Southeast Asia: The Geographical South-Eastern Region of Asia
Brunei
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Background: The Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy.
In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the less developed countries. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries.
Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
Area: total: 5,770 sq km
water: 500 sq km
land: 5,270 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Delaware
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber
People Population: 350,898 (July 2002 est)
Ethnic groups: Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, Indigenous 6%, Other 12%
Religions: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, Indigenous beliefs and other 10%
Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese
Government Country name: conventional long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam
conventional short form: Brunei
Government Type: constitutional sultanate
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Administrative Divisions: 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong
Independence: 1 January 1984 (from UK) 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection
National Holiday: National Day, 23 February
Executive Branch: Chief of State: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government
Legislative Branch: unicameral Legislative Council or Majilis Masyuarat Megeri (a privy council that serves only in a consultative capacity; NA seats; members appointed by the monarch)
Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction
Agriculture Products: rice, vegetables, fruits, chickens, water buffalo
Exports Commodities: crude oil, natural gas, refined products
Imports Commodities: Machinery and Transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals
Currency: Bruneian dollar (BND)
Burma
Background: Britain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-86) and incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered as a province of India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony; independence outside of the Commonwealth was attained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to 1988, first as military ruler, then as president, and later as political kingmaker.
Despite multiparty elections in 1990 that resulted in the main opposition party winning a decisive victory, the ruling military junta refused to hand over power. Key opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, under house detention from September 2000 to May 2002; her supporters are routinely harassed or jailed.
Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andamian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand
Area: total: 678,500 sq km
land: 657, 740 sq km
water 20, 760 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Texas
Natural Resources: petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coral, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, hydropower
People Population: 42,238,224
Ethnic groups: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, Other 5%
Languages: Burmese, Minority ethnic groups have their own languages
Government: Country name: conventional long form: Union of Burma
conventional short form: Burma local
short form: Myanma Naingngandaw
local long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar)
former: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma
Administrative Division: 7 divisions* (taing-myar, singular - taing) and 7 states (pyi ne-myar, singular - pyi ne)
Independence: 4 January 1948 (from UK)
National Holiday: Independence Day, 4 January (1948)
Executive branch: Chief of state: Prime Minister and Chairman of the State of Peace and Development Council Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992); note - the prime minister is both the chief of state and head of government
Industries: agricultural processing; knit and woven apparel; wood and wood products, copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials, pharmaceuticals, fertilizer.
Agriculture Products: rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane, hardwood, fish and fish products
Export Commodities: apparel 55%, foodstuffs 18%, wood products 13%, precious stones 2% (2000)
Import Commodities: machinery, transport equipment, construction materials, food products, textile fabrics, petroleum products
Currency: kyat (MMK)
Cambodia
Background: Following a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh in 1975 and ordered the evacuation of all cities and towns; over 1 million displaced people died from execution or enforced hardships. A 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside and touched off 13 years of fighting.
UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy, as did the rapid diminishment of the Khmer Rouge in the mid-1990s. A coalition government, formed after national elections in 1998 brought renewed political stability and the surrender of remaining Khmer Rouge forces.
Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Vietnam and Laos
Area: total: 181, 040 sq km
land: 176, 520 sq km
water: 4,520 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Oklahoma
Natural Resources: timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential
People Population: 12,775,324
Ethnic groups: Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, Other 4%
Religions: Theravada Buddhist 95%, Other 5% Languages: Khmer (official) 95%, French, English
Government Country Name: Conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia
Conventional short form: Cambodia
local short form: Kampuchea
Government Type: Multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy established in September 1993
Capital: Phnom Penh
Administrative Divisions: 20 provinces (khett, singular and plural) and 4 municipalities*
Executive Branch: chief of state: King Norodom SIHANOUK (reinstated 24 September 1993) head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 30 November 1998)
Legislative Branch: bicameral consists of the National Assembly (122 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Senate (61 seats; two members appointed by the monarch, two elected by the National Assembly, and 57 elected by "functional constituencies", members serve five-year terms)
Industries: tourism, garments, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles Industrial production
Agriculture Products: rice, rubber, corn, vegetables
Exports Commodities: timber, garments, rubber, rice, fish
Imports Commodities: petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction materials, machinery, motor vehicles
Currency: riel (KHR)
Indonesia
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Background: The world's largest archipelago, Indonesia achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1949. Current issues include: alleviating widespread poverty, implementing IMF-mandated reforms of the banking sector, effecting a transition to a popularly-elected government after four decades of authoritarianism, addressing charges of cronyism and corruption, holding the military and police accountable for human-rights violations, and resolving growing separatist pressures in Aceh and Irian Jaya.
On 30 August 1999 a provincial referendum for independence was overwhelmingly approved by the people of Timor Timur. Concurrence followed by Indonesia's national legislature, and the name East Timor was provisionally adopted.
Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean
Area: total: 1, 919, 440 sq km
water: 93, 000 sq km
land: 1, 826, 440 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly less than three times the size of Texas
Natural Resources: petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver
People Population: 231, 328, 092 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, Other 26%
Religions: Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, Other 1% (1998)
Languages: Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects, the most widely spoken of which is Javanese
Government Country Name: conventional long form: Republic of Indonesia
conventional short form: Indonesia
local long form: Republik Indonesia
former: Netherlands East Indies; Dutch East Indies
local short form: Indonesia
Government Type: Republic
Capital: Jakarta
Independence: 17 August 1945 (proclaimed independence; on 27 December 1949, Indonesia became legally independent from the Netherlands)
National Holiday: Independence Day, 17
Administrative divisions: 27 provinces (propinsi-propinsi, singular - propinsi), 2 special regions* (daerah-daerah)
Executive branch: Chief of state: President MEGAWATI Sukarnopurtri and Vice President Hamzah HAZ (since 26 July 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) (500 seats; 462 elected by popular vote, 38 are appointed military representatives until 2004 election when military seats expire; (members serve five-year terms)
Industries: petroleum and natural gas; textiles, apparel, and footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood; rubber; food; tourism
Agriculture Products: rice, cassava, (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra; poultry, beef, pork, eggs
Exports Commodities: oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber
Imports: commodities: machinery and equipment; chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Laos
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Background: In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government, ending a six-century-old monarchy. Initial closer ties to Vietnam and socialization were replaced with a gradual return to private enterprise, an easing of foreign investment laws, and the admission into ASEAN in 1997.
Location: Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam
Area: total: 236, 800 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km
land: 230, 800 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly larger than Utah
Natural Resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones
People Population: 5, 777, 180 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%, Lao Soung (highland) including the Hmong ("Meo") and the Yao (Mien) 9%, ethnic Vietnamese/Chinese 1%
Religions: Buddhist 60%, animist and other 40% (including various Christian denominations 1.5%)
Languages: Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages
Government Country Name: conventional long form: Lao People's democratic Republic
conventional short form: Laos
local short form: none
local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatal Paxaxon Lao
Government Type: Communist state Capital: Vientiane
Administrative divisions: 16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural), 1municipality*
Independence: 19 July 1949 (from France)
National Holiday: Republic Day, 2 December (1975)
Executive Branch: Chief of state: President Gen. KHAMTAI Siphandon (since 26 February 1998) and Vice President Lt. Gen CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 27 March 2001) head of government: Prime Minister BOUNGNANG Volachit (since 27 March 2001)
Legislative Branch: unicameral National Assembly (109 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; note - total number of seats increased from 99 to 109 for the 2002 election)
Industries: tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, tourism
Agriculture Products: sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton; tea, peanuts, rice, water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry
Export Commodities: wood products, garments, electricity, coffee, tin
Import Commodities: machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel
Currency: kip (LAK)
Malaysia
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Background: Malaysia was formed in 1963 through a merging of the former British colonies of Malaya and Singapore, including the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo. The first several years of the country's history were marred by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession in 1965.
Location: Southeastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam
Area: total: 329, 750 sq km
water: 1,200 sq km
land: 328,550 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly larger than New Mexico
Coastline: 4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)
Natural Resources: tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite
People Population: 22, 662, 365 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Malay and other indigenous 58%, Chinese 24%, Indian 8%, Others 10% (2000)
Religions: Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, Christian, Sikh; note - in addition, Shamanism is practiced in East Malaysia
Languages: Bahasa Melayu (official), English, Chinese dialects (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai
Government Country Name: conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Malaysia
former: Federation of Malaysia
Government Type: constitutional monarchy Federation of Malaysia (Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore) formed 9 July 1963 (Singapore left the federation on 9 August 1965)
Peninsular Malaysian states: hereditary rulers in all but Melaka, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak, where governors are appointed by the Malaysian Government
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Administrative Divisions: 13 states Independence: 31 August 1957 (from UK) National Holiday: Independence Day/ Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)
Executive Branch: Chief of State: Paramount Ruler Tuanku SYED SIRAJUDDIN ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, the Raja of Perlis (since 12 December 2001); replaced Paramount Ruler Sultan TUNKU SALAHUDDIN Abdul Aziz Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hissammuddin Alam Shah who died in office 21 November 2001.
head of government: Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy Prime Minister ABDULLAH bin Ahmad Badawi (since 8 January 1999)
Legislative Branch: bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of the Senate or Dewan Negara (69 seats; 43 appointed by the paramount ruler, 26 appointed by the state legislatures) and the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (193 seats; members elected by popular vote weighted toward the rural Malay population to serve five-year terms)
Industries: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processing timber; Sabah - logging, petroleum production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging.
Agriculture Products: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah - subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconuts, rice; Sarawak - rubber, pepper, timber
Export Commodities: electronic equipment, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals
Import Commodities: electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles, iron and steel and iron and steel products, chemicals
Currency: Ringgit (MYR)
The Philippines
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Background: The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. They attained their independence in 1946 after Japanese occupation in World War II.The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986 when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands.
The Philippines has had two electoral presidential transitions since Marcos' removal by "people power". In January 2001, the Supreme court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in view of mass resignations from his government and administered the oath of office to Vice President Gloria MACAPAGAL - ARROYO as his constitutional successor. The government continues to struggle with ongoing Muslim insurgencies in the south.
Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam
Area: total: 300, 000 sq km
water: 1,830 sq km
land: 298, 170 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly larger than Arizona Coastline: 36, 289 km
Natural Resources: timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper
People Population: 84, 525, 639 (July 2002 est)
Ethnic groups: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, Other 3%
Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and Other 3%
Languages: Two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English; Eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango; and Pangasinense
Government Country Name: conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines
conventional short form: Philippines
local short form: Pilipinas
local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas
Government type: republic
Capital: Manila
Administrative Divisions: 73 provinces and 61 chartered cities
Independence: 4 July 1946 (from US)
National Holiday: Independence Day (from Spain), 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 is the date of independence from Spain, 4 July 1946 is the date of independence from the US.
Executive Branch: President Gloria MACAPAGAL - ARROYO
Vice President Teofisto GUINGONA
Legislative Branch: bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats - one half elected every three years; members elected by popular vote to serve six- year terms) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan ng mga kinatawan (214 seats; members electedby popular vote to serve three-year)
Industries: textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishing, Industrial production
Agriculture Products: rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish
Export Commodities: electronic equipment, machinery and transport equipment, garments. coconut products
Import Commodities: raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods, consumer goods, fuels
Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)
Palau
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Background: After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US Administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia.
A compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986, but not ratified until 1993. It entered into force the following year, when the islands gained independence.
Location: Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines
Area: total: 458 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 458 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Natural Resources: forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep - seabed minerals
People Population: 19, 717 (July 2003 est)
Ethnic groups: Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 70%, Asian (mainly Filipinos, followed by Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese) 28%, White 2% (2000 est)
Religions: Christian (Roman Catholics 49%, Seventh - Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liezenbell Mission, and Latter-Day Saints), Modekngei religion (one-third of the population observes this religion, which is indigenous to Palau)
Languages: English and Palauan official in all states except Sonsoral (Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official)
Government Country Name: conventional long form: Republic of Palau
conventional short form: Palau
local short form: Belau
former: Palau District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)
local long form: Beluu er a Belau
Government Type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994
Capital: Koror; note - a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast of Koror
Administrative Divisions: 16 states
Independence: 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)
National Holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)
Executive Branch: chief of state: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19 January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since 19 January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
Legislative Branch: bicameral Parliament or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of the Senata (9 seats; members elected by popular vote on a population basisto serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
Industries: tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction, garment making
Agriculture Products: coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes
Export Commodities: shellfish, tuna, copra, garments
Import Commodities: machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs
Currency: US dollar (USD)
Singapore
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Background: Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, "Singapore joined Malaysia in 1963, but withdrew two years later and became independent. It subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries, with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.
Location: Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia
Area: total: 692.7 sq km
water: 10 sq km
land: 682.7 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
People Population: 4, 452, 732 (July 2002 est)
Ethnic groups: Chinese 76.7%, Malay 14%, Indian 7.9%, Other 1.4%
Religions: Buddhist (Chinese), Muslim (Malays), Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Taoist, Confucianist
Languages: Chinese (official), Malay (official and national), Tamil (official), English (official)
Government Country Name: conventional long form: Republic of Singapore
conventional short form: Singapore
Government Type: Parliamentary Republic
Capital: Singapore
Administrative Divisions: none
Independence: 9 August 1965 (from Malaysia)
National Holiday: Independence Day, 9 August
Executive Branch: chief of state: President Sellapan Rama (S.R.) NATHAN (since 1 September 1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Chok Tong GOH and Deputy Prime Ministers
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hsien Loong LEE (since 28 November 1990)
Legislative Branch: unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five- year terms)
Industries: electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, entrepot trade, biotechnology
Agriculture Products: rubber, copra, fruit, orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs, fish, ornamental fish
Export Commodities: machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods, chemicals, mineral fuels
Import Commodities: machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs
Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD)
Taiwan
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Background: In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to Japan, however it reverted to Chinese control after World War II. Following the Communist victory on the mainland in 1949, 2 million Nationalists fled to Taiwan and established a government using the 1947 constitution drawn up for all of China.
Over the next five decades, the ruling authorities gradually democratized and incorporated the native population within its governing structure. This culminated in 2000, when Taiwan underwent its first peaceful transfer of power from the Nationalist to the Democratic Progressive Party. Throughout this period, the island has prospered to become one of East Asia's economic "Tigers".
The dominant political issues continue to be the relationship between Taiwan and China - specifically the question of eventual unification - as well as domestic political and economic form.
Location: Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China
Area: total: 35, 980 sq km
water: 3, 720 sq km
land: 32, 260 sq km
note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu and Quemoy
Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined
Natural Resources: small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos
People Population: 22, 548, 009 (July 2002 est)
Ethnic groups: Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, aborigine 2%
Religions: mixture of Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, Other 2.5%
Languages: Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects
Government: conventional short form: Taiwan
local short form: T'ai-wan
local long form: none
former: Formosa
Government Type: multiparty democratic regime headed by popularity elected president and unicameral legislature
Capital: Taipei
Administrative Divisions: the central administrative divisions include the provinces of Fu-chien (some 20 offshore islands of Fujian Province including Quemoy and Matsu) and Taiwan (the island of Taiwan and the Pescadores islands)
National Holiday: Republic Day, 10 Oct. (1911) Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution
Executive Branch: chief of state: President Shui-bian CHEIN and Vice President Annette Hsiu-lien LU (since 20 May 2000)
head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) Shyi-kun YU
Industries: electronics, petroleum refining, chemicals, textiles, iron and steel, machinery, cement, food processing
Agriculture Products: rice, corn, vegetables, fruit, tea; pigs, poultry, beef, milk, fish
Export Commodities: machinery and electrical equipment 50%, minerals, precision instruments
Currency: (TWD)
Thailand
Background: A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II. Thailand became a US ally following the conflict.
Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma
Area: total: 514, 000 sq km
water: 2, 230 sq km
land: 511, 770 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming
Natural Resources: tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land
People Population: 62, 354, 402
Ethnic groups: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, Other 11%
Religions: Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, Other 0.6% (1991)
Languages: Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects
Government Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand, conventional short form: Thailand, former: Siam
Government Type: constitutional monarchy
Capital: Bangkok
Administrative Divisions: 76 provinces National holiday: Birthday of King PHUMIPHON, 5 December (1927)
Constitution: new constitution signed by King PHUMIPHON on 11 October 1997
Executive Branch: chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946) note: there is also a Privy Council head of government: Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat (since 9 February 2001)
Legislative Branch: bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consists of the Senate or Wuthisapha (200 seats) and the House of Representatives or Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon (500 seats)
Industries: tourism; textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing, such as jewelry; electric appliances and components, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer
Agriculture Products: rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans
Export Commodities: computers, transistors, seafood, clothing, rice
Import Commodities: capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials, consumer goods, fuels
Currency: baht (THB)
Vietnam
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Background: France occupied all of Vietnam by 1884. Independence was declared after World War II, but the French continued to rule until 1954 when they were defeated by Communist forces under Ho Chi MINH, who took control of the north. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government.
Two years later North Vietnamese forces overran the south. Economic reconstruction of the reunited country has proven difficult as aging Communist Party leaders have only grudgingly initiated reforms necessary for a free market.
Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia
Area: total: 329, 560 sq km
land: 325, 360 sq km
water: 4, 200 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly larger than New Mexico
Natural Resources: phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil, and gas deposits, forests, hydropower
People Population: 81, 098, 416 (July 2002 est)
Ethnic groups: Vietnamese 85% - 90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham
Religions: Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic, some Protestant), indigenous beliefs, Muslim
Languages: Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)
Government Country Name: conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
conventional short form: Vietnam
local short form: Viet Nam
Government Type: Communist state
Capital: Hanoi
Administrative Divisions: 58 provinces
Executive Branch: chief of state: President Tran Duc LUONG (since 24 September 1997)
head of government: Prime Minister Phan Van KHAI (since 25 September 1997)
Legislative Branch: unicameral National Assembly or Quoc-Hoi (498 seats)
Industries: food processing, garments, shoes, machine building, mining, cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, coal, steel, paper
Agriculture Products: paddy rice, corn, potatoes, rubber, soybeans, coffee, tea, bananas, sugar, poultry, pigs; fish
Export Commodities: crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, garments, shoes
Import Commodities: machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles
Currency: dong (VND)
China
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Background: For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences. But in the 19th and early 20th centuries. China was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation.
After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established a dictatorship that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people.
After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping gradually introduced market-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision making, and output quadrupled by 2000. Political controls remain tight even while economic controls continue to be relaxed.
Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam
Area: total: 9, 596, 960 sq km
land: 9, 326, 410 sq km
water: 270, 550 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly smaller than the US
Land Boundaries: total: 22, 147.34 km
border countries: Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, Hong Kong 30 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia 4,677 km, Nepal 1, 236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3.605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km
Natural Resources: coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest)
People Population: 1, 284, 303, 705 (July 2002 est)
Ethnic groups: Han Chinese, 91.9%, Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1%
Religions: Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Muslim 1% - 2%, Christian 3% - 4%
Languages: Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages
Government Country Name: conventional long form: People's Republic of China
conventional short form: China
local short form: Zhong Guo abbreviation PRC
local long form: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo
Government Type: Communist State
Capital: Beijing Administrative divisions: 23 provinces (sheng, singular, and plural), 5 autonomous regions* and 4 municipalities**, Taiwan its 23rd province; separate entries for the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau Independence: 221 BC (unification under the Qin or Ch'in Dynasty 221 BC; Qing or Ch'ing Dynasty replaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912; People's Republic established 1 October (1949)
Executive Branch: chief of state: President Hu Jintao (since 15 March 2003)
Industries: iron and steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles and apparel, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, footwear, toys, food processing, automobiles, consumer electronics, telecommunications
Agriculture Products: rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, cotton, oilseed; pork; fish;
Export Commodities: machinery and equipment; textiles and clothing, footwear, toys and sporting goods; mineral fuels
Import Commodities: machinery and equipment; mineral fuels, plastics, iron and steel, chemicals
Currency: yuan (CNY)
Hong Kong
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Background: Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China the following year, various adjacent lands were added later in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, HongKong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula.
China's socialist economic system will not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.
Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China
Area: total: 1,092 sq km
water: 50 sq km
land: 1, 042 sq km
Comparative Area: six times the size of Washington, DC
Natural Resources: outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar
People Population: 7, 303, 334 (
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