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Germany -

In Germany, parental leave can last up to three years per child. Parents can take this leave at any time until the child turns three. During this time, they are entitled to job protection, meaning they can return to their job afterward. Additionally, parents can receive parental allowance for up to 14 months, which can be shared between both parents.

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Canada -

Maternity leave in Canada is available for a maximum of 15 weeks and is offered to biological and surrogate mothers. Additionally, up to 35 weeks of parental benefits are available to biological, adoptive, or legally recognized parents.

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Sweden -

Sweden offers 480 days of paid parental leave, with 390 days at 80% of the parent's salary and 90 days at a flat rate. Each parent must take at least 90 days. Parents can transfer days between them, and flexible leave options are available until the child turns 12. The terms of parental benefit are generally the same if you're adopting.

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Norway -

Norway grants up to 49 weeks of leave at full pay or 59 weeks at 80% pay. Leave is shared between parents, with specific weeks allocated to each parent and the rest shared. 

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France -

In France, paid maternity leave spans 16 weeks, beginning six weeks before the expected childbirth and extending for a minimum of 10 weeks. Parental leave is also available, and it can be shared between parents to accommodate family needs.

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Finland -

Finland offers 160 days of paid parental leave, with both parents having access to additional leave options. The system includes parental allowance and the possibility of extending leave if necessary.

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Australia -

Australia currently provides families up to 22 weeks of paid parental leave for a child, providing financial support while allowing parents to take time off to care for their little ones.

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United Kingdom -

In the UK, parental leave can last up to 18 weeks for each child, which can be taken until the child turns 18. However, this leave is unpaid. For paid maternity leave, mothers are entitled to up to 52 weeks. Paternity leave allows fathers to take up to two weeks of paid leave.

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Netherlands -

The Netherlands grants 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, which includes six weeks before the due date and 10 weeks after birth. Fathers are entitled to one week of paid leave immediately after the birth and can take an additional five weeks of unpaid leave, which can be taken within the first six months after the birth.

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Denmark -

In Denmark, parental leave lasts a total of 52 weeks. This includes 18 weeks of maternity leave for the mother, which must be taken before or after the birth, and two weeks of paternity leave for the father, which must be taken within the first 14 weeks after birth. The remaining 32 weeks can be shared between both parents. 

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Japan -

In Japan, parental leave can be taken for up to 12 months after the birth of a child. This leave can be extended for an additional six months if the other parent takes leave, allowing for a total of 18 months of leave to be shared between both parents.

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Austria -

In Austria, parental leave can last up to 36 months per child. Parents can take this leave until the child turns two years old, and it can be shared between both parents. During parental leave, parents are entitled to receive parental allowance for a limited period, which is based on their previous earnings.

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New Zealand -

Both parents are entitled to 26 weeks of paid parental leave in New Zealand. The system provides a weekly payment and additional unpaid leave options for flexibility.

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Belgium -

Belgium provides 15 weeks of paid maternity leave, with options for additional parental leave. A father or co-parent is entitled to 20 days paternity leave after the birth of a child. 

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Czech Republic -

In the Czech Republic, parental leave lasts up to three years per child, which can be taken by either parent. Mothers are entitled to 28 weeks of maternity leave, paid at 70% of their salary. Fathers can take two weeks of paid paternity leave. During parental leave, parents can receive a benefit based on previous earnings. 

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Portugal -

In Portugal, parents can take up to 120 days of leave, which can be extended to 150 days if shared between both parents. If both parents take at least 30 days of leave, they can extend it to 180 days. The leave can be taken continuously or in parts. During this period, parents receive a benefit based on their previous earnings.

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Estonia -

In this small Baltic nation, parents receive a total of 515 days of shared parental benefits. This consists of 30 days of maternity benefit, 30 days of paternity benefit, and 515 days of shared parental benefit.

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South Korea -

South Korea requires employees to be provided with 90 days of maternity leave, 45 of which must be taken after childbirth. The first 60 days are paid for by the company, and the remainder are paid by the government. The paternity leave is 10 days of paid leave.

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Lithuania -

In Lithuania, parental leave can be taken for up to three years per child, allowing both parents to share the time. The first 12 months are paid at a rate based on previous earnings, while the remaining period can be taken as unpaid leave. Mothers are entitled to 18 weeks of maternity leave, and fathers can take 30 days of paid paternity leave.

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Hungary -

In Hungary, parental leave can last for up to three years per child, allowing parents to share the time. Mothers are entitled to 24 weeks of maternity leave, paid at 100% of their salary. Fathers can take five days of paid paternity leave.

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Spain -

In Spain, parental leave lasts for 16 weeks for each parent, which can be taken simultaneously or separately. Leave is fully paid at 100% of the employee's salary, with a cap based on social security contributions. Parental leave is equally applicable in cases of birth, adoption, and long-term foster care.

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Slovenia -

In Slovenia, parental leave lasts for 365 days per child, which can be shared between parents. Mothers are entitled to 105 days of maternity leave, with a portion paid at a higher rate. Fathers can take 30 days of paid paternity leave. 

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Ireland -

In Ireland, parental leave allows parents to take up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave for each child under 12 years old. This leave can be taken in one block or as separate periods. There is also maternity leave, which is 26 weeks of paid leave, with an additional 16 weeks unpaid. Fathers can take two weeks of paid paternity leave.

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Italy -

In Italy, the mandated paid maternity leave is five months, with options for additional parental leave. The system includes benefits to support both parents and ensure family care.

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Bulgaria -

Like many eastern European countries, Bulgarian parental leave lasts up to three years per child. Mothers are entitled to 410 days of maternity leave, with the first 135 days paid at 90% of their salary. Fathers can take 15 days of paid paternity leave.

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Iceland -

Each parent receives six months of leave, with six weeks transferable between the parents. This equal sharing system promotes gender equality in parenting responsibilities.

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Poland -

In Poland, parental leave can last up to 32 weeks. Mothers are entitled to 20 weeks of maternity leave, with the first six weeks paid at 100% and the remaining at 80%. Fathers can take two weeks of paid paternity. 

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Greece -

In Greece, parental leave lasts for four months for each parent, which can be taken until the child turns six years old. Mothers are entitled to 17 weeks of maternity leave, while fathers have 14 days of paid paternity leave.

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Switzerland -

Switzerland offers 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, which is paid at 80% of their average salary. For fathers, there is currently no mandated paternity leave at the federal level, but some employers offer paid leave as part of their benefits.

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Romania -

In Romania, maternity leave is 126 days, with 85% of the salary paid. Paternity leave is far shorter, at just 15 days.

Sources: (European Commission) (Yahoo) (Insider Monkey) (Remote) 

See also: Shocking facts about gender inequality

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