A survey was conducted in 42 developing countries and in 20 developed countries to determine fertility practices and trends. Both individual and household questionnaires were used by interviewers to gather data. Findings concerning marriage patterns, contraception, reproductive motivation, childspacing, breastfeeding, maternal and child health, and infant and child mortality are discussed. Also examined are policy implications regarding fertility decline and development, family planning, marriage postponement, promotion of breastfeeding, health services, and the use of World Fertility Survey data by policy-makers. Main findings from the developing country surveys include the following: fertility is highest in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, with an average of seven children per woman; there are substantial fertility declines in all regions except sub-Saharan Africa; no single aspect of development that is crucial for bringing about fertility decline has been identified; contraceptive use increases with education; and the presence of convenient family planning services generally leads to greater contraceptive use. (RM)