Top 10 Best Countries in the World to Raise a Family

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - No one said that having children in a family is cheap. On the contrary, it is labor-intensive and costly. As parents, we certainly want the best for our children. Factors such as safety, education, healthcare, and quality of life all should be taken into account as they play a crucial role in determining the best environment for children to grow up in.

The United States may be a challenging place to raise a family due to its high cost of living, inadequate education system, and poor healthcare. However, such a situation does not exist in certain countries. 

In this article, we’ll dive into some best countries to raise a family around the globe. Will you consider moving to these places?

1. Sweden

On our top list, Sweden ranks as the best place to raise a family in the world. It is due to its generous parental leave policies, outstanding healthcare system, and top-notch education.

Sweden Sverige mentions that parents in the country can enjoy up to 480 days of paid parental leave, split between both parents.

Not to mention, Sweden’s focus on work-life balance ensures that families have ample time together, making it the best country to raise a family for those seeking stability and support.

2. Denmark

Denmark is another top contender when it comes to the best country to raise children. It used to rank first in 2021 and 2022.

Regardless, this Nordic country is well-known for its excellent education system. Denmark offers free education through university level and places a strong emphasis on fostering creativity and critical thinking in students.

Another brilliant offer from Denmark is that it may be one of the safest places to raise a family. The World Population Review notes that Denmark is among the 25 safest countries around the globe.

3. Finland

Finland offers high-quality healthcare services and a safe environment for raising children. It prioritizes the well-being of the young population.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland also mentions, parents are obligated to take around 160 working days of family leave before their child reaches the age of 2. 

4. Norway

Adding Nordic countries to this list, Norway also offers robust social welfare systems, including universal healthcare and generous parental leave.

As mentioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, parents in Norway are entitled to 49-week parental leave at full pay and 59-week at 80 percent of pay.

5. Canada

Who would expect that the US’ neighbor, Canada, is actually one of the best countries to raise a family? Well, it boasts an excellent healthcare system, free public education, and a high quality of life.

Moreover, Canada’s cities are known for being clean, safe, and family-friendly, making it an ideal choice for those looking to raise their children in a supportive and multicultural environment.

6. The Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands, this country offers a high quality of childcare and education for children’s development. Dutch parents are also given an adequate amount of parental leave.

Dutch mothers are also entitled to kraamzorg. It is a type of postnatal maternity care that one can arrange by the 16th week of one’s pregnancy. Given this, it is not impossible to call the Netherlands as the best country to have a baby in

7. Switzerland

The next one is Switzerland. It is well-known for its exceptional quality of life, safe cities, and top-tier education system.

Families in Switzerland benefit from a range of activities and a healthy environment. Though the cost of living can be high, the country’s stability, low crime rates, and strong economy make it one of the best countries to raise a family in the world.

8. Belgium

Anyone who wishes to bring their families abroad can consider Belgium as one of the destinations. It is renowned for its excellent education and healthcare provisions. The government allocated a total amount of €4.8 million from its 2023 budget to meet the requirement of schools.

9. New Zealand

New Zealand is also an attractive option for families looking for a safe and nurturing environment. Similar to what Belgium has done, this Australia's neighboring country has spent around US$1.8 billion for an investment in early childhood education, according to the New Zealand Ministry of Education.

10. Japan

When it comes to the best country to raise a family, Japan should not be underestimated. It boasts a high-quality education for children to thrive.

In a 2022 report conducted by Unicef, Japan ranked second for countries providing urban green space and traffic safety for children. It is also one of the safest countries in the world, making it not unusual to witness kids wandering around alone.

M. FRIA FACHRAMA S.

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