Chapter 1 provides details on the current state of physical infrastructure in countries with special needs. In doing so, it highlights some of the challenges that CSN are facing in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of providing access to important infrastructure sectors. Recognizing the multi-dimensional character of infrastructure, chapter 2 presents the ESCAP Access to Physical Infrastructure Index for helping to provide a quantitative assessment of infrastructure availability in countries with special needs and for use as a policy tool for infrastructure development policies. The chapter also points to the large infrastructure deficit that CSN in the region are facing.