Best place to be a mum in Asia: Singapore!

Did you know that Singapore is the best Asian country to be a mother and the safest place to be born as a child? Read on to see where we rank in the top 15 best places to be a mummy!

#1 - Finland

According to Save the Children, maternal deaths are rare, and a Finnish child receives an average of 17 years of education. Finland is known to be the best country when it comes in terms of its education system, for its laid-back but inclusive learning environment for all children. This country packs a punch and displays a strong performance across the dimensions of child health and well-being. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 12,200 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 16.9 years

#2 - Sweden

For each children you give birth to, you as a parent, are entitled to a total of 480 days of paid parental leave to spend time with your kid. Wow! Swedish people have unlimited sick days, cheap daycare and free health care - all the right ingredients to raise a happy family. It was once ranked the \"most advanced country\" for females from the World Economic Forum in 2005! Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 -14,100 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 16.0 years

#3- Norway

In Norway, both parents are entitled for paternity leave! Your children get social security and guess what? Healthcare is free and funerals are paid for. It is a great country to raise a kid and live in! Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 -7,900 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 17.5 years

#4- Iceland

Known for the highest birth rates in Europe, Iceland is the only NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member that has no army, yes you read it right boys do not need to serve NS! Holding a strong affirmation of female rights, Iceland was the first country that elect a woman for president 28 years ago! Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 8,900 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 18.5 years

#5- Netherlands

Reports from a HSBC’s survey states that despite the high cost of living in Netherlands, children there spends less time on video games and computers indoors and more time outdoors. Expats residing in Netherland also claims to have spent more time bonding with their kids here compared to their home country. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 10,500 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 17.0 years

#6- Denmark

Denmark offers a great support to parents by heavily subsidizing education system and childcare, schools focus on children\'s social development and happiness more than academic results. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 4,500 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 16.8 years

#7- Spain

The top healthiest place to live in with a long life expectancy, Spain is one of the top countries to raise a child in. Reports from a top Spanish newspaper, the Olive Press, 91.5% of the children in Spain still live with their birth parents. The divorce rates are low and family life is highly regarded in Spain. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 12,000 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 16.8 years

#8- Belgium

From the land chocolates hail from, Belgium is ranked eighth. According to a survey conducted two years ago from HSBC, most expats concede that daycare and educational quality in Belgium is better than that of their homeland. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 7,500 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 16.5 years

#9- Germany

Forget about the holocaust, what places Germany in the list of top best places to raise kids is probably due to how generous the country is when it comes to raising kids. Hefty tax breaks for married couples with children, parents eligible to receive hundreds of Euros every month for child subsidies and generous parental leave makes it an ideal country to raise a kid in. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 10,600 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 16.4 years

#10- Australia

Living in Australia, one can benefit from the safe environment, relaxing beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and amazing wildlife scenery. Although it provides a fantastic, almost stress free lifestyle, it is not exactly the cheapest country to live in. Australia’s schooling system makes it easier for kids to fit in and make friends. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 8,100 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 19.6 years

#11- Austria

Similar to Singapore, Austria is a clean safe country with very minimal crime. Outdoor sports such as skilling, walking, hang gliding and cycling are vapid and citizens keep away from junk food, maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Living expenses is relatively cheaper-- diesel, food and property are easily affordable. On top of that, their lakes and rivers are so clean that the water is drinking quality. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 18,200 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 15.6 years

#12- Switzerland

People born and living in Switzerland tend to be happier due to their quality of life in terms of health, wealth and their trust in the government. In a country with low crime rates, and amazing countryside, who wouldn\'t be singing \"The Hills Are Alive\" on their lush green hills like how Julie Andrews did in The Sound of Music? Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 9,500 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 15.7 years

#13- Portugal

Portugal was the 17th most peaceful country according to Global Peace Index two years back. Cost of living are relatively affordable for a European country. It is known to be the best country to buy a house in as they have clear taxation rules. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 9,200 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 16.2 years

#14- Slovenia

Slovenia, part of Yugoslavia, performs well in terms of political environment and health care for its people. A country with warm social integration, makes it a happier place to live in. Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 5,900 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 17.0 years

#15- Singapore

Last but not least, Singapore emerges as the number 15 when it comes to the best place in the world to be a mother. It is the only Asian country on this list, it is amazing how we managed to beat countries like USA and UK. Although we are a tiny red dot, we managed to redeem ourselves by being the safest country, with top notch medical services, yummy food, an amazing transport system and the list goes on. Of course, its a give and take situation, Singapore provides great amenities to live in, doesn\'t mean it comes cheap! Lifetime risk of maternal death (1 in number stated) 2010 - 25,300 Expected number of years of formal schooling 2012- 14.4 years

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Written by

Sandra Ong

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