Save the Children, a humanitarian organization in Westport, released its ninth annual Mothers’ Index that ranks the best — and worst — places to be a mother and a child. The Mother’s Index compares the well-being of mothers and children in 146 countries.

The Nordic countries sweep the top rankings of the best places to be a mother, while countries in sub-Saharan Africa dominated the bottom tier. Sweden tops the list, while Niger ranks last among the 146 countries surveyed. The United States placed 27th this year, one slot down from last year’s ranking.

Click here to view the full 2008 report card on mothers.