Generally, the term "welfare state" refers to an ideal model of provision, where the state accepts responsibility for the provision of comprehensive and universal welfare for its citizens. Among other things, it determines under what conditions babies are born and children cared for, what happens when workers cannot find employment, and how the aged will cope with illness and the lack of income. This book provides the reader with historical and updated information on welfare states around the globe. Given the importance of the welfare state—and especially the new challenges it is facing—this reference work comes at the ideal time. Through cross-referenced A to Z entries, this book focuses on the historical development of the welfare state, while simultaneously providing in-depth explanation of core terms and elements of the welfare states, their structure, their present situation, and their historical developments. Supplementing the dictionary entries are a chronology, an introduction, and a bibliography.