An overview of the status of the road networks in 85 developing countries is presented. A broad-brush assessment of the condition of main roads in these countries is followed by an analysis of regional differences and the factors contributing to these differences. These factors have been grouped into country typology consisting of six categories. Although it is not scientifically precise, this classification is useful in explaining the regional and country differences in road condition, understanding the causes of the road deterioration problem in developing countries, and formulating appropriate responses to the problem. This paper is the first of four papers in this Record on" Road Deterioration in Developing Countries."