Of the 101 shrimp-producing countries listed in the 1983 FAO Yearbook of Fishery Statistics, 70% are developing countries; the 4 leading producers from the Asia/Pacific region were India, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. Thedemand for shrimps in the world market and the shrimp supply situation are examined, considering also the need for aquaculture. Shrimp culture in India, Indonesia, Philippines, Ecuador, Brazil and Mexico is described briefly.