In general, public pension systems also contribute to a more equal distribution, except in three countries where pensions increase inequality (Colombia, El Salvador and Paraguay). This finding —that public transfers play a greater redistributive role than direct taxes— is consistent with those of other regional studies. The Gini coefficient of market income (i.e. before transfers and direct taxes) in Latin American countries is initially slightly higher than the oecd average (0.50 and 0.47, respectively).