Families and children

In this category, we describe the various benefits associated with childbirth and adoption, as well as services for families and children. Both mothers and fathers are entitled to paid parental leave in the Nordic countries.
The Nordic countries provide children and families with an extensive range of services on a day-to-day basis. Responsibility for these services rests largely with the local authorities.
Furthermore, the Nordic countries differ from the other European countries in that women have a high employment rate, which increases the need for childcare options during working hours. One characteristic trait of Nordic families is the relatively large number of single parents.
Family in forest
Average age difference becoming first time parent is 2,1 years in 2019 in the Nordic countries