Length of paid parental leave for mother 2015

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	France	180 days
5	Italy	180 days
6	Luxembourg	180 days
7	Slovenia	130 days
8	Belgium	120 days
9	Croatia	120 days
10	Norway	91 days
11	Germany	60 days
12	Sweden	60 days
13	Chile	42 days
14	Portugal	42 days
15	Romania	30 days
16	Afghanistan	0 days
17	Albania	0 days
18	Algeria	0 days
19	Angola	0 days
20	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
21	Argentina	0 days
22	Armenia	0 days
23	Australia	0 days
24	Austria	0 days
25	Azerbaijan	0 days
26	Bahamas	0 days
27	Bahrain	0 days
28	Bangladesh	0 days
29	Barbados	0 days
30	Belarus	0 days
31	Belize	0 days
32	Benin	0 days
33	Bhutan	0 days
34	Bolivia	0 days
35	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0 days
36	Botswana	0 days
37	Brazil	0 days
38	Brunei Darussalam	0 days
39	Bulgaria	0 days
40	Burkina Faso	0 days
41	Burundi	0 days
42	Cabo Verde	0 days
43	Cambodia	0 days
44	Cameroon	0 days
45	Canada	0 days
46	Central African Republic	0 days
47	Chad	0 days
48	China	0 days
49	China, Hong Kong SAR	0 days
50	Colombia	0 days
51	Comoros	0 days
52	Congo	0 days
53	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0 days
54	Costa Rica	0 days
55	Côte d'Ivoire	0 days
56	Cyprus	0 days
57	Czech Republic	0 days
58	Denmark	0 days
59	Djibouti	0 days
60	Dominica	0 days
61	Dominican Republic	0 days
62	Ecuador	0 days
63	Egypt	0 days
64	El Salvador	0 days
65	Equatorial Guinea	0 days
66	Eritrea	0 days
67	Estonia	0 days
68	Eswatini	0 days
69	Ethiopia	0 days
70	Fiji	0 days
71	Finland	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 mothers is an important measure reflecting a country's commitment to supporting family well-being and workforce participation. In 2015, this metric varied significantly across the globe, showcasing diverse approaches to family policy and gender equality. With data available from 189 countries, this article explores the crucial social issue of paid parental leave for mothers, its global variations, and the socioeconomic implications associated with these differences.

Global Comparisons in Parental Leave

In 2015, the landscape of paid maternity leave days varied dramatically, with Tajikistan leading the way by offering 478 days of paid leave. This generous provision contrasted starkly with several countries, including Belarus, Barbados, and Australia, which reported zero days of paid leave. South Korea and Japan also demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting new mothers, offering 365 and 309 days of paid leave, respectively. These differences highlight the varying priorities and economic capabilities of nations around the world. With an average of just 12.63 days, the global picture of maternity leave presents a mixed narrative, where the median value of zero days indicates that many countries offer little to no support for new mothers.

Regional Variations and Influences

The regional distribution of parental leave days points to significant geopolitical and cultural influences. European countries such as Luxembourg, Italy, and France, each providing 180 days, illustrate a trend within the European Union toward more supportive family policies. This is in stark contrast to many countries in the Americas and parts of Asia that offer minimal or no paid leave. These disparities are often influenced by economic development levels, social welfare systems, and cultural norms regarding gender roles and family structures. The emphasis on extensive parental leave in many European countries suggests a societal commitment to gender equality and child welfare, often supported by robust public funding mechanisms.

Policy Impact and Socioeconomic Implications

The policy landscape in 2015 revealed a critical connection between paid maternity leave and socioeconomic outcomes. Longer parental leave is often associated with higher participation rates of women in the workforce and improved family health outcomes. Countries like Norway, despite experiencing a decrease from 119 to 91 days, continue to emphasize the importance of parental leave as a tool for retaining women in the labor market and promoting gender parity. The lack of paid leave in many countries not only reflects economic constraints but can also exacerbate gender disparities and limit opportunities for women to balance career and family life. The year-over-year change analysis showed that most top countries maintained their leave duration, while some, like Norway, had to make adjustments due to economic pressures or policy reevaluation.

Historical Context of 2015

The year 2015 was a significant moment globally, as discussions around gender equality and family support were gaining momentum. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include targets for gender equality and decent work, were adopted this year, influencing policy debates and actions worldwide. Although there was an average decline of 2 days in paid maternity leave, the year set a precedent for future efforts to harmonize work and family life. Countries with robust leave policies continued to set examples, showing how policy frameworks could address family needs without sacrificing economic productivity.

Future Projections and Policy Recommendations

Looking beyond 2015, increasing the length of paid parental leave for mothers is seen as a critical step toward achieving broader social goals, including gender equality and economic stability. The data suggests that countries with shorter or no leave policies may need to reevaluate their family support structures to remain competitive in a globalized economy. Future projections indicate a possible increase in parental leave durations as more countries recognize the long-term benefits of supporting families. Policymakers are encouraged to consider the economic and social returns of investing in family-friendly policies, which can foster a more inclusive and resilient workforce.

In conclusion, the 2015 data on the length of paid parental leave for mothers underscores significant global disparities and highlights the impact of cultural, economic, and policy factors. As countries strive to improve gender equality and family well-being, understanding these variations provides valuable insights into effective policy design and implementation.

Insights by country

Tanzania

In 2015, Tanzania ranked 169th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provision places Tanzania among the nations with the most limited support for new mothers, reflecting broader challenges in maternal welfare and workplace policies.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms, and a lack of comprehensive labor policies. In many sectors, especially informal employment, there is limited recognition of maternity rights, which exacerbates the situation for working mothers.

Moreover, this statistic highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the workplace, as mothers often face significant barriers in balancing work and childcare responsibilities. Research indicates that countries with supportive parental leave policies tend to have better outcomes in terms of maternal and child health, underscoring the necessity for reform in Tanzania's labor laws.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic ranks 61 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days in 2015. This ranking reflects a significant lack of parental leave provisions, which can impact maternal health and child development.

Several factors contribute to this statistic, including economic constraints and cultural attitudes towards gender roles and family responsibilities. The absence of paid parental leave may discourage mothers from taking time off for childbirth, potentially affecting their well-being and that of their newborns.

In comparison, many other countries provide a minimum length of paid leave, with some extending beyond 12 weeks, thus highlighting the need for policy reforms in the Dominican Republic to support working mothers and promote family welfare.

Afghanistan

In 2015, Afghanistan ranked 16th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a strikingly low provision of 0 days. This absence of paid leave reflects broader challenges in the country's social and economic structures, where traditional norms often prioritize immediate economic participation over family welfare.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including ongoing conflict, limited governmental capacity, and cultural attitudes towards gender roles. In many cases, Afghan women face significant barriers to employment and are often expected to fulfill traditional caregiving roles without institutional support.

Additionally, it is important to note that Afghanistan's situation is not unique; many developing nations struggle with inadequate parental leave policies. However, the absence of such support can have long-term implications for maternal and child health, as well as for gender equality in the workforce.

Burundi

In 2015, Burundi ranked 41st out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with the striking statistic of 0 days of paid leave available. This absence of paid parental leave reflects broader challenges in the country's social and economic policies, where resources for maternal health and family support are limited.

The lack of paid parental leave in Burundi can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, limited government resources, and a focus on immediate economic recovery following decades of civil conflict. Additionally, the informal nature of much of the labor market in Burundi complicates the implementation of such benefits.

Interestingly, while many countries have made strides toward improving parental leave policies, Burundi's situation highlights the persistent challenges faced by developing nations in prioritizing family support within their labor policies.

Armenia

In 2015, Armenia ranked 22nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a value of 0 days. This ranking indicates a significant lack of financial support for new mothers during their initial postpartum period, which can adversely affect maternal and child health.

The absence of paid parental leave in Armenia may stem from various socio-economic factors, including the country's economic challenges and the prioritization of other fiscal expenditures over social welfare programs. As a result, many mothers face the difficult choice of returning to work immediately after childbirth, which can impact their health and the early bonding experience with their infants.

Globally, the trend towards providing paid parental leave has been recognized as essential for promoting family well-being and economic stability. Countries that offer paid leave often see benefits such as improved maternal health, increased breastfeeding rates, and enhanced child development outcomes.

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire ranks 55th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, reflecting a significant gap in support for new parents. In 2015, the country provided a mere 0 days of paid parental leave, which indicates a lack of formal policies to support mothers during the crucial early stages of childbirth and child-rearing.

This absence of paid leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic challenges, cultural attitudes towards gender roles, and the prioritization of other social issues over parental support programs. Many women in Côte d'Ivoire may face challenges balancing work and family responsibilities, potentially affecting their health and well-being, as well as that of their children.

Interestingly, many countries across the globe have enacted policies to provide paid parental leave, recognizing its importance for both maternal and child health. The lack of paid leave in Côte d'Ivoire underscores the need for policy reform to enhance support for families and promote gender equality in the workplace.

China, Hong Kong SAR

In 2015, Hong Kong SAR ranked 49th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic highlights the region's relatively limited support for new mothers compared to international standards, where many countries provide several weeks to months of paid leave.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including a focus on rapid economic development and a competitive labor market, which may prioritize workforce participation over family-oriented policies. Furthermore, Hong Kong's unique socio-economic landscape, which includes high living costs and a strong emphasis on individual responsibility, may influence the government's approach to parental benefits.

Interestingly, while Hong Kong SAR provides no paid parental leave, the region does have a maternity leave policy that allows for 10 weeks of unpaid leave. This policy is indicative of a broader trend in many developed regions, where the provision of parental leave is often less comprehensive than in other areas of social welfare, reflecting ongoing debates about work-life balance and family support systems.

Mozambique

Mozambique ranks 121 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, a position reflecting significant challenges in family support policies. In 2015, the country offered 0 days of paid parental leave, indicating a lack of formal support for new mothers during a critical period of child development.

This absence of paid leave can be attributed to various factors including economic constraints, limited social welfare infrastructure, and the prioritization of immediate economic needs over family support systems. Moreover, Mozambique's ongoing struggles with poverty and health issues exacerbate the situation, leaving many families without the necessary resources to support both mother and child during the early stages of life.

In comparison, many countries around the world offer significantly longer periods of paid parental leave, often recognizing the importance of maternal health and child well-being in promoting socio-economic stability. The lack of such policies in Mozambique highlights the need for ongoing advocacy and reform to improve conditions for families.

Mauritania

Mauritania is ranked 114th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, reflecting a significant gap in maternity benefits. In 2015, the country offered a mere 0 days of paid parental leave, which is indicative of limited support for new mothers in the workforce.

This lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including socio-economic conditions, cultural attitudes towards gender roles, and a developing economy that may prioritize immediate labor needs over comprehensive family policies. The absence of supportive legislation can hinder women's participation in the labor market and affect child development outcomes.

Comparatively, many countries have recognized the importance of parental leave for maternal and child health, and have instituted policies that provide several weeks to months of paid leave. For instance, Scandinavian countries typically offer extensive parental leave policies, which are associated with higher rates of female employment and improved child well-being.

Albania

In 2015, Albania ranked 17th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a notable 0 days allocated for this benefit. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by working mothers in Albania, where formal parental leave policies were either nonexistent or inadequately implemented during this period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms that prioritize traditional family roles, and limited governmental support for parental benefits. Additionally, the historical context of Albania's socio-economic development may have influenced the prioritization of labor policies, often favoring immediate economic growth over comprehensive family welfare systems.

Such a lack of parental leave not only affects maternal health and well-being but can also have long-term implications for child development and gender equality in the workforce. Many countries globally have recognized the importance of parental leave, with various policies implemented to support families, contrasting sharply with Albania's situation in 2015.

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