Dutch Children Have Highest Well-Being Globally, Despite Gaps

Top Ranking With Notable Gaps

UNICEF's assessment, based on data from 2018 to 2022, revealed that while children in the Netherlands enjoy high levels of satisfaction and support, certain groups face challenges. Children growing up in poverty, those in youth care, and children living in asylum shelters often do not experience the same level of well-being as their peers.

Suzanne Laszlo, director of UNICEF Netherlands, called the top ranking an encouragement: "Let this be an encouragement to ensure that all children in the Netherlands can develop into happy adults."

Pandemic Impact and Areas for Improvement

UNICEF noted that children's overall well-being declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a noticeable drop in performance in subjects like mathematics and literacy. The percentage of overweight children also increased, rising to 17.6%.

Despite these challenges, 87% of Dutch 15-year-olds reported being satisfied with their lives — the highest percentage among all countries surveyed, though slightly lower than the 90% reported in 2018.

To maintain its leading position, UNICEF urges continued investment in public resources like education, libraries, swimming pools, and sports and cultural facilities — all crucial to supporting children's development.

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