Which 5 countries are best for rising children?

Families considering leaving their home country to settle permanently in another often have one pressing question: which country will be the best for raising their children?

In this regard, the rankings of the world’s most peaceful and child-friendly countries can be a helpful guide.

However, these rankings are not based on the average income or financial status of the countries. Instead, emphasis has been placed on aspects such as children’s health, mental well-being, the quality of education, and family leave policies. Additionally, the availability of green spaces and adequate playgrounds for children may also be of interest.

It is important to note that every country on this list is wealthy. For this reason, not all expatriate families may find this article equally relevant.

JAPAN

According to UNICEF’s 2020 data on child well-being, Japan ranks first in terms of physical health.

The country focuses primarily on preventing child mortality and combating early-life obesity.

In UNICEF’s 2022 report card, Japan ranked second in environmental factors, which include aspects like urban greenery and traffic safety.

Japan has the lowest rate of childhood obesity. Additionally, it boasts a low infant mortality rate and minimal levels of air and water pollution that could affect children.

Japan is considered one of the safest countries for families.

The country has extremely low traffic accident rates and the world’s lowest homicide rate, with just 0.2 homicides per 100,000 people.

• In comparison, the homicide rate is 5.3% in the United States, 1.8% in Canada, and 0.8% in Australia.

“Children as young as six can go to school on their own,” whether walking, or taking a bus or train if the school is not within walking distance.

Children can walk around Tokyo and travel to school independently. This is normal in Japan, as the environment is very safe. Parents don’t worry much about their children because there’s no need to.

In addition to health and safety, Japan also has one of the best education systems in the world. According to data from UNICEF’s development partner OECD, Japan’s education system ranks 12th among 76 countries and regions.

For working parents, companies in Japan offer paid parental leave.

Working parents can take this leave at any time within 12 months, and their salary is not deducted. Efforts are underway to extend leave benefits for fathers as well.

ESTONIA

Estonia does not rank very high in UNICEF’s overall rankings, but the country performs well in several key areas.

Compared to other wealthy nations, children in Estonia are less exposed to air and noise pollution, as well as pesticides.

Estonia has more green spaces than countries like the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia.

Children also enjoy playgrounds and other recreational facilities close to their homes.

Estonia has the second-lowest rate of low birth weight in the world, and the quality of prenatal care for mothers is also commendable.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Estonia’s education system is that children here excel in math, science, and language skills more than in any other country outside of Asia. There is also a strong emphasis on digital literacy.

When it comes to parental leave, Estonia has one of the most generous policies among countries.

Women can take 100 days of maternity leave, and men are entitled to 30 days of paternity leave.

After that, parents can receive an additional 475 days of paid leave, which they can split between themselves or take part-time as per their convenience. This leave can be taken until the child turns three years old.

For up to 60 days, both parents can stay home together and still receive pay from their employers.

Additionally, both parents are entitled to 10 extra days of leave annually until the child turns 14. (These benefits are available to both temporary and permanent residents of Estonia, including expatriates.)

SPAIN

Due to its low child mortality rate and minimal air and water pollution, Spain has been given the highest rating in UNICEF’s rankings for its environment, which significantly reduces illness among children.

According to UNICEF, despite Spain’s overall lower performance in social, educational, and health services, children in the country enjoy a high level of well-being.

In terms of children’s mental health, Spain ranks third, and it is fourth in basic literacy and social skills.

When children were asked if making friends was easy for them, 81% responded positively, a score equal to that of the Netherlands.

Compared to other wealthy nations, Spain has a lower adult suicide rate—one-third that of countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In Spanish society, it is considered acceptable to take children to restaurants or bars. It’s common to see families out with their children late at night.

For parental leave, both mothers and fathers, including freelancers, receive 16 weeks of fully paid leave.

Each mother is also entitled to take three years of unpaid leave or reduce her working hours.

These benefits are available to all Spanish residents registered under the social security system, provided they have contributed for at least 180 days in the last seven years.

However, like other countries, Spain has its shortcomings. For example, there is a lack of adequate daycare centers. Around 33% of parents expressed that having more daycare facilities would be beneficial.

While this percentage is higher than in other wealthy countries, it is clear that Spain remains one of the best countries for raising children.

FINLAND

Finland ranks fifth in the overall ranking, performing well in two of the three categories.

Finland is first in ensuring child health through environmental factors, such as air quality.

In terms of the environment surrounding children, including schools, traffic conditions, and green spaces, Finland ranks second.

When it comes to academic and mathematical skills, Finland is one of the leading countries, where parents are actively involved in their children’s schoolwork.

The country has the lowest death rate for children aged 5 to 14, which is half that of the United States.

Finland also follows generous policies for maternity leave. Mothers are entitled to eight weeks of maternity leave.

Additionally, both mothers and fathers can take 14 months of paid leave together, which can be shared between them.

They can also apply for extra leave until the child turns three.

This benefit is available only to legal residents of Finland who have had a child in Finland or any Nordic, EU, or EEA country, and who were covered by health insurance at least 180 days prior to the child’s birth.

NETHERLAND

The Netherlands tops UNICEF’s overall list for children’s well-being. The country ranks first in children’s mental health and third in skills development.

In the Netherlands, nine out of ten 15-year-olds are satisfied with their lives, which is the highest rate according to UNICEF. Eight out of ten children said that making friends was easy for them.

In the United States, children are taught to be different or stand out from the crowd. But in the Netherlands, the approach is the opposite. There’s a saying: “Just be normal, there’s no shortage of crazy.”

Olga Meking, a mother of three from Poland, has lived in the Netherlands for 13 years. She is the author of Nikken: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing.

She says, “In America, there’s a narrative that children should be taught to stand out from the crowd, but here the saying is, ‘Be modest, and that will set you apart from the crowd.’”

According to her, this mindset allows children to have a stress-free childhood.

The country also places particular emphasis on socialization, with teams, clubs, and group activities being very common.

She believes that if Dutch families and children are happy, these are the core reasons.

“You can’t do Dutch parenting without the Dutch welfare system. And in the Netherlands, parents are given many benefits,” she points out.

For example, a mother is entitled to at least 16 weeks of mandatory maternity leave for raising a child, and fathers are granted up to six weeks of paternity leave.

Parents can take unpaid leave until the child turns eight. This benefit is available to those who live in the Netherlands and are legally employed.