The Country Profiles serve as an overview of social security programmes in the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe. Scheme descriptions are provided for 178 countries and territories, and profiles of complementary and private pensions in 66 countries. Scheme descriptions are available in English. Some scheme descriptions are also available in one of the other ISSA working languages (French, German or Spanish).

Much of the information in the Social Security Country Profiles is collected through surveys carried out by the ISSA in co-operation with the SSA. Data is also provided by numerous social security officials throughout the world. Information is updated region-by-region over a two-year cycle. Users should refer to the Scheme Description section of the Country Profile for the date of the most recent survey reply.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a unique forum where governments work together to address the economic, social and environmental challenges of globalisation. The OECD is also at the forefront of efforts to understand and to help governments respond to new developments and concerns, such as corporate governance, the information economy and the challenges of an ageing population. The Organisation provides a setting where governments can compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practice and work to co-ordinate domestic and international policies. The OECD member countries are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union takes part in the work of the OECD.

The International Organisation of Pension Supervisors (IOPS) is an independent international body representing those involved in the supervision of private pension arrangements. Formed in July 2004, it was instigated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Network of Pension Regulators and Supervisors (INPRS). IOPS has over 80 members and observers representing over 70 countries and territories worldwide. The organisation cooperates closely with other international organisations involved in pension supervision policy development and dialogue, including the OECD, World Bank, ISSA, IAIS and IMF.

OECD/IOPS contact: Ms. Sally DAY-HANOTIAUX

Disclaimer

The designations employed in the Country Profiles, which are in conformity with United Nations practice, and the presentation of material and maps therein do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of the ISSA/OECD/IOPS concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.

While care has been taken in the preparation and reproduction of the data published herein, the ISSA/OECD/IOPS declines liability for any inaccuracy, omission or other error in the data, and, in general, for any financial or other loss or damage in any way resulting from the use of the ISSA Country Profiles.

Copyright

Short excerpts from the Scheme Description, Complementary and Private Pensions, Reforms and Resources sections of the Country Profiles may be reproduced without authorization for non-profit purposes on condition that the source is indicated. For rights of reproduction or translation, application should be made to the ISSA Secretariat.