How good is paid Maternity leave in your country? Take a look at this list of best and worst countries for paid maternity leave from creditcardcompare.

10 Best Countries for Paid Maternity Leave

1. Sweden – up to 80% of average wage for up to 480 days (for mums or dads) & expected to share parental leave either in equal halves or greater part dependant on the partners consent
2. Croatia – 100% of wages for one-year plus for mums
3. Denmark – up to 100% of wages for 1 year (18 wks for the mums, 2 wks for the dads & the remainder to be split as the parents see fit)
4. Serbia – up to 100% of wages for 1 year
5. Bosnia & Herzegovina – up to 100% of wages for 1 year
6. Albania – up to 80% of wages for 1 year
7. Norway – pays up to 100% of wages for 42-52 weeks
8. UK – up to 90% of wages for 39 weeks & 2-weeks paternity leave
9. Iceland – up to 80% of wages for 36 weeks
10. Ukraine – up to 100% of wages for 18 weeks & a child’s carer can request leave any time before their charge reaches the age of 3

9 Worst Countries for Paid Maternity Leave

1. United States – pays nothing for 12 weeks off
2. Australia – pays nothing for one year off
3. Kuwait – pays 100% of wages for 10 weeks off
4. Bangladesh – pays 100% of wages for 12 weeks off
5. Rwanda, Somalia & Tanzania – pays for 12 weeks off (similar to most African countries)
6. Peru, Columbia & Ecuador – pays 100% of wages for 12 weeks off (similar to most South American countries)
7. Fiji – pays a flat rate for 12 weeks off
8. New Zealand – pays up to 80% of wages for 14 weeks off
9. Afghanistan – pays 100% of wages for 13 weeks off

Here is a document I started that includes a little more detail. This may not be 100% accurate so if you find a mistake edit the document.

Photo by: Meagan