An economic transformation has occurred in much of rural Asia during the last two decades. Large parts of the region have made remarkable progress with substantial gains in food security, per capita income, quality of life, and poverty reduction. Yet, rural Asia remains home to 700 million people living in poverty, many of whom have no access to safe water and sanitation. To explore new opportunities and challenges facing rural society in Asia, a Study of Rural Asia was undertaken by ADB. This publication provides an overview of the study. The main results and recommendations contained in the five volumes have been included in the overview and should prove useful to those concerned with improving the economic and social conditions of rural populations in Asia through sustainable development.