One of the most important factors in raising children is the environment where they will grow up in. According to the result of an extensive survey, Sweden is the best country to raise children.
Yahoo Parenting reports that the result is based on a recent "Best Countries" survey that involved 16,000 participants. The survey, conducted by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and partnered with BAV Consulting firm, targets to determine the perception of different people across the world as to how good their environment is in raising children.
"When it comes to providing support to young families, Sweden has the kind of policies that inspire envy in places like the United States, which doesn't have a law mandating paid maternity or paternity leave," the report said. Sweden gives parents an incredible 480 days of paid maternal leave and a reasonable 60 days for paid paternal leave.
The Swedish government also provides a monthly allowance for parents depending on the number of children they have. Reduction of working hours might also be given by companies for parents who have children under the age of 8-years-old.
Following Sweden, the other countries perceived to be the best nations to raise children are Denmark, Canada, Netherlands and Australia. The results are based on different criteria such as the practice of human rights, hospitality from the citizens, gender equality, overall happiness of the people, income, education quality, healthcare system, safety and security.
According to the Washington Post, the three worst countries to raise children are Somalia, Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. The other countries that are considered the worst to raise children are all affected by war, political conflicts, human rights violations, poverty, poor educational system, crime rates and different diseases.
