This volume presents papers concerning astronomy education and research in developing countries presented at a special session at the IAU 26th General Assembly in Prague. It gives a picture of the present state of astronomy in five major developing regions of the world: Latin America, Africa, Central Asia, the Far East and Eastern Europe. The book covers education and research, and also public outreach. New astronomy projects in developing countries are described, and initiatives to promote astronomy and space science from the UN and organizations other than the IAU are also covered. It finishes with a discussion of the future role of virtual observatories in developing countries and the concept of a Third World Astronomy Institute. This volume will be useful resource and reference for astronomers interested in promoting and supporting astronomy and space science around the world.
