UNICEF study ranks Germany 25th in child well-being among EU and OECD countries
Germany placed 25th in a UNICEF study of child well-being across 37 EU and OECD countries, with 60% of 15-year-olds achieving minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics, ranking 34th out of 41 countries. UNICEF Germany called the results 'alarming' and warned of squandered future opportunities. The child poverty rate in Germany has remained stagnant at 15% for years.
Germany ranked 25th in a UNICEF study of child well-being among 37 EU and OECD countries, placing near the bottom of the ranking and behind several poorer nations, the UN Children's Fund reported.
The top three spots were taken by the Netherlands, Denmark and France. Chile was in last place. The study, which has been conducted regularly since 2000, assesses aspects such as education, poverty, and physical and mental health.
In Germany, 60% of 15-year-olds achieve the minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics, putting the country 34th out of 41 countries with comparable data. UNICEF Germany called the results "alarming."
"Our country is squandering future opportunities: Those who fail to invest today in the participation, education, and health care of the youngest generation are not only harming children but will pay a high social and economic price tomorrow," UNICEF Germany head Christian Schneider said.
The gap between young people from economically disadvantaged and wealthy households in Germany was particularly stark, with only 46% of children from economically disadvantaged households achieving basic competencies, compared to 90% in affluent families.
Germany ranked 15th in terms of physical health in the study, and 21st for mental health. Across the countries surveyed, nearly one in five children live in poverty. UNICEF Germany said the child poverty rate in Germany has remained stagnant at 15% for years, with negative consequences for many children.