List of Countries in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a region located south of China and east of India, known for its geographic diversity that includes extensive coastlines, lush jungles, and numerous islands. It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west. The area is culturally rich, with a mixture of indigenous and colonial influences, and is a popular destination for tourism due to its vibrant cultures and tropical climates.
Southeast Asia comprises eleven countries: Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
1. Brunei
Brunei, a small country on the island of Borneo, is surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. It’s known for its wealthy economy and significant income from petroleum and natural gas production.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
- Population: Approximately 460,000
- Official Language: Malay
- Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND)
- Government: Absolute Monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Istana Nurul Iman
- Economy: Predominantly reliant on exports of crude oil and natural gas
- Culture: Deeply rooted in Malay cultures, with a significant influence of Islam
2. Cambodia
Cambodia is located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula. It is famed for its rich history, particularly the Angkor period.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Phnom Penh
- Population: Over 16 million
- Official Language: Khmer
- Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR)
- Government: Constitutional Monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Angkor Wat, Royal Palace
- Economy: Dominated by garments, tourism, and agriculture
- Culture: Known for traditional dances, music, and its Buddhist temples
3. East Timor
East Timor is the youngest country in Southeast Asia, gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002. It’s located on the eastern half of the island of Timor.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Dili
- Population: About 1.3 million
- Official Languages: Portuguese, Tetum
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Government: Semi-presidential system
- Famous Landmarks: Cristo Rei of Dili statue, Atauro Island
- Economy: Dependent on oil and gas revenues
- Culture: A mix of native Timorese, Portuguese, and Indonesian influences
4. Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands, making it the largest island country in the world. It is known for its diverse cultures and languages, as well as being one of the most populous countries.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Jakarta
- Population: About 273 million
- Official Language: Indonesian
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Government: Presidential system
- Famous Landmarks: Borobudur Temple, Bali
- Economy: Diverse; includes manufacturing, agriculture, and services
- Culture: Rich and varied; includes hundreds of ethnic groups and languages
5. Laos
Laos is a landlocked country known for its mountainous terrain, Buddhist monasteries, and tribal villages.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Vientiane
- Population: Approximately 7 million
- Official Language: Lao
- Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
- Government: Communist state
- Famous Landmarks: Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket
- Economy: Based on agriculture and hydroelectric power
- Culture: Influenced by Theravada Buddhism, evident in its rituals and temple architecture
6. Malaysia
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It’s known for its beaches, rainforests, and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cultural influences.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur (official), Putrajaya (administrative)
- Population: About 32 million
- Official Language: Malay
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
- Government: Constitutional Monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Petronas Twin Towers, Mount Kinabalu
- Economy: Diverse; includes electronics, petroleum, and palm oil
- Culture: A vibrant blend of customs and traditions from its multi-ethnic population
7. Myanmar
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia. It’s known for its ancient temples and decades of military rule.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Naypyidaw
- Population: Over 54 million
- Official Language: Burmese
- Currency: Burmese Kyat (MMK)
- Government: Military-led government
- Famous Landmarks: Shwedagon Pagoda, Bagan Temples
- Economy: Agriculture-based, with a growing sector in telecommunications and manufacturing
- Culture: Dominated by Buddhism, with a rich tradition in literature, theatre, and music
8. Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands in the Western Pacific, known for its waterfront promenade, centuries-old Chinatown and fortifications.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Manila
- Population: About 108 million
- Official Languages: Filipino, English
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Government: Presidential system
- Famous Landmarks: Chocolate Hills, Banaue Rice Terraces
- Economy: Based on services, manufacturing, and agriculture
- Culture: A blend of indigenous, Spanish, American, and Asian influences, celebrated for its festivals, music, and cuisine
9. Singapore
Singapore, a global financial center with a tropical climate and multicultural population, is an island city-state off southern Malaysia.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Singapore (city-state)
- Population: About 5.7 million
- Official Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
- Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
- Government: Parliamentary republic
- Famous Landmarks: Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay
- Economy: Highly developed, based heavily on trade and finance
- Culture: A cosmopolitan society with a vibrant mix of cultures and religions
10. Thailand
Thailand is known for its tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Bangkok
- Population: About 69 million
- Official Language: Thai
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
- Government: Constitutional Monarchy
- Famous Landmarks: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Phi Phi Islands
- Economy: Diversified; strong in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing
- Culture: Deeply influenced by Buddhism, famous for its cuisine, traditional dance, and martial arts
11. Vietnam
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Hanoi
- Population: About 96 million
- Official Language: Vietnamese
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Government: Communist state
- Famous Landmarks: Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An
- Economy: Growing rapidly, with strong sectors in manufacturing, services, and agriculture
- Culture: Characterized by Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences, renowned for its culinary traditions and festivals