British study: Finland ranks fifth in European table of child wellbeing

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A fresh study conducted in the UK places Finland fifth among the European countries when child wellbeing and poverty prevention are used as indicators.
      In addition to Finland, other Nordic countries also ranked high, with Sweden taking the second place, Norway third, Iceland fourth, and Denmark sixth.
      According to the study, children in The Netherlands enjoy the highest quality of childhood across the continent.
     
In the study, the child friendliness of 27 EU countries plus Norway and Iceland was compared. The indicators used included health, subjective wellbeing, relationships with parents and other children, material resources, education, and housing and environment.
      Finland scored its highest points in the sectors of material resources and housing and environment. In both categories Finland ranked fourth in Europe.
      Finland’s poorest ranking, 12th, came in children’s health.
     
The study was commissioned by a British charity called Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and it was conducted by the University of York.
      Most of the data used came from 2006.
      Of the 29 nations that were included, Great Britain ranked 24th in the company of the likes of Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, and Malta.
      According to the CPAG charity, the results should be read as a criticism of British society.
      The organisation calls for Great Britain to invest three billion pounds to enhance the wellbeing of poor families with children.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Finland near top in UNICEF comparison on well-being of children (15.2.2007)

Links:
  Child Poverty Action Group: Child wellbeing and child poverty (.pdf file)

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