By Kang Gahui and Kim Hwaya

Korea is the eighth-best country for protecting and providing for children, an international study said on May 28.

According to the Global Childhood Report 2019 released by Save the Children International, Korea tied for eighth with Italy among 176 countries in the "end of childhood" index. The index measures threats to childhood such as malnutrition, deprivation of education, early marriage and childbirth, with a higher score indicating a better environment for children's development.

Korea's score this year was 980, up 11 points from 2000.

Singapore topped the rankings with 989, followed by Sweden with 986. Finland, Norway and Slovenia tied for third with 985 and fourth place was shared by Germany and Ireland with 982. Japan was 19th, the U.S. and China tied for 36th, and North Korea was 65th.

kgh89@korea.kr