Top 10 countries that are best to raise a family

By Obiesie Ifechi

Raising a family abroad can be both thrilling and intimidating, especially for children who have to adjust to new surroundings, schools, and friends. However, this exposure can also foster valuable skills, adaptability, and leadership qualities.

Here are ten of the best countries to raise a family, considering factors like quality of education, healthcare, safety, and work-life balance.

These countries offer unique benefits like generous parental leave, world-class education, and a safe environment.

Sweden

Sweden offers generous parental leave, and excellent childcare and is known for its strong social policy. Sweden offers 480 days of paid parental leave, free healthcare and college education, and a monthly allowance for parents. The educational system is top-ranked globally. Some of the best Cities for Families in the country are Stockholm (the capital city), Gothenburg, and Malmö.

Denmark

Denmark consistently ranks high as one of the best countries to raise a family due to its amazing Family-Friendly policies and benefits like generous parental leave (up to 52 weeks), Flexible working hours for parents, and Childcare support (subsidized daycare). The country also has an excellent healthcare system and a strong social safety net. There’s free education (including higher education). Denmark prioritizes family well-being, education, and social equality, making it an ideal destination for families.

Finland

As the country which ranked 1st in the 2020 Global Family Index (Save the Children), Finland prides itself as a country with an exceptional education system and a great focus on children’s health. The country’s educational system emphasizes equity and inclusivity. There are also free meals for children in schools. As a parent, you get to balance your work life and family due to the flexibility of work hours. Workers are allowed 5-6 weeks of annual vacation. Some amazing cities in the country include Helsinki (the capital city), Espoo, and Vantaa.

Norway

Norway offers a high standard of living, an excellent education system (free childcare, schools), family-friendly policies, a low crime rate, and safe environment for parents to raise children. The country has a government initiative called “Barnehage” which is a free childcare program for 1-5 year-olds; “Familievern” which is a family welfare services program; and free education for children (including higher education). Norway’s strong focus on family, education, and well-being makes it an ideal destination for families.

Canada

Canada offers a high standard of living, a tolerant society, and generous parental leave policies. The country’s unique features include a Multicultural society and Bilingual (English and French) education. Cities like Toronto are known for being diverse and urbanized; and Vancouver for being coastal and scenic. Canada offers a welcoming environment, excellent education, and strong social support, making it an ideal destination for families.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands excels in education and childcare quality, with a tolerant society and liberal approaches to social issues. The country is progressive with top-notch education and child-friendly infrastructure. Kraamzorg is also a privilege for Dutch mothers. By the sixteenth week of pregnancy, a person can arrange for this kind of postnatal maternity care. In light of this, it is conceivable to declare that the Netherlands is the greatest place to have a baby.

Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for safety, healthcare, and high living standards; with a highly regarded education system. The country emphasises on the need to undergo vocational training, giving children an edge in the workspace. Children have the opportunity to learn the local languages which are German, French, Italian. With its rich cultural heritage, Switzerland offers parents a safe environment to raise their children.

Belgium

Belgium ranks 4th in the 2020 Global Family Index (Save the Children). Belgium’s education system ranks among the top in the world. The country also offers Generous parental leave (up to 12 months), flexible working hours, and childcare support. There’s Universal healthcare coverage and access to quality medical facilities. Some of the best cities to raise a family in Belgium are Brussels (capital city, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, and Bruges. Overall, Belgium offers an excellent balance of quality of life, education, and family support, making it an attractive destination for families.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers its natural beauty, safety, and a good work-life balance to parents. New Zealand focuses on raising healthy children, with an effective education system and high quality of life.

Japan

Japan is considered one of the best countries to raise a family due to its safe environment (low crime rate), Family-friendly policies (childcare support, parental leave), Advanced healthcare system and Cultural values emphasizing family and community. There are government initiatives like childcare support (subsidies, nurseries, etc.), family-friendly housing, and education subsidies; making the country more ideal for families. Japan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it an attractive destination for families.

These countries emphasise both family support systems and high quality of life, making them ideal for raising children.

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