Top 5 Countries with the Longest Maternity Leaves in the World

From Romania to Sweden, these countries offer the world’s longest maternity leaves—proving family support can shape healthier, happier societies.

Motherhood is a universal journey, but the way societies support new mothers differs dramatically across borders. In some countries, women are given the gift of time—months or even years at home with their newborns. In others, they’re expected to return to work almost immediately, often with little or no financial help.

A recent study by HR services firm Moorepay, which examined maternity leave policies in nearly 200 countries, reveals just how wide the gap really is. When adjusted for local purchasing power, the findings show that Europe leads the way, Asia provides middle-ground benefits, while nations like the US and South Africa offer little to no paid maternity leave at all.

If you’ve ever wondered which nations are the most generous, here’s a look at the top five countries that provide the longest maternity leave in the world.

Top 5 Countries Giving Moms the Ultimate Paid Maternity Break

1. Romania – 104 Weeks
Romania tops the global list, offering a staggering two years of maternity leave. Backed by strong government support, mothers in Romania enjoy one of the most family-friendly leave policies anywhere in the world. It’s a system designed to give parents the time they need during a child’s most crucial early years.

2. South Korea – 90.9 Weeks
South Korea secures second place with nearly 91 weeks of maternity leave. At a time when the country faces a declining birth rate, this policy reflects efforts to support women and encourage work-life balance. South Korea’s approach makes it one of Asia’s most supportive nations for new parents.

3. Poland – 61 Weeks
In Poland, mothers benefit from over a year of maternity leave—a mix of maternity and parental leave entitlements. The system also allows parents to share responsibilities, making it a family-oriented policy that emphasizes both care and career flexibility.

4. Bulgaria – 58.6 Weeks
Bulgaria provides close to 59 weeks of maternity leave, among the longest in Europe. With strong legal protections and state support, Bulgarian mothers can focus on family without the pressure of rushing back to work too soon.

5. Sweden – 55.7 Weeks
Sweden rounds out the list with just under 56 weeks of maternity leave, but what sets it apart is its flexible parental leave structure. Parents can split leave time, ensuring both mothers and fathers play an active role in childcare. Sweden’s family policies are often hailed as a global benchmark.

These countries prove that maternity leave is more than just time off—it’s an investment in families, health, and long-term societal well-being. While Romania leads with its two-year policy, and Sweden shines with its balanced parental model, each of these nations demonstrates that strong maternity leave benefits can shape happier, healthier communities.

If you’re curious about where in the world new mothers are most supported, these five countries stand out for redefining what it means to balance career and family.