Save the Childrens' Best and Worst Places to be a Mother

The seventh annual Mothers’ Index helps document conditions for mothers and children in 125 countries – 26 developed nations and 99 in the developing world – and shows where mothers fare best and where they face the greatest hardships. All countries for which sufficient data were available are included in the Index. Below are the countries that ranked highest and lowest on the list.
Top Ten

1. Sweden
2. Denmark
3. Finland
4. Austria
5. Germany
6. Norway
7. Australia
8. Netherlands
9. Canada
10. United Kingdom/ United States (tie)

Bottom Ten

1. Congo, Dem. Rep. of Liberia
2. Central African Republic
3. Yemen
4. Ethiopia
5. Sierra Leone
6. Guinea-Bissau
7. Chad
8. Mali
9. Burkina Faso
10. Niger
    

For an explanation of the ranking system and to see a full listing, download

Learn more about the State of the World's Mothers 2006 report

Save the Children recognizes the inextricable link between the wellbeing and survival of mothers and that of their children. Research has consistently shown that when mothers have health care, education and economic opportunities, both they and their children have the best chance to survive and thrive.

Through groundbreaking programs, global advocacy and citizen mobilization, Save the Children creates lasting and positive change for children in need around the world through programs in health, HIV/AIDS, education, and economic opportunities.