This is largely due to, firstly, the fact that social protection in the Pacific is relatively a new field of government activity (WB, 2006a). Secondly, the formal social security system offers low coverage and the vast majority of informal sector employment is not covered under any social security measures. Thirdly, most of PICs are witnessing slow economic growth and have low social protection spending. Finally, since family, community and the traditional support systems still remain stronger, although declining, governments rely heavily upon them for social welfare services.