The report contains information based on the country presentation papers submitted by the 31 countries for the 1981 United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It is intended as a background document for the Unesco meeting of experts from the LDCs on "needs and priorities in regard to education" to be held at Unesco in 1982. The document has many lacunae depending on the importance accorded to education in the country papers and on the information provided therein on education programs. Africa, having 21 of the 31 LDCs, is presented in terms of its present situation concerning: primary education; secondary education; higher education; and mass education, basic education, and adult education. Asia, including 7 of the LDCs, each with different physical, climatic, and socio-cultural characteristics, is discussed in terms of: primary education, secondary education and vocational training; higher education; and literacy programs. Two Arab States are described in terms of a brief review of their primary, secondary, and higher education. Haiti, the only country in the Western hemisphere included among the 31 LDCs, is also discussed. The document concludes with a look at education and rural development. Statistical tables are dispersed throughout the report. A French foreword and summary are included. (AH)