Lebanon vs Sweden
Side-by-side comparison of how these places approach childhood.
Lebanon
Lebanese children learn in three languages — Arabic, French, and English — from first grade.
The trilingual education system reflects Lebanon's position between Arab, French, and global cultures.
Sweden
In Sweden, parents get 480 days of paid leave — 90 reserved exclusively for each parent.
Sweden's parental leave system is the most generous in the world. The 'daddy quota' ensures fathers take at least 90 days — or the family loses them. The result: Swedish fathers spend more time with young children than fathers in almost any other country.
Lebanon
Lebanon's education system teaches in Arabic, French, or English depending on the school. Private schools educate 70% of children — one of the highest rates globally. The 2019 economic collapse and 2020 Beirut explosion devastated the education system.
Sweden
Compulsory school starts at age 6 (förskoleklass) with a play-based transition year. Formal instruction begins at age 7. No grades until year 6. Schools are free and state-funded, though free schools (friskolor) operate with public money.
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