[Social security in the future. Some tracks from our welfare' history]

In 1994 the National Insurance Scheme in Norway celebrates its 100 years anniversary. The first element in the present comprehensive system was the Industrial Workers' Compensation Act of 1894. During the next 75 years the system was gradually extended, and now includes sickness benefit, old-age pension, disability pension, unemployment benefit and rehabilitation aid, as well as specific benefits for certain vocations and social conditions. The different chapters are summarized under the National Insurance Act ("Peoples Insurance Act" of 1971). There has been a general political consensus in establishing and further developing the insurance and welfare system, both before and after World War II. The principles of solidarity and equality still predominate in the Norwegian political culture, and the national insurance system may also be the most important political and economic instrument for realizing these principles in practice, also in the future.