This book gives an overview of children's needs and national plans and programs for children in Egypt for the 25 years between 1954 and 1978. Chapter I compares child populations in different regions of the world. The proportion of children under 15 years of age to total population is very high in developing countries (approximately 40%) as compared with that in developed countries (approximately 25%). Chapter II delineates implications for countries with large youth populations. Reduced population growth and increased social and economic development plans are advocated. Dependency ratios of the number of dependent children under 12 years of age per 100 persons aged 12 - 64 years are given for the last 25 years. Chapter III describes attempts of the government of Egypt to increase the level of health of both mothers and children. Chapter IV describes increases in school enrollment among a growing Egyptian youth population. Chapter V indicates social services provided for Egyptian children. Chapter VI discusses family planning services. The role of the mass media in informing children and informing society at large about children is indicated in Chapter VII. An acute need for a comprehensive national plan for children is recognized. Data related to topics of most chapters are presented in 32 tables and 10 figures. (Author/RH)