Credit unions also differ from the traditional consumer cooperatives. Credit union services are available only to its shareholders. Until the 70's there was a proliferation of the U.S. credit unions due to the increase of their number and the number of shareholders, although it must be acknowledged that there was also and a qualitative growth. As of the January 1, 2012 the national associations and confederations unite more than 196 million members participating in the 51,013 credit unions in 100 countries. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.). Unlike banks credit unions limit their activities to a closed circle of people. Credit union as a consumer cooperative operates on the principles of equality of all its members.