The early days of motherhood are critical for bonding and recovery, yet the maternity pay mothers receive varies dramatically depending on where they live. A new report by Moorepay, titled the Global Maternity Leave Report 2025, examines statutory maternity pay across countries, highlighting not only the amounts awarded but also their real value when adjusted for local purchasing power.
The report ranks countries by the value of maternity leave for a mother earning the national average income, using international dollars – a metric defined by the World Bank as “the comparable amount of goods and services a US dollar would buy in the United States” – to account for cost-of-living differences.
Norway tops the list with the highest statutory maternity pay, offering a maximum equivalent to $73,955 (£48,732) in international dollars. This figure allows a Norwegian mother to afford 57.5% more goods and services locally compared to the average statutory maternity pay value of $46,952 in Finland. The report notes that this generous provision reflects Norway’s strong welfare system, enabling new mothers significant financial support during the critical early months.
Romania ranks second with $49,777 (£15,504), followed by South Korea at $48,796 (£22,314), Finland at $46,952 (£31,535), and Sweden at $44,358 (£30,357). These Nordic and European countries dominate the top tier, underscoring a regional trend of robust maternity support. The UK, however, lags at 27th place, with an average statutory maternity pay of $12,880 (£8,940), equating to just 17.4% of Norway’s value. This disparity suggests a UK mother could receive nearly five times more paid leave by relocating to Norway, a stark contrast that highlights differing national priorities.
At the bottom, four countries offer no statutory maternity pay: the US, South Africa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea. Somalia ranks just above with a minimal $3, reflecting severe economic constraints. The US absence of mandated paid maternity leave sets it apart even among developed nations, a gap partially addressed by some states like California and New York, which provide limited benefits. This lack of federal support has sparked ongoing debates about work-life balance and gender equality in the American workforce.
The methodology involved manual research of statutory maternity leave benefits from governmental sources worldwide, ensuring accuracy. Moorepay’s analysis adjusts raw figures into international dollars, offering a clearer picture of purchasing power. For instance, while the UK’s £8,940 may seem substantial, its international dollar value of $12,880 pales against Norway’s $73,955, illustrating the impact of local costs.
These findings have implications for global employers and policymakers. Countries with higher maternity pay, like Norway, may attract talent by supporting family needs, while nations like the US face pressure to align with international standards. In the UK, the £187.18 weekly rate (or 90% of average earnings, whichever is lower) for 33 weeks after an initial six weeks at 90% reflects a middle ground, yet it falls short of leading nations. The report suggests that enhancing maternity benefits could boost retention and gender equity, a trend noted in recent UK business practices where 63% offer enhanced pay.
