Southeast Asia Countries

Southeast Asia is a dynamic and culturally diverse region located between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, characterized by lush landscapes, vibrant cultures, and bustling cities. It comprises the following 11 countries: Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Brunei

Country Overview:

Brunei, located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, covers an area of approximately 5,765 square kilometers. It is bordered by Malaysia. Brunei is famous for its rich oil reserves, which have contributed to its high standard of living. The country boasts a blend of modern infrastructure and traditional Malay culture, with attractions such as the opulent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the pristine rainforests of Ulu Temburong National Park.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1984 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 433,285
  • Capital City: Bandar Seri Begawan
  • Language: Malay (official), English
  • Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND)
  • Time Zone: BNT (GMT+8)
  • Country Area Code: +673
  • Top-Level Domain: .bn
  • ISO Country Codes: BN, BRN

Cambodia

Country Overview:

Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, covers an area of approximately 181,035 square kilometers. It is bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Cambodia is famous for its rich history, including the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the vibrant capital city of Phnom Penh. The country offers diverse landscapes, including lush forests, rice paddies, and pristine beaches along the Gulf of Thailand.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1953 (from France)
  • Population: Approximately 16.7 million
  • Capital City: Phnom Penh
  • Language: Khmer
  • Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR), US Dollar (USD)
  • Time Zone: ICT (GMT+7)
  • Country Area Code: +855
  • Top-Level Domain: .kh
  • ISO Country Codes: KH, KHM

East Timor

Country Overview:

East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is located in Southeast Asia, covering an area of approximately 14,919 square kilometers. It occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor, with Indonesia comprising the western half. East Timor is famous for its rugged landscapes, including mountains, rainforests, and pristine beaches. The country has a tumultuous history but has made strides in recent years towards stability and development.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 2002 (from Indonesia)
  • Population: Approximately 1.4 million
  • Capital City: Dili
  • Language: Tetum (official), Portuguese, English
  • Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
  • Time Zone: TLT (GMT+9)
  • Country Area Code: +670
  • Top-Level Domain: .tl
  • ISO Country Codes: TL, TLS

Indonesia

Country Overview:

Indonesia, the largest archipelagic country in the world, is located in Southeast Asia, covering an area of approximately 1,904,569 square kilometers. It is comprised of thousands of islands, including Java, Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi, and Papua. Indonesia is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, and active volcanoes. The country boasts diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, with attractions such as the ancient Borobudur and Prambanan temples, the cultural hub of Bali, and the vibrant capital city of Jakarta.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1945 (from the Netherlands)
  • Population: Approximately 276.2 million
  • Capital City: Jakarta
  • Language: Indonesian
  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
  • Time Zone: Various time zones (GMT+7 to GMT+9)
  • Country Area Code: +62
  • Top-Level Domain: .id
  • ISO Country Codes: ID, IDN

Laos

Country Overview:

Laos, located in Southeast Asia, covers an area of approximately 236,800 square kilometers. It is bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Laos is famous for its serene landscapes, including the Mekong River, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls such as Kuang Si Falls. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with ancient Buddhist temples, traditional villages, and colorful festivals, including the popular Boun Bang Fai rocket festival.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1949 (from France)
  • Population: Approximately 7.3 million
  • Capital City: Vientiane
  • Language: Lao
  • Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
  • Time Zone: ICT (GMT+7)
  • Country Area Code: +856
  • Top-Level Domain: .la
  • ISO Country Codes: LA, LAO

Malaysia

Country Overview:

Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, covers an area of approximately 330,803 square kilometers. It consists of two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), separated by the South China Sea. Malaysia is famous for its diverse cultural heritage, modern cities, and stunning natural attractions, including the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the UNESCO-listed George Town, and the pristine islands of Langkawi.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1957 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 32.7 million
  • Capital City: Kuala Lumpur (official), Putrajaya (administrative)
  • Language: Malay (official), English, Chinese, Tamil
  • Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
  • Time Zone: MST (GMT+8)
  • Country Area Code: +60
  • Top-Level Domain: .my
  • ISO Country Codes: MY, MYS

Myanmar (Burma)

Country Overview:

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is located in Southeast Asia, covering an area of approximately 676,578 square kilometers. It is bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. Myanmar is famous for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples such as Bagan, and the stunning landscapes of Inle Lake and the Irrawaddy River. The country has a diverse ethnic population, each contributing to its unique cultural tapestry.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1948 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 54.4 million
  • Capital City: Naypyidaw
  • Language: Burmese
  • Currency: Burmese Kyat (MMK)
  • Time Zone: MMT (GMT+6:30)
  • Country Area Code: +95
  • Top-Level Domain: .mm
  • ISO Country Codes: MM, MMR

Philippines

Country Overview:

The Philippines, an archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, covers an area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers. It is comprised of over 7,000 islands, including Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant festivals, and rich biodiversity, with attractions such as the UNESCO-listed Banaue Rice Terraces, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and the underwater wonders of Palawan.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1946 (from the United States)
  • Population: Approximately 111.5 million
  • Capital City: Manila
  • Language: Filipino (official), English
  • Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
  • Time Zone: PHT (GMT+8)
  • Country Area Code: +63
  • Top-Level Domain: .ph
  • ISO Country Codes: PH, PHL

Singapore

Country Overview:

Singapore, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia, covers an area of approximately 724.2 square kilometers. It is bordered by Malaysia. Singapore is famous for its modern skyline, bustling ports, and multicultural society. The country is known for its efficient public transportation, clean streets, and iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1965 (from Malaysia)
  • Population: Approximately 5.7 million
  • Capital City: Singapore
  • Language: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
  • Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
  • Time Zone: SGT (GMT+8)
  • Country Area Code: +65
  • Top-Level Domain: .sg
  • ISO Country Codes: SG, SGP

Thailand

Country Overview:

Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, covers an area of approximately 513,120 square kilometers. It is bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Thailand is famous for its vibrant culture, ancient temples, and stunning beaches. The country offers diverse attractions, including the bustling capital city of Bangkok, the historic city of Chiang Mai, and the idyllic islands of Phuket and Koh Samui.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: Never colonized
  • Population: Approximately 69.8 million
  • Capital City: Bangkok
  • Language: Thai
  • Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
  • Time Zone: ICT (GMT+7)
  • Country Area Code: +66
  • Top-Level Domain: .th
  • ISO Country Codes: TH, THA

Vietnam

Country Overview:

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia on the eastern Indochinese Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 331,212 square kilometers. It is bordered by China, Laos, Cambodia, and the South China Sea. Vietnam is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, ancient temples, and rich history. The country offers diverse attractions, including the bustling streets of Hanoi, the scenic beauty of Ha Long Bay, and the historic town of Hoi An.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1945 (from France)
  • Population: Approximately 97.3 million
  • Capital City: Hanoi
  • Language: Vietnamese
  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Time Zone: ICT (GMT+7)
  • Country Area Code: +84
  • Top-Level Domain: .vn
  • ISO Country Codes: VN, VNM