Best Countries to Raise Children: Education, Environment, and Family Policies
A Look at Top Countries for Child Well-being, Safety, and Education
UNICEF’s report card of child well-being includes factors such as children’s health, happiness, education standards, and family policies. The following are the best countries to raise children based on this report card:
Japan
Japan is considered the best country to raise children, according to UNICEF’s 2020 child well-being data. It has an excellent education system and is known for its safety and low crime rate, making it a great place for children to explore and play. Japan has one of the lowest rates of childhood obesity and infant mortality. Its environment is also relatively clean with low levels of air and water pollution. The country has a unique culture that welcomes children’s independence, and it is common for children to walk to school or go out and play on their own. Overall, Japan is an excellent place for families to live and thrive.
Estonia
Estonia is a small Baltic country known for its clean environment and outstanding education system. The country has the second-lowest rate of low birth weight babies and children here have better math, science, and literacy skills than children in any other country outside of Asia. The Estonian education system also focuses on digital skills, and children are introduced to robotics and tablets from kindergarten onwards. Estonia is also known for its excellent family leave policies, with women receiving 100 days of maternity leave and men receiving 30 days. Additionally, both parents can take 475 days of leave with pay until their child turns three years old.
Spain
Spain ranks highly in UNICEF’s rankings for the environment, with low infant mortality rates and low air and water pollution. Spanish children also have high levels of well-being, with excellent mental health and social skills. The country has a welcoming culture for children, and it is common to take children to restaurants and bars. Spanish society is known for its relaxed attitude towards children and families, making it an excellent place to raise a family.
Finland
Finland is known for its exceptional education system, which emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The country also has a strong social welfare system that includes comprehensive healthcare, affordable child care, and generous parental leave policies. Children in Finland have excellent physical health and are exposed to very low levels of air and water pollution. The country is also known for its abundant natural beauty, with many parks, forests, and lakes where families can go hiking, camping, and fishing.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country known for its excellent social welfare system and high quality of life. It has an outstanding education system, with an emphasis on creativity and innovation. The country is also known for its bicycle-friendly infrastructure and clean environment, making it a great place for families to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The Netherlands has excellent healthcare and social services, with comprehensive child care and parental leave policies. Dutch society is also known for its egalitarian values and strong commitment to social justice, making it an excellent place for families of all backgrounds.
key points:
When looking to relocate with children, factors such as children’s health, education, environment, and family policies are important.
UNICEF prepares a ‘report card’ of child well-being, which ranks countries based on these factors.
Japan is the best country for raising children, with high rankings in physical health, safety, and education.
Estonia is also a good country for raising children, with a strong education system and family leave policies.
Spain has a good environment for raising children, with low pollution levels and high levels of well-being for children.
Each country has its unique culture and societal norms that may affect the experience of raising children.
