The transition to adulthood is a critical stage in human development during which young people leave childhood behind, and take on new roles and responsibilities. Recognizing the need to learn more about this crucial period of life, the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine convened a panel of experts to examine how the transition to adulthood is changing in developing countries in light of globalization and what the implications of these changes might be for those responsible for designing youth policies and programmes. According to the panel's findings, important transformations in young people's lives are under way. In much of the developing world adolescence is a stage of life that is gaining in significance. Young people now have more time than ever before to acquire the information and skills necessary to become effective participants in decisions about their futures. Nevertheless, the book highlights the persistent disadvantages for young women relative to young men, and the special needs of the poor. Youth living in sub-Saharan Africa are also identified to be of special concern.