
49	Colombia	0 days
50	Comoros	0 days
51	Congo	0 days
52	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0 days
53	Costa Rica	0 days
54	Côte d'Ivoire	0 days
55	Cyprus	0 days
56	Czech Republic	0 days
57	Denmark	0 days
58	Djibouti	0 days
59	Dominica	0 days
60	Dominican Republic	0 days
61	Ecuador	0 days
62	Egypt	0 days
63	El Salvador	0 days
64	Equatorial Guinea	0 days
65	Eritrea	0 days
66	Estonia	0 days
67	Eswatini	0 days
68	Ethiopia	0 days
69	Fiji	0 days
70	Finland	0 days
71	France	0 days
72	Gabon	0 days
73	Gambia	0 days
74	Georgia	0 days
75	Ghana	0 days
76	Greece	0 days
77	Grenada	0 days
78	Guatemala	0 days
79	Guinea	0 days
80	Guinea-Bissau	0 days
81	Guyana	0 days
82	Haiti	0 days
83	Honduras	0 days
84	Hungary	0 days
85	Iceland	0 days
86	India	0 days
87	Indonesia	0 days
88	Iran	0 days
89	Iraq	0 days
90	Ireland	0 days
91	Israel	0 days
92	Jamaica	0 days
93	Jordan	0 days
94	Kazakhstan	0 days
95	Kenya	0 days
96	Kiribati	0 days
97	Kosovo	0 days
98	Kuwait	0 days
99	Kyrgyzstan	0 days
100	Laos	0 days
101	Latvia	0 days
102	Lebanon	0 days
103	Lesotho	0 days
104	Liberia	0 days
105	Libya	0 days
106	Lithuania	0 days
107	Madagascar	0 days
108	Malawi	0 days
109	Malaysia	0 days
110	Maldives	0 days
111	Mali	0 days
112	Malta	0 days
113	Marshall Islands	0 days
114	Mauritania	0 days
115	Mauritius	0 days
116	Mexico	0 days
117	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	0 days
118	Mongolia	0 days
119	Montenegro	0 days
120	Morocco	0 days
121	Mozambique	0 days
122	Myanmar	0 days
123	Namibia	0 days
124	Nepal	0 days
125	Netherlands	0 days
126	New Zealand	0 days
127	Nicaragua	0 days
128	Niger	0 days
129	Nigeria	0 days
130	North Macedonia	0 days
131	Oman	0 days
132	Pakistan	0 days
133	Palau	0 days
134	Panama	0 days
135	Papua New Guinea	0 days
136	Paraguay	0 days
137	Peru	0 days
138	Philippines	0 days
139	Poland	0 days
140	Puerto Rico	0 days
141	Qatar	0 days
142	Republic of Moldova	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 social metric that reveals much about a country's commitment to supporting family well-being and workforce participation. In 2012, this measurement varied widely across the globe, underscoring significant differences in maternal support policies and their socio-economic implications. This article delves into the global statistics of 2012, highlighting key countries, patterns, and the overarching impact of these policies on society.

Global Overview of Paid Parental Leave in 2012

In 2012, the recorded data from 189 countries painted a diverse picture of the length of paid parental leave available to mothers. The range was stark, with the minimum value at 0 days and the maximum reaching up to 478 days. The average length of paid parental leave stood at just 11.21 days, a figure that reflects the lack of a universal standard and the inequality in policy support for working mothers globally. The median value was a striking 0 days, indicating that in many countries, mothers were still not entitled to any form of paid leave.

Notable Leaders and Laggards

Analyzing the top countries, Tajikistan emerged as the leader with an impressive 478 days of paid leave. South Korea and Japan followed, offering 365 and 309 days, respectively. European countries such as Italy and Luxembourg provided 180 days, showcasing their strong welfare policies. In stark contrast, countries like Barbados, Bangladesh, and Bahrain were among those offering no paid parental leave, reflecting a significant gap in maternal support. This disparity highlights the critical role of national policies in shaping workforce participation and gender equality.

Regional Disparities and Influences

The data from 2012 revealed significant regional disparities. European nations largely dominated the higher end of the spectrum, with robust welfare systems and family-friendly policies. Conversely, many countries from regions such as the Caribbean and parts of Asia showed minimal to no provision for paid maternal leave. These differences are often influenced by economic capabilities, cultural norms, and government priorities, indicating that regional economics and social structures heavily dictate policy decisions regarding parental leave.

Impact on Family Well-being and Workforce Participation

Paid parental leave plays a crucial role in nurturing family well-being and improving workforce participation. Countries with extensive leave policies, like Tajikistan and South Korea, often enjoy better maternal health outcomes and higher female labor force participation rates. The absence of paid leave in countries like Bangladesh and Barbados can exacerbate gender inequalities and limit economic opportunities for women, as they are forced to choose between career advancement and family responsibilities. This metric thus serves as a vital indicator of a country's socio-economic health and gender parity.

Policy Recommendations and Future Outlook

To address the inequalities highlighted in the 2012 data, there is a pressing need for global policy reform. Countries lagging behind could benefit from adopting frameworks similar to those in leading nations, integrating paid parental leave into their social security systems. This change could boost workforce participation rates among women, contribute to economic growth, and promote gender equity. As we move forward, continuous monitoring and adaptation of these policies will be essential in fostering an inclusive and balanced socio-economic environment.

In conclusion, the data on the length of paid parental leave for mothers in 2012 not only highlights significant global disparities but also underscores the importance of such policies in shaping a fair and equitable society. By examining these statistics, countries can glean valuable insights into how they can enhance family support systems and bolster economic participation for women, thereby progressing toward more equitable and sustainable development.

Insights by country

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire ranked 54th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers in the year 2012. The country provided a notably low provision of 0 days of paid parental leave, reflecting a significant gap in support for new mothers compared to international standards.

This lack of paid parental leave may be influenced by several factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms regarding gender roles, and limited government policies aimed at supporting family welfare. In many cases, the prioritization of immediate economic productivity can overshadow the need for comprehensive maternity benefits.

Globally, paid parental leave policies vary widely, with many countries offering substantial leave periods to promote maternal and child health. For example, Scandinavian countries are known for providing extensive parental leave, which can exceed a year, highlighting the disparity in family support systems worldwide.

Libya

In 2012, Libya ranked 105th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provision reflects broader social and economic challenges faced by the country in the aftermath of the 2011 civil war, which significantly impacted its governmental and social structures.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including ongoing political instability, economic constraints, and a lack of prioritization for social welfare programs. These issues have hindered the development of comprehensive family support policies, which are critical for child welfare and maternal health.

Additionally, the situation in Libya contrasts sharply with many other nations that provide substantial paid parental leave, highlighting disparities in gender equality and women's rights in the workplace. For instance, countries like Sweden offer up to 480 days of parental leave, emphasizing the importance of supporting families during early child development.

United States

In 2012, the United States ranked 181st out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of statutory paid parental leave stands in stark contrast to many other developed nations, which typically provide generous maternity leave policies.

The absence of paid parental leave in the U.S. can be attributed to a combination of factors, including political resistance to family leave legislation, a strong emphasis on individualism and market-driven solutions, and the belief that parental leave should be a private matter rather than a public policy issue. Moreover, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 provides for unpaid leave, but it does not mandate paid time off.

As a result of this policy landscape, many American mothers face challenges balancing work and family responsibilities, often returning to work shortly after childbirth due to financial constraints. In contrast, countries with paid parental leave tend to experience better maternal and child health outcomes, highlighting the importance of supportive policies for new families.

Maldives

In 2012, the Maldives ranked 110th 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 within the nation, reflecting broader challenges in work-life balance and gender equality.

The absence of paid parental leave may be influenced by the Maldives' economic structure, which relies heavily on tourism and fishing, sectors that often prioritize short-term employment over long-term employee benefits. Additionally, cultural norms and the relatively small population may contribute to limited governmental emphasis on establishing comprehensive family support systems.

According to the International Labour Organization, many countries with similar economic profiles tend to struggle with implementing extensive parental leave policies, often resulting in lower rankings in this area. This situation underscores the need for policy reforms to enhance support for working mothers and to promote gender equity in the workplace.

Turkey

In 2012, Turkey ranked 176 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a reported duration of 0 days. This statistic highlights the significant gap in parental support policies within the country, particularly in comparison to many other nations that provide substantial maternity leave benefits.

The absence of paid parental leave may be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including a historical emphasis on traditional family structures and labor market conditions that do not prioritize parental benefits. In Turkey, the labor force participation of women has faced challenges, which can be exacerbated by inadequate support for new mothers.

Additionally, Turkey's cultural context, where family and community support systems often play a crucial role, may have influenced governmental decisions regarding formal parental leave policies. As of 2012, this lack of support placed Turkey among the countries with the least favorable conditions for working mothers, which could impact maternal health and child development outcomes.

Uzbekistan

In 2012, Uzbekistan ranked 183rd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a strikingly low provision of 0 days. This lack of support for new mothers stands in stark contrast to many other countries that offer various lengths of paid maternity leave, which can significantly aid in the health and well-being of both mothers and infants.

The absence of paid parental leave in Uzbekistan can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms surrounding gender roles, and a focus on labor force participation without sufficient support for family welfare. Such policies can hinder women's ability to balance work and family responsibilities, potentially impacting their long-term economic stability.

Additionally, this situation highlights broader issues regarding gender equality in the workplace and the importance of developing supportive family policies. Countries that prioritize paid parental leave often see positive outcomes, such as improved maternal and child health, increased workforce participation among women, and enhanced family well-being.

Sierra Leone

In 2012, Sierra Leone ranked 155 out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader issues within the country's social and economic policies, where maternal support systems are often inadequate.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including limited financial resources, ongoing challenges in governance, and a focus on rebuilding the nation's economy post-civil war. Such conditions hinder the implementation of comprehensive family welfare policies that could support new mothers.

Furthermore, Sierra Leone faces significant public health challenges that impact maternal and child health outcomes, illustrating the need for improved support systems. Countries with longer paid parental leave typically report better maternal and infant health indicators, making Sierra Leone's situation a critical area for future policy intervention.

Nigeria

Nigeria ranked 129 out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers in 2012. The country offered a total of 0 days of paid parental leave, indicating a significant gap in support for new mothers compared to global standards.

This lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, cultural attitudes towards women's roles in the workforce, and insufficient labor laws that fail to mandate parental benefits. The absence of such policies often results in challenges for maternal health and child development, as mothers may feel pressured to return to work immediately after childbirth.

In contrast, many countries around the world provide varying lengths of paid parental leave, reflecting differing societal values and economic capabilities. For instance, countries like Sweden offer up to 480 days of paid parental leave, highlighting a stark difference in the support available for mothers in Nigeria compared to more developed nations.

Serbia

In 2012, Serbia ranked 153rd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This stark statistic reflects the country's limited support for maternal leave, contrasting sharply with many other nations that provide substantial periods of paid leave.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, a focus on labor market participation, and insufficient governmental policies aimed at supporting family welfare. Serbia's transition from a socialist system to a market economy has also influenced its social policies, often prioritizing economic recovery over comprehensive family benefits.

In contrast, many European countries have established robust parental leave policies, highlighting a significant gap in Serbia's approach to family support. This lack of paid leave may contribute to challenges in work-life balance and affect women's overall health and economic security during and after childbirth.

Panama

In 2012, Panama ranked 134 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This ranking reflects a significant gap in parental support policies when compared to many other nations, where paid maternity leave is often a standard practice.

The lack of paid parental leave in Panama can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, cultural attitudes towards gender roles, and limited government initiatives aimed at supporting working mothers. Such policies can impact women’s workforce participation and overall family well-being.

Globally, many countries provide substantial maternity leave, often ranging from several weeks to a year, which has been shown to positively influence maternal health and child development. The absence of such provisions in Panama highlights ongoing discussions about the need for improved family policies and the importance of balancing work and family life.

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