Came across this great article all about the various systems:
http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/tvfaq.htm#tvcts

I especially liked the following:
"SECAM stands for System Essentially Contrary to the American Method"

(The following is from: Robert Rolf).

SECAM:
Used by France and the former Soviet union.
No tint control. No color control.
Full socialism. The state knows exactly what color you
should see, and how strong that color should be.

PAL:
Used by Germany & UK, Australia etc.
No tint control. A color control.
Partial socialism. The state knows exactly what color you
should see, but you get a choice as to how strong it can be.

NTSC:
Used in USA and Canada, Japan etc.
A tint control, A color control.
Uncontrolled socialism. The state lets you chose what color you
see and how strong it can be. They then tax you regardless.

Anthony