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Tables and Figures for: Better Pensions, Better Jobs: Towards Universal Coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Social Protection and Labor Markets Division (VPS/SCL/SPL)

Better Pensions, Better Jobs — Pension Participation Dataset

The dataset supporting the report Better Pensions, Better Jobs: Towards Universal Coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean provides the empirical foundation for comparing pension participation rates across Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries.

Structured across six chapters and available in both English and Spanish, the dataset includes:

  • Labor market indicators
  • Contributory pension coverage statistics
  • Demographic and employment breakdowns

These variables allow users to examine how pension systems perform across diverse national contexts and demographic groups.

By enabling cross-country pension analysis, the Better Pensions, Better Jobs dataset helps identify regional disparities in social protection and formal employment. It serves as a key evidence base for policymakers, researchers, and international organizations working to expand universal pension coverage and improve labor market outcomes throughout the region.

This dataset is a core analytical tool for understanding how inclusive and sustainable pension systems can contribute to better jobs and stronger social safety nets in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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Metadata & use

Identifier https://doi.org/10.60966/bqk7xh6e
License Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivs 3.0 IGO
Related Knowledge Product
Citation

Bosch, Mariano (2015). Tables and Figures for: Better Pensions, Better Jobs: Towards Universal Coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/bqk7xh6e
Published date 2015-12-16
Modified date 2026-06-25
Tags/Keywords Pension · Social Security Coverage
Language
  1. English
Temporal coverage 1960-2005
Country
Argentina
Bolivia
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Region Latin America and the Caribbean
Publisher
Inter-American Development Bank
Author
Bosch, Mariano
Data collection type Observational Data
Data structure Semistructured Data
Data notes

How does pension coverage vary in Latin American and Caribbean countries?

The dataset supports cross-country comparisons of contributory pension participation across Latin America and the Caribbean. Harmonized indicators allow analysts to compare coverage levels by country, age group, and sex—highlighting regional disparities in social protection.

What is the impact of the informal economy on pension participation in LAC?

The dataset includes labor market and pension coverage indicators, enabling exploration of how informality affects participation. Analysts can assess the share of workers without access to contributory systems and the structural barriers driving low enrollment.

What are the main challenges to increasing pension participation in Latin America?

The data reveal that informality, income inequality, and limited access to contributory schemes remain key obstacles. These challenges vary by country but consistently reduce formal participation and long-term pension security.

Are public and private pension systems covered in the dataset?

Yes. The dataset distinguishes between contributory systems, which may include public and private components, and other forms of coverage, enabling analysts to compare participation rates across system types.

Does the dataset include data from Brazil, Mexico, and Chile?

Yes. These countries are included among the LAC sample, allowing users to examine participation trends and pension reforms in major economies such as Brazil, Mexico, and Chile.

Are non-contributory pensions included?

Where available, the dataset incorporates non-contributory pension statistics, helping analysts measure the impact of these programs on efforts to expand coverage for vulnerable and informal workers.

What are some policy insights from the data?

The dataset underpins the Better Pensions, Better Jobs report, which recommends expanding universal pension access, strengthening labor formality, and integrating non-contributory programs to close regional gaps.

What is the format of the dataset?

The dataset is available in Excel and CSV formats, structured across six chapters that align with the analytical sections of the report. Each file includes variable labels and metadata for consistent interpretation.

What are the main variables available?

Key variables include: - Pension participation rates (overall and contributory) - Labor market indicators - Demographic disaggregation (age, sex, employment type) - Regional and national identifiers

How can I use this dataset?

Analysts can: - Conduct comparative pension analysis across LAC countries
- Identify coverage gaps by gender, age, and formality
- Evaluate policy outcomes from pension reforms
- Integrate the data with labor market statistics for deeper insights

Who should use this dataset?

This dataset is intended for policy analysts, researchers, social protection experts, and international organizations focused on expanding pension coverage and improving job formality in the region.

Where can I find more context or analysis?

Refer to the accompanying report Better Pensions, Better Jobs for detailed findings, policy recommendations, and methodological notes that complement the dataset.

Dataset files

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