The Netherlands and Denmark are the top two countries for children based on measurements of mental well-being, physical health, and skills.
This is according to a new report released Wednesday by the UN’s children’s fund, Unicef.
The same report was published in 2020, where the Netherlands and Denmark also ranked first and second respectively.
France takes third place, followed by Portugal and Ireland, according to the report, which compares data from 43 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the EU.
Denmark ranks third in both mental well-being and physical health. In terms of skills and competencies, Denmark is ranked eighth. This results in second place overall.
Significant decline in academic skills
The report indicates a significant decline in children’s academic skills following the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the 43 countries surveyed, approximately eight million 15-year-olds – about half of the age group in these countries – were found to be unable to read, write, and perform arithmetic. The highest proportions were observed in Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, and Mexico.
Conversely, the report noted a decrease in child mortality and an increase in the number of students completing their education.
Overall, children’s well-being declined. Japan was the only country where children’s mental well-being improved.
Japan, Korea, and Slovenia are in the top third of countries when it comes to children’s skills and competencies. However, they fall into the bottom third regarding their mental health.
ritzau
