The global children’s charity Save the Children has published its annual report on the situation of mothers worldwide. Finland tops the rankings for the second year in a row, with Somalia the worst place in the world to be a mum.
The comparison takes into account the risk of infant death, the risk of dying during labour, education levels, income levels and the position of women in society.
Altogether 178 countries were ranked for the report. Nordic countries dominated the top of the list, with sub-Saharan Africa faring worst.
The report found that more than half of all maternal and infant deaths occurred in countries stricken by natural disasters or otherwise failed states. The lack of medical care and other infrastructure makes these countries particularly dangerous places for children.
For example in Sierra Leone one in five children dies before turning five-years-old. The report recommends improving services for mothers and babies to help reduce maternal and infant mortality.