A European gynecologist who takes up his duties in a developing Mohammedan country encounters very different problems compared to those in Europe: Early marriage is customary, the intact hymen has great significance. The "child" primipara is the "normal" primiparObstetric actions are not determined by the high value placed on the infant's life, as in Europe. The social position of the woman is still determined by tradition and religion. The emancipation of women advances only slowly.