Worldwide developments in social security, 1975-77.

ALL BUT A FEW countnes throughout the world hsd one or more public progrtlms provldmg some type of social security protectlo* m 1977. Some of these programs date back to the late 19th century and contam extensive provwons Some other systems-pnrtlculsrly those of the 60 countries that obtamed their independence during the past two decades-are much ne\\er and, as a consequence, are still quite lnmted m the scope of them protectIon nnd m their coverage Whether old or new, most of these programs have been undergomg perlodlc change and extension The dynamx nature of the systems makes It necessary to revise mternatlonal soclsl secunty sumnxmes from tune to tmw The changes and developments have been recorded smce 1938 m Socd Secumty Programs Throughout the World, a chartbook pubhshed bxxm~slly by the Ofice of Research and St,atlstlcs of the Soanl Security Admnustra~tlon The most recent edltlon, for 1977, analyzes the prmapnl provisIons m effect at the begmmng of that year m 129 natlons that had at least one type of social eecurlty program by LOIS S COPEl.AND*