(Claude)

Most wealthy nations offer paid family leave, though the US is a notable exception at the federal level. Here’s an overview:

Extensive paid leave (more than 6 months combined for parents):

• Nordic countries lead the world — Sweden (up to 480 days), Norway (49–59 weeks), Finland, Denmark, and Iceland all offer generous parental leave
• Estonia offers one of the longest maternity leaves globally (~1.5 years)
• Germany, Austria, Hungary, and most of Eastern Europe have substantial paid leave programs
• Japan offers up to a year for each parent, though uptake by fathers is low

Moderate paid leave (6–26 weeks):

• Most of Western Europe — France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, UK, Ireland, etc.
• Canada (up to 18 months at a lower pay rate)
• Australia (18 weeks government-funded)
• New Zealand (26 weeks)
• South Korea, China, Vietnam, and most of Southeast Asia

Shorter paid leave (under 6 weeks) or partial coverage:

• Many countries in Latin America offer maternity leave but shorter or no paternity leave — Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, etc.
• Most of sub-Saharan Africa has laws on the books, though enforcement and employer capacity vary
• India offers 26 weeks of paid maternity leave (for formal sector workers)

Little to no federal paid leave:

• The United States has no federal paid family leave (FM