But you may be wondering, how many countries are in Southeast Asia? This tiny country is known for its biodiverse rainforest, which is mostly protected within reserves, and its beaches.Meanwhile, the capital is home to some interesting museums and some of the world's most ornate mosques. The same year, Indonesia became a Key Partner of the Organisation. The Spanish arrived here in 1521 and promptly colonized the area. This part of Asia is home to some of the best tourist destinations in the world. Laos is perfect for travelers looking for a laid-back vacation and those who love the idea of slowing down and spending more time in nature. If you decide to visit, make sure to have a good budget, as Singapore is pricier than other Southeast Asian countries. "Unlike most countries in Southeast Asia, there is no coastline and no beach in Laos. Thailand became the first country from Southeast Asia, participating in the OECD Country Programmes in 2018. Laos is perfect for travelers looking for a laid-back vacation and those who love the idea of slowing down and spending more time in nature. It played a buffer role between Great Britain and France during their colonization of the surrounding areas. Copyright © 2020 ForTravelista. Southeast Asian Countries Where Buddhism Is The Religion Of The Majority, The Richest and Poorest Countries of Southeast Asia, Towns With The Lowest Violent Crime Rates In The US. How Many Countries Are in Southeast Asia? Between the luxurious beaches and resorts of Bali or Lombok, the incredible archaeological site of Borobudur, the country's many world-class diving sites, the countless volcanoes to climb, and the unique opportunities to encounter wildlife like orang-utans and Komodo dragons, Indonesia is an exciting destination for both adventure and relaxation seekers. The British administration failed during World War II when Japan made advances to the country. Home to a very modern and busy airport, the city-state of Singapore is another big hub for the region. But as the richest economy of the area, this small country attracts not only foreign travelers (including many business travelers), but also expats who choose to work and live there. Founded on August 8, 1967, the organization has worked to create economic progress, social evolution, and political evolution. September 10, 2020. It is distinguished however by its lush sandalwood forests and has also been growing as a prized destination for scuba-divers due to the rich diversity of its marine life. And if you're looking for some time by the water, you can still find it in Luang Prabang, a charming city on the Mekong River, as well as at the wondrous Kuang Si waterfalls, or on the 4,000 Islands in the south of the country. If you decide to visit, make sure to have a good budget, as Singapore is pricier than other Southeast Asian countries. All ten countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines,  Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam have regularly participated in the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme since it was launched in 2014. As its nickname suggests, The Land of Smiles is home to some of the smiliest people in the world, and its very flavorful cuisine is often celebrated as one of the best on the planet. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. The Peninsula was colonized by the French in the mid-1800’s and later occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. In 2015, nine Southeast Asian countries joined the Daejeon Declaration on Science, Technology, and Innovation Policies for the Global and Digital Age. Home to a very modern and busy airport, the city-state of Singapore is another big hub for the region. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2020 worldatlas.com. Mainland Southeast Asia is divided into the countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, and the small city-state of Singapore at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula; Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, which occupy the eastern portion of the mainland, often are collectively called the Indochinese Peninsula. During those 300 years, several European powers attempted to take control. One of the most-visited countries in the region, Malaysia is not only famous for its white sandy beaches and remarkable forest wildlife. It is worth visiting for the rich cultures of the 100 ethnic groups that make up the nation, the warmth and friendliness of its people, its distinctive customs and cuisine, and its gorgeous sites and landscapes, many of which are still untouched. This Buddhist temple complex is considered one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and is best admired at sunrise or sunset. The country shares borders with Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and East Timor, and other neighboring countries include Singapore, Philippines, and Australia. The Latest on Covid-19 in Southeast Asia, September 10, 2020. Its rich history and heritage has left it with a fascinating mix of Asian, American, and Spanish influences. Brunei Darussalam is a Southeast Asian country located on Borneo Island, whose territory it shares with part of Malaysia. This country was once the largest empire in Southeast Asia, but, became a British colony in the 19th century. The great weather, stunning temples, peaceful Buddhist culture, and lush nature - from the green mountains and countryside of the north to the picture-perfect islands and beaches of the south -, and excitement of Bangkok​ all contribute to Thailand's quality of life and popularity as a top travel destination. But you may be wondering, how many countries are in Southeast Asia? For this reason, the majority of the population practice the Catholic religion. If you were curious to find out how many countries are in Southeast Asia, hopefully, this article answered your question. Myanmar, also known as Burma, is bordered by China, India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand. Most visitors come to see its star attraction, the famous. Its members include Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Vietnam. Southeast Asia was identified as a region of strategic priority for the OECD in 2007 in order to intensify the organisation’s engagement with countries in the region. From the iconic, boat-shaped Marina Bay Sands hotel, to the forward-thinking and environmentally-friendly Gardens by the Bay with its forest of Supertrees, Singapore houses innovative attractions as well as natural beaches and parks. It's also known for having some of the friendliest people in the world, so you can expect a warm welcome when you visit this tropical heaven. Southeast Asia is a large region of Asia that stretches from east of India and south of China. One of the most-visited countries in the region, Malaysia is not only famous for its white sandy beaches and remarkable forest wildlife. Having only reopened to tourists recently after years of relative isolation, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) remains a bit of a time capsule and a slightly more off-the-beaten-path destination. Mainland Southeast Asia is composed of Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, West Malaysia, and Vietnam. Drawing on the different areas of OECD-Indonesia co-operation, this brochure highlights what we can achieve together to design and implement better policies for better lives. There is no better way to sum up this country than with its own tourism slogan: "Simply Beautiful. Check out our list below to find out they all are and get to know each of them. Member states and their representatives employ an informal, private, and non-conflictual method for resolving the conflict that allows their disagreements to stay out of the public eye. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Founded on August 8, 1967, the organization has worked to create economic progress, social evolution, and political evolution. Well, there are 11 of them! Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam have since become members of the OECD Development Centre and Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore hold the Associate Status at the International Energy Agency (IEA) since 2015. Southeast Asia is a very diverse and dynamic region, but one common element is that policy makers across different countries have been intensifying their efforts to ensure a secure, affordable and more sustainable pathway for the energy sector. Additionally, ForTravelista.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean and has over 7,000 islands. Differences of opinion sometimes exist because cultural borders don’t always mesh with political delineations. >> Read the Active with Indonesia brochure online (also available in Bahasa). After months of avoiding major community transmission, Myanmar has emerged as Southeast Asia’s latest Covid-19 hotspot. The tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, the beautiful islands of the Perhentians, Penang, and Langkawi, and the tall peak of Mount Kinabalu are just a few of the country's highlights. Offering some of the best beaches in the world, the Philippines has gone a long way from being under western colonial rule to claiming its independence, and later becoming a popular Southeast Asian destination with a flourishing trade, commerce, and industry. Vietnam’s borders … Philippine revolutionary forces declared independence in 1898, but that was during the Spanish-American War and the same year that the Spanish relinquished power of the islands to the US. This article takes a look at the histories of these countries. If there is one way to describe Southeast Asia succinctly, it could be, "The past meets the future." Southeast Asia. Vietnam also has fascinating historical sites, including the Imperial City of Hue or the Cu Chi Tunnels. How Many Countries Are in Southeast Asia? Due to its tiny size, it could be easy to overlook Singapore when counting how many countries are in Southeast Asia. Its rich history and heritage has left it with a fascinating mix of Asian, American, and Spanish influences.Today, the archipelago of the Philippines is known as a paradise for tourists for its magnificent blue seas, its lively festivities, its vivid golfing destinations, its gorgeous wildlife, and most of all, its thrilling variety of water sports that range from scuba diving and snorkeling to sea kayaking and white-water rafting.