The article reviews the current state of empirical knowledge about embedded clusters in galactic molecular clouds (GMCs). Over the past 15 years, advances in infrared detection capabilities have enabled systematic studies of these young protocluster systems. The authors compile an extensive catalog of embedded cluster properties, construct the mass function, and estimate the birthrate of embedded clusters within 2 Kpc of the Sun. They find that the birthrate of embedded clusters exceeds that of visible open clusters by an order of magnitude, indicating a high infant mortality rate for protocluster systems. Less than 4-7% of embedded clusters survive to become bound clusters of Pleiades age, with the majority (90%) forming in rich clusters of 100 or more members with masses exceeding 50 solar masses. Observations of nearby cloud complexes suggest that embedded clusters account for a significant (70-90%) fraction of all stars formed in GMCs. The article also discusses the role of embedded clusters in investigating the Initial Mass Function (IMF), circumstellar disk evolution, and the origin of planetary systems. Finally, it explores current ideas on the origin and dynamical evolution of embedded clusters and their implications for the formation of bound open clusters.The article reviews the current state of empirical knowledge about embedded clusters in galactic molecular clouds (GMCs). Over the past 15 years, advances in infrared detection capabilities have enabled systematic studies of these young protocluster systems. The authors compile an extensive catalog of embedded cluster properties, construct the mass function, and estimate the birthrate of embedded clusters within 2 Kpc of the Sun. They find that the birthrate of embedded clusters exceeds that of visible open clusters by an order of magnitude, indicating a high infant mortality rate for protocluster systems. Less than 4-7% of embedded clusters survive to become bound clusters of Pleiades age, with the majority (90%) forming in rich clusters of 100 or more members with masses exceeding 50 solar masses. Observations of nearby cloud complexes suggest that embedded clusters account for a significant (70-90%) fraction of all stars formed in GMCs. The article also discusses the role of embedded clusters in investigating the Initial Mass Function (IMF), circumstellar disk evolution, and the origin of planetary systems. Finally, it explores current ideas on the origin and dynamical evolution of embedded clusters and their implications for the formation of bound open clusters.