This paper is the result of an effort to compile general information that has been gathered during the last few years in connection with an ongoing cross-national study of preschool systems, and to add to this data other cross-national statistics. Sections of the paper concern: (1) family characteristics relating to preprimary children; (2) preprimary education coverage rates in the United States and other countries; (3) features of early childhood education programs in various countries, including Japan, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Swaziland, and India; (4) studies of the effects of preprimary education in various countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America; and (5) ways information about preprimary education programs in other nations can help those planning preprimary education programs in the United States. It is concluded that as the United States plans for early childhood programs, information from other countries should be used since this would result in a wider examination of the major issues, a more thorough consideration of potential solutions to problems, and the most comprehensively based system of services for preprimary children possible. A list of 38 references is appended. (RH)