Portugal has ranked fourth among 43 OECD and EU countries for child well-being in UNICEF’s latest Innocenti Report Card 19.

The study assessed children’s quality of life, mental and physical health, academic performance, and social skills. Only the Netherlands, Denmark, and France placed higher overall.

Portugal delivered a particularly strong result in mental well-being, ranking second worldwide. The achievement stands out against a broader trend in many developed countries, where adolescent mental health has deteriorated since the COVID-19 pandemic, with lower life satisfaction, especially among girls, and growing educational setbacks.

UNICEF says Portugal has maintained strong outcomes despite rising anxiety, obesity, learning challenges, and the impact of the digital environment on young people. The report also highlights the long-term benefits of sustained investment in healthcare, education, and social support.