  The most recent experimental results on the cosmic ray composition and energy
spectrum above 1 TeV are reviewed and discussed. All data agree on the presence
of the so-called ``knee'' at an energy E(knee) = 3-4 PeV; the knee is seen in
all the components of the Extensive Air Showers. These results support the
hypothesis of an astrophysical origin of the knee, while no new features in the
hadronic interactions at high energies are envisaged. The cosmic ray
composition below and above the knee region is still an open question.
According to most experiments, the knee seems to be due to the light component
of the primary beam, with a composition getting heavier above the knee.
However, results contradicting this conclusion have to be considered and
understood.
