Craig ChristensenAugust Bonds

Birth rates are declining Elderly Dependency Ratio is increasing In general, the countries are under

populated Nordic countries are mostly pro-natalist in

their policies.

Most countries give monthly payments to families with children. Families with several children get larger payments ◦ Ex. Åland

Families with one children receive 100€/child/month Families with three children receive the equivalent

support of a family with four children.

Governments provide free daycare in most countries

More daycares are building more child-care facilities. ◦ Ex. Norway set its goal to provide full

kindergarten coverage in 2007. (link)

Notes: most Nordic countries have a policy on maternal and paternal leave.

Generally, full pay, and comparatively long leave time allowed in the world. ◦ Ex. Sweden

480 days (16 months) of paid maternal leave (80% up to a ceiling the first 390 days, 90 days at flat rate) - shared with father (dedicated 60 days). Both parent has the right take an additional 18 months unpaid leave. (Wikipedia.com)

◦ Ex. Denmark 52 weeks maternal leave. 18 to be taken by the mother, 2

weeks by the father, the rest as they see fit.(wikipedia.com)

◦ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maternity_leave

In some countries, the government can help people obtain and support families to obtain a loan when building a home, buying, etc. ◦ Ex. Åland: Governments will co-sign loans, and

bail out families if they fail to pay back the money in entirety.

Policies of Immigration in countries can vary considerably◦ In Åland, the government highly encourages

migrants to come. Governments support immigrants with documentation.

◦ In Norway, the policy is “Quality, not Quantity” (http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?id=307)

◦ In Denmark and Sweden, many asylum seekers are allowed in, but troubles with integration policies have caused gradual increase in restriction over the last decades.

Availability of contraceptives◦ Most clinic provide these drugs free of charge for

the population, providing them in regular clinics. Abortions

◦ Legal in all states, but generally on provided free in cases such as rape, underaged pregnancy.