It is relatively easy to obtain a survey of the tuberculosis situation in the geographically demarcated countries of Europe. On the other hand it is impossible to acquire reliable and representative information on the majority of developing countries. Also the concept of a developing country cannot be accurately defined: the geographical, ethnic and cultural conditions predominating there may be diametrically different. In addition the paper is intended not only to take into account the present tuberculosis situation, but also to say something on the future development of tuberculosis in Europe and the developing countries during the next few years.