This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of a document which examines the general characteristics of education in Egypt with special reference to the utilization and application of the results of contemporary science; planning for the future; education as a continuing process; the individual and the struggle between rival political and social systems; and the complementarity of the different national sectors in promoting and ensuring an equitable distribution of educational services. Recent UAR legislation has emphasized the principle of unimpeded access to education. There has been a recent impressive expansion of educational facilities; administrative and structural reforms, plus the abolition of fees have all contributed to this expansion. These improvements have not been sufficient, however, to remove the obstacles against working-class children finishing their education, as is true in most parts of the world. During 1969/70, 78% of those reaching the age of compulsory education were enrolled in elementary schools; it is hoped that the figure will be 90% by 1974/75. In pre-secondary (preparatory) schools, the figure is 45%; for secondary schools, it is 12%. The class system's influence on Egyptian education still prevails--lower classes, elementary and vocational; upper classes, academic and professional. Many more urban children finish school than do the rural ones. (Author/GDB)