Geography and Tourism (ASEAN Member States)

1. IATA Traffic Conference Zones

IATA has divided world into three areas: TC1, TC2,TC3

 Ural Mountain of Russia and Tehran in Middle East divides TC2 with TC3.
 Tc1 is Known as Western Hemisphere.
 TC2 and TC3 are together known as Eastern Hemisphere.

IATA Area1 or TC1

comprises of North America, South America, Central America and the adjacent islands like
Greenland, Bermuda, West Indies, Islands of the Caribbean Sea, Hawaiian Islands which
includes Midway and Palmyra.

IATA Area2 or TC2

comprises of Europe, Africa and Ascension Island and parts of Asia west of Ural mountains
including Iran and countries of Middle East.

1. Europe
2. Africa
3. Middle East

IATA Area3 or TC3

Asia (East of the Urals), Oceania, (Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands)
 1. South East Asia
2. South Asian Sub continent
3. Japan, Korea (Japkor)
4. South West pacific

2. Indonesia
Indonesia
"The Emerald of the Equator"
Indonesia's Tourism Slogan "Wonderful Indonesia"

The map shows Indonesia, an island nation in Maritime Southeast Asia straddling the equator
between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean in the north and the Indian Ocean in the
south. The country consists of some 17,000 islands in the Malay Archipelago, the marine region
is also known as Maritime Southeast Asia, East Indies, Indonesian Archipelago, and Spices
Archipelago.

Indonesia has land borders with Malaysia (on the island of Borneo), Papua New Guinea (on the
island of New Guinea), and Timor-Leste (on Timor island). The nation shares maritime borders
with eight neighboring countries, Australia, India, Palau, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,
Vietnam, and China; due to Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea, there are
overlapping maritime boundaries between the two nations around the Riau Islands.
Official Name: Republik Indonesia , Republic of Indonesia
Capital City: Jakarta
Government: Presidential Constitutional Republic
Current Head/s of State: President Joko Widodo
Population: 270.6 million
Official Language/s: Bahasa Indonesia
Currency: Rupiah (IDR)
Currency Symbol: Rp

People
Living on more than 13,400 islands, the Indonesian nation today counts some 200 million
population comprising over 200 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects that range
in population from the Javanese (about 70 million) and Sundanese (about 30 million) on Java to
peoples numbering in the thousands on remote islands. After gaining Independence in 1945,
inter-marriages among people of different ethnic groups have welded the population into a
more cohesive Indonesian nation.

The Peranakan

The Chinese account for a small but significant portion of the total population and are regarded
as an anchor of the country’s economy. Most of the Chinese have lived in Indonesia for
generations. The majority of them are of mixed (peranakan) heritage, do not speak Chinese,
have Indonesian surnames, and through intermarrying with Indonesians have developed
distinct dialects and customs. Of the total Chinese population, most live in the towns and cities
of Java and Sumatra, where they engage in trade.

Nearly nine-tenths of the Indonesian population professes Islam. There are, however, pockets
of Christians scattered throughout the country. Most are Protestant or independent Christian,
and the remainder are mainly Roman Catholic. Many Chinese in the cities are also Christian, but
some follow Buddhism or Confucianism, sometimes blended with Christianity. Hindus account
for less than 2 percent of all Indonesians, although Hinduism is the dominant religion on Bali.
Attractions
TANA TORAJA
Tana Toraja Burials Tana Roraja
literally "Torajaland", is a highland region of Southern Sulawesi in Indonesia. Tana Toraja, the
famed "Land of The Heavenly Kings", lies about 328 km north of Makassar, the capital of South
Sulawesi Province,in the central highlands of South Sulawesi.

The land of the Toraja people is above all famed for their spectacular (and rather gruesome)
burial rites. After a person's death, the body is kept — often for several years — while money is
saved to pay for the actual funeral ceremony, known as tomate. The deceased is then finally
buried either in a small cave, often with a tau-tau effigy placed in front, inside a hollow tree or
even left exposed to the elements in a bamboo frame hanging from a cliff.

KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

Komodo National Park Komodo Dragons
The most remarkable inhabitant of Komodo National Park is the Komodo Lizard, Varanus
komodoensis. These giant lizards, existing no-where else in the world, are of great scientific
interest, especially for their evolutionary implications. Most commonly known as 'Komodo
Dragons', due to its appearance and aggressive behavior, the Komodo Lizard, is the largest
living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 meters.

As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides a refuge for many other
notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor
deer. The rich coral reefs of Komodo host a great diversity of species, and the strong currents of
the sea attract the presence of sea turtles, whales, dolphins and dugongs.

RAJA AMPAT

Raja Ampat
The name means “Empat Raja” or Four Kings. It is represented by its 4 major islands called
Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo, and Misool. Raja Ampat is located on the northwestern tip of West
Papua, Indonesia, at the heart of the Coral Triangle. The region covers 4.6 million hectares of
ocean and includes 1411 small islands, cays, and shoals that surround the four main islands.
Diving is the best thing to do in Raja Ampat District. Some diving spots even feature historical
ruins of the WWII! Though, visitors can do other things like sightseeing, island hopping,
witnessing sunset, and get closer to the locals.

ACEH TSUNAMI MUSEUM

Aceh Museum Aceh Museum

The Aceh Tsunami Museum, located in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, is a museum designed as a
symbolic reminder of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami disaster, as well as an
educational center and an emergency disaster shelter in case the area is ever hit by a tsunami
again.

YOGYAKARTA
Yogyakarta Yogyakarta Temples

Yogyakarta, together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), is the cradle of civilization on Java. This
city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and
Prambanan in the 8th and 9th centuries and the new powerful Mataram kingdom of the 16th
and 17th century. Yogyakarta was known with the slogan of “Jogja The Never ending Asia“ for
its endless appeals. Today, it is also renowned as “ Jogja Istimewa “, a tagline that elaborates its
special values.

BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
Borobudur Temple Borobudur
The magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument, an ancient site
widely considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders. The temple sits majestically on a
hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Built in the 9th century during the reign of
the Syailendra dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on
the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make
Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. It covers an enormous area, measuring 123 x 123 meters. The
monument is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
The architecture and stonework of this temple has no equal. And it was built without using any
kind of cement or mortar! The structure is like a set of massive interlocking Lego blocks held
together without any glue.

It was rediscovered in 1815, buried under volcanic ash. In the 1970’s the Indonesian
Government and UNESCO worked together to restore Borobudur to its former majesty. The
restoration took eight years to complete and today Borobudur is one of Indonesia and the
world’s most valuable treasures.

PRAMBANAN TEMPLE
Prambanan Temple

Dubbed as "The Most Beautiful and Graceful Hindu Temple in Indonesia". Located not far from
the Buddhist Borobudur temple, the proximity of the two temples tells us that on Java,
Buddhism and Hinduism lived peacefully next to one another. The temples at Prambanan were
built in the 9th century and is known locally as Roro Jonggrang, coming from the legend of the
‘slender virgin’.

The biggest temple is dedicated to Shiva – the destroyer, and the two smaller ones which sit on
its right and left are dedicated to Brahma, the creator, and Wisnhu, the sustainer. The tallest
temple of Prambanan is a staggering 47 meters high. Its peak visible from far away and rises
high above the ruins of the other temples.

After hundreds of years of neglect, the Prambanan temple was rediscovered by CA Lons, a
Dutchman, in 1733. Since then, this temple has been revitalized and today is widely regarded as
the most beautiful and graceful Hindu temple in Indonesia. The grandeur, complexity, and
integrated architectural concept of Prambanan makes this a truly amazing structure. As a
unique cultural and architectural marvel, Prambanan was declared a World Heritage site in
1991 by UNESCO.

DIENG PLATEAU

Formed by the eruption of ancient Mountain Prau, Dieng Plateau is a complex of calderas
situated at about 2,000 metres above sea level, 130 km northeast of Yogyakarta city. The
plateau derives its name ‘dieng’ from the two Sanskrit words of ‘di’ meaning ‘place’ and ‘hyang’
meaning ‘gods’, so it is the ‘place of the gods’. Some folklore has it that the name refers to
‘strange beauty’ because the plateau has many beautiful places to visit. This is true, and visitors
to the area can attest to this.

BALI
Bratan Temple in Bali

Commonly referred to as the “Island of a Thousand Temples”, “Island of Gods”, and “Bali
Dwipa”, Bali island is the most-visited Indonesian island by foreign travellers. While most
travellers start and end their Indonesia journey in Bali, often fixated on their luxurious tourist
resorts and spas, Indonesia is much more than Bali. While most Indonesian people are Muslim,
the Balinese people practice Balinese-Hinduism. The Balinese-Hindus celebrate about 60
religious holidays a year.

MOUNT AGUNG
Bali’s central mountains include several peaks rising over 3,000 metres in elevation, with Mount
Agung, or locally known as Gunung Agung, the highest at 3,031 metres. Mount Agung is an
active stratovolcano which, prior to the current eruptions, last erupted in 1963, one of the most
devastating volcanic eruptions in the modern seismographic history of Indonesia.

The cone-shaped peak dominates the surrounding area, even influencing the rainfall patterns.
Since September 2017 there has been an increase of seismic activity around the volcano which
has resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents from the surrounding areas. For
months the volcano continued spewing ash clouds, mudflows and fire. Locals remain on high
alert.

BALI BEACH

Bali Beaches
Bali has some of the most gorgeous shorelines in the world. From the calm easy-surfing waters
at Seminyak Beach to Padang Padang Beach, highlighted in Julia Roberts’ movie, Eat, Pray, Love,
to the black volcanic sands of Keramas Beach to the popular-with-tourists Legian and Kuta
beaches.

BROMO TENGGER SEMERU NATIONAL PARK

Bromo

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is the only conservation area in Indonesia that has a 10
km sea of sand called Tengger, from which four new volcanic cones have emerged. Those
volcanic cones are Mount Batok (2,470 m), Mount Kursi (2,581 m), Mount Watangan (2,661 m),
and Mount Widodaren (2,650 m). However, Mount Bromo is still the only one that is active.
Temperatures at the top of Mount Bromo range about 5-18 degrees Celsius. Heading south of
the park is a rolling upland plateau divided by valleys and decorated with several scenic lakes
reaching to the foot of Mount Semeru.

RAFFLESIA ARNOLDII
Rafflesia Arnoldii
Rafflesia arnoldii, commonly called the corpse lily or stinking corpse lily, is a species of flowering
plant in the parasitic genus Rafflesia. It is noted for producing the largest individual flower on
Earth. It has a very strong and unpleasant odour of decaying flesh, earning it the nickname
"corpse flower".

AMORPHOPHALLUS TITANUM

Amorphophallus
Amorphophallus titanum, the titan arum, is a flowering plant with the largest unbranched
inflorescence in the world. A. titanum is endemic to Sumatra. Due to its odor, like that of a
rotting corpse, the titan arum is characterized as a carrion flower, and is also known as the
corpse flower or corpse plant or bunga bangkai.
3. Malaysia
MALAYSIA
"Land of the Indigenous Malay"
The name "Malaysia" is a combination of the word "Malays" and the Latin-Greek suffix "-ia"/"-
ία"which can be translated as "land of the Malays".
Malaysia's Tourism Slogan "Malaysia Truly Asia"

If countries were awarded for diversity, Malaysia would top first place. Not only is Malaysia a
melting pot of ethnic cultures, but it is also a blend of many different customs, cuisines and
religions all coexisting peacefully together. From large island groups to mountains, fertile
highlands, tropical rainforest and mangrove estuaries, the country’s geography is every bit as
diverse. What’s more, Malaysia is a unique country in that is divided into two main landmasses.
West Malaysia occupies the southern half of a peninsula shared with Thailand, while across the
South China Sea is East Malaysia, situated on the Borneo island.

West Malaysia is home to the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, a large metropolis of impressive
skyscrapers, fabulous shopping districts, museums, theaters, hotels, international restaurants
and buzzing nightlife. Melaka is a city rich in history, architecture and traditions. Penang Island
is famous for its exquisite cuisine and beautiful colonial George Town. A visit to the Cameron
Highlands offers cool weather and spectacular scenery of flower farms and tea plantations.
Tioman, Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands are some of the world’s most breathtaking
islands, and Redang is a scuba diving paradise.

On the Borneo side, East Malaysia is known for its wild jungle, rainforests, extraordinary cave
systems, orangutans, granite peaks and remote tribes. Major cities like Kuching and Kota
Kinabalu serve as gateways to exploring these natural attractions.
Map Location
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia consisting of two parts, Peninsular Malaysia (West
Malaysia) on the Malay Peninsula and Malaysian Borneo (East Malaysia) on the northern third
of the island of Borneo.

Peninsular Malaysia borders the South China Sea in east, Singapore at its tip in south, the Strait
of Malacca in west and Thailand in north. East Malaysia borders the South China Sea in
northwest, and Indonesia in south, and it surrounds the small Nation of Brunei.
General Information

Official Name: Persekutuan Malaysia, Federation of Malaysia

Capital City: Kuala Lumpur
Government: Federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch
Current Head/s of State: Abdullah al-Ha (Monarch); Muhyiddin Yassin (Prime Minister)
Population: 31.95 Million (World Bank, 2019)
Official Language/s: Malay
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Currency Symbol: RM
People

The people of Malaysia are unevenly distributed between Peninsular and East Malaysia, with
the vast majority living in Peninsular Malaysia. The population shows great ethnic, linguistic,
cultural, and religious diversity. Within this diversity, a significant distinction is made for
administrative purposes between indigenous peoples (including Malays), collectively called
bumiputra, and immigrant populations (primarily Chinese and South Asians), called non-
bumiputra.
Religion

Islam, Malaysia’s official religion, is followed by about three-fifths of the population. Islam is
one of the most important factors distinguishing a Malay from a non-Malay, and, by law, all
Malays are Muslim. The Chinese do not have a dominant religion; many, while subscribing to
the moral precepts of Confucianism, follow Buddhism or Daoism; a small minority adheres to
various denominations of Christianity. Most of the Indians and Sri Lankans practice Hinduism,
while the Pakistanis are predominantly Muslim. Some Indians are Christian.
Attractions
Batu Caves
Petronas Twin Towers
Bako National Park
Christ Church/Melaka Church/Red Church
Langkawi Island
Legoland
Gastronomy
Nasi Lemak
Mee goreng mamak
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370
4. Singapore
SINGAPORE
"The Lion City"
Singapore's Tourism Slogan, "Passion Made Possible"
Singapore is one of the great cities of the world, with its blend of Asian and European cultures.
Graceful colonial buildings co-exist alongside centuries-old street markets and modern high-
rises. Though the government can be strict with residents and visitors who misbehave, travelers
who follow the rules can’t help but be fascinated by this multi-cultural city.
Map Location

Singapore is situated 137 kilometers (85 mi) north of the equator, and just south of Peninsular
Malaysia. In south the Strait of Singapore separates the island from the Riau Archipelago of
Indonesia.
General Information

Official Name: Republik Singapura, Republic of Singapore

Capital City: Singapore
Government: Parliamentary Republic
Current Head/s of State: Halimah Yacob (President); Lee Hsien Loong (Prime Minister)
Population: 5.704 Million (World Bank, 2019)
Official Language/s: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Currency Symbol: S$
People

The population of Singapore is diverse, the result of considerable past immigration. Chinese
predominate, making up some three-fourths of the total. Malays are the next largest ethnic
group, and Indians the third.
Because of this ethnic diversity, no fewer than four official languages are recognized—English,
Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. English remains the main medium for administration,
commerce, and industry, and it is the primary language of instruction in schools.
Religion

Religious affiliations reflect ethnic patterns. About two-thirds of all Chinese profess some
degree of attachment to Confucianism, Buddhism, or Daoism or to some combination thereof.
Virtually all Malays, and some Indians, adhere to Islam, which is the formal religion of about
one-seventh of the population. The Christian community has grown rapidly to become
comparable in size to the Muslim population; nearly all Christians are Chinese. Almost all of the
remaining population practicing a religion is Hindu, but there are also many Singaporeans who
have no religious affiliation.

Lee Kuan Yew – first prime minister of Singapore, nations founding father

5. Thailand
THAILAND
"The Land of Smiles"
Thailand's Tourism Tagline, "Amazing Thailand"

Thailand is called the Land of Smiles quite simply because of the smiles you see on every bodies
faces! The culture of Thailand and the Thai people themselves would be seen as laid back in
comparison to the frantic busy world of the west. The people have better manners, and are
friendly, courteous and a genuine pleasure to interact with. When going to the market you can
barter down a stores item up to 40% and the store owner enjoys the tricky bartering that you
partake in. Also known as Siam, "the land of the White Elephant" or the country of Muang Thai
(Land of the Free).
Thailand is a collage of animated scenes that comprise bustling modern cities crowded with
motorbikes and tuk-tuks, Buddhist temples tended by orange-robed monks, hill tribes selling
handicrafts, lush landscapes dotted with traditional farming villages, ancient ruins and stunning
coastlines peppered with gorgeous beaches and blue lagoons. Such a captivating portrait
explains why Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destination. And despite the
heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential identity with its own unique culture
and history and a carefree people famed for their smiles.
Most visitors to Thailand begin their itinerary in the capital city, Bangkok, a flurry of high-rise
buildings, sacred temples, floating markets, sizzling nightclubs and congested streets lined with
street vendors hawking cheap souvenirs and exotic foods. Cities in the North such as Chiang
Mai and Chiang Rai, are gateways to mountain trekking, wildlife, outdoor adventure and ethnic
tribes. Old cities like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai offer ancient history, while Kanchanaburi is
steeped in important WWII events. The south is home to Thailand’s remarkable island paradise
of Phuket, Ko Tao and Ko Samui and gorgeous beach resort towns like Hua Hin and Krabi.
Thailand offers something for everyone from exploring magnificent ruins to premier scuba
diving, blazing nightlife, shopping malls, night markets, family amusement parks and luxurious
spas to elephant rides, trekking and ziplining in the jungle.
Map Location
The country is bordered in west and northwest by Myanmar
(Burma), in south west by the Andaman Sea, in east and north
east by Lao PDR, in south east by Cambodia, in south by the
Gulf of Thailand (an inlet of the South China Sea), and by
Malaysia. In south the country occupies a part of the Malay
Peninsula.

General Information

Official Name: Prathet T'hai, Kingdom of Thailand

Capital City: Bangkok
Government: Parliamentary Constitutional monarchy
Current Head/s of State: King Vajiralongkorn (Monarch); Prayut Chan-o-cha (Prime Minister)
Population: 69.63 million (World Bank, 2019)
Official Language/s: Thai
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Currency Symbol: ฿
People

Although the vast majority of the inhabitants of Thailand are descendants of speakers of Tai
languages who have been dominant in the area since the late 13th century, the population also
includes numerous non-Tai peoples. Members of the largest indigenous minority speak a
dialect of Malay. Thailand is also home to large numbers of immigrants and their descendants,
most from China but some from South Asia. Most members of indigenous and immigrant
communities in Thailand identify strongly with Thai national culture and are speakers of Thai.
Religion

The vast majority of people in Thailand are adherents of Buddhism. The Theravada tradition of
Buddhism came to Thailand from Sri Lanka and is shared by peoples in Myanmar, Laos,
Cambodia, and parts of southern China and southern Vietnam. The community of monks
(sangha) is central to this tradition. In Thailand almost every settlement has at least one
temple-monastery (wat), where monks in their distinctive yellow robes reside and where
communal rituals take place.
6. Brunei
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
"The Land of Unexpected Treasures"
Brunei's Tourism Tagline, "Abode of Peace"
Since gaining independence from the British in 1984, Brunei has continued to strive forward,
becoming a member of a number of regional and international organisations, such as the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Organisation of Islamic Conference, the
Commonwealth and the United Nations. Also, thanks to the extensive oilfields which were first
discovered in 1929, the people enjoy plenty of benefits, such as free healthcare, a well-
established state education system and even a housing scheme dedicated to providing citizens
with affordable homes. There are plethoras of hotels in the capital, as well as numerous options
for shopping and leisure. Sports activities are also a common past time in Brunei, so there’s
little difficulty in finding one to participate in.
Forbes ranks Brunei as the fifth-richest nation out of 182, based on its petroleum and natural
gas fields.
Map Location

Brunei consists of two non-contiguous parts divided by a portion of the Malaysian state of
Sarawak. The country shares maritime borders with China and Malaysia. Brunei has claimed a
continental shelf/exclusive economic zone stretching 200 nautical miles from its coast, which
extends Brunei territorial waters deep into the middle of the South China Sea.
General Information
Official Name: Negara Brunei Darussalam
Capital City: Bandar Seri Begawan
Government: Malay Islamic Monarchy
Current Head/s of State: (Sultan) Hassanal Bolkiah
Population: 433,285 (World Bank, 2019)
Official Language/s: Malay
Currency: Bruneian Dollar (BND)
Currency Symbol: B$
People

Nearly two-thirds of the population of Brunei is classified officially as Malay. This category,
however, includes not only ethnic Malays but also a number of the indigenous peoples, namely
the Dusun, Belait, Kedayan, Murut, and Bisaya (Bisayah). Chinese make up about one-tenth of
the population. The remainder of Brunei’s residents consists of other (non-Malay) indigenous
peoples, such as the Iban (or Sea Dayak); various peoples of South Asian descent; and
temporary workers, primarily from Asia and Europe.
Religion

Brunei’s population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, although the Chinese usually follow
Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, or Christianity. Some of the indigenous peoples are Christian,
while others follow their own local religions.
7. Vietnam

VIETNAM

"Land of the Blue Dragon"

Vietnam's Tourism Tagline, "Timeless Charm"

A country heavily burdened by wars, foreign occupations and civil discord in the 20th century,
Vietnam has emerged in recent decades as a reunified nation with plenty of tourist appeal from
booming modern cities to colonial towns, beach resorts, traditional villages, archaeological sites
and otherworldly islands.

A long, narrow country squeezed in between the South China Sea and the Laos and Cambodia
borders, Vietnam is a land of striking landscapes that range from the lush rice terraces and
forested mountains in the north to the picturesque valleys of the Central Highlands and the
fertile delta and beautiful beaches of the south.
Major cities in Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Da Nang and the country’s capital, Hanoi,
are vibrant with skyscrapers, pagodas, modern hotels, restaurants, museums and nightclubs.
Historical cities like Hue and Hoi An feature royal palaces, emperor tombs and colonial
architecture. The quaint town of Sapa in the north offers tours to the mountains and ethnic hill
tribes. Rice paddies, floating markets, fruit orchards and conical-hatted farmers are frequent
scenes of the Mekong Delta. Nha Trang, a gorgeous beach resort city, is popular for romantic
getaways and scuba divers. The archaeological site of My Son features ancient ruins, and Ha
Long Bay is a must-see to believe its misty, unearthly-like appearance.
Map Location

Vietnam is a long stretched country along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula.
Vietnam borders China in north, Laos and Cambodia in west. The nation is bordering the South
China Sea in east, and the Gulf of Tonkin with the island of Hainan Dao (China) in north-east.
The country shares maritime borders with Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.
General Information
Official Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Capital City: Hanoi
Government: Communist government
Current Head/s of State: Nguyễn Phú Trọng (President); Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (Prime Minister)
Population: 96.46 Million (World Bank, 2019)
Official Language/s: Vietnamese
Currency: Vietnam Dong (VND)
Currency Symbol: ₫
People

Vietnam has one of the most complex ethnolinguistic patterns in Asia. The Vietnamese majority
was significantly Sinicized during a millennium of Chinese rule, which ended in 939 ce. Indian
influence is most evident among the Cham and Khmer minorities. The Khmer (Cambodians) are
scattered throughout the Mekong delta.
Religion
Confucianism, Daoism, and Mahayana Buddhism entered Vietnam over many centuries.
Gradually they became intertwined, simplified, and Vietnamized to constitute, along with
vestiges of earlier local beliefs, an indigenous religion that came to be shared to some
considerable extent by all Vietnamese, regardless of region or social class. It is largely this
religious amalgam that is practiced by the roughly half of the population that identifies itself as
being Buddhist. The religion of Cao Dai, a synthesis of Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and
Roman Catholicism, appeared during the 1920s, and in the 1930s the Hoa Hao neo-Buddhist
sect spread through parts of the Mekong delta. Cao Dai has about half as many adherents as
Hoa Hao, but both congregations are growing. Together, the two new-religionist movements
have embraced a significant minority of the population. Local religions involving numerous
spirits predominate in many upland communities, and most Cham are adherents of Islam.
8. Laos

LAOS

"The Land of a Million Elephant"

Laos, known as the “Land of a Million Elephants,” is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. The
elephant symbolizes the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, and is sacred to the Lao people, who
believe it will bring prosperity to their country.
Laos' Tourism Slogan, "Simply Beautiful"
Laos cherishes many of the traditions that have disappeared in a frenzy of development
elsewhere in the region. It's hard to believe somnolent Vientiane is an Asian capital, and there's
a timeless quality to rural life, where stilt houses and paddy fields look like they are straight out
of a movie set. Magical Luang Prabang bears witness to hundreds of saffron-robed monks
gliding through the streets every morning in a call to alms, one of the region’s iconic images.
Intrepid travellers will discover a country untainted by mass tourism and Asia in slow motion.
Map Location
Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia on the Indochinese peninsula between Thailand
and Vietnam, and north of Cambodia. Laos shares also short borders with China and Myanmar
(Burma).

General Information

Official Name: Lao People's Democratic Republic

Capital City: Vientiane
Government: Communist State
Current Head/s of State: Thongloun Sisoulith (President); Phankham Viphavanh (Prime
Minister)
Population: 7.169 million (World Bank, 2019)
Official Language/s: Lao
Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
Currency Symbol: ₭
People
Laos is an ethnically and linguistically diverse country. The official language of Laos is Lao,
although various foreign languages have often been used by the elite. French was once the
language of the Lao upper classes and of the cities, but by the 1970s English had begun to
displace it. Under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Vietnamese became
the third language of the elite.
Before the Indochina wars, sources commonly identified more than 60 different population
groups; after the wars, which displaced (or killed) a large segment of the population, that
number had been significantly reduced, with some communities amounting to only a few
hundred persons. By the late 20th century the various peoples of Laos were officially grouped
primarily by language and location into one of three categories: Lao Loum (“Lowland Lao”), Lao
Theung (“Lao of the Mountain Slopes”), and Lao Soung (“Lao of the Mountain Tops”).

Laos Loum
The main group making up over 60% of Laotian population can also be called Laos Loum, the
Lowland Laos or Laos Thais. The name “Lowland Laos” refers to the fact that, Lao Loum usually
lives near rivers: maybe in the river’s bank or along Mekong Riverside. Lao Loum is also the one
who has the most similar characteristic of Thais People. Lao Loum’s Language is extremely
similar to Thais’ language, even in writing and speaking.
Lao Theung
The second major group accounting for over 25 percent of Laotian population, Lao Theung is
from the Austrao-Asiatic origin. According to the history, Lao Theung came from the Southern
part of Asia, moved toward Northern Laos and ended up there staying in Laos. Lao Theung
literally means Midland Laos, which also describe their living area: mainly in multi-level slopes
and mountains along Mekong River, totally different from Lao Loum who lives along Mekong
River’s banks.

Lao Soung
This group only accounts for around 10 percent of Laotian population and their living area is
also very special. Lao Soung or Upland Laos usually inhabits in the upper basin of Mekong River
in the northwest, in the highest mountainous area (over 1000 meters).The first Lao Soung has
immigrated from the North, Southern China in the last two centuries. Therefore, the main
language if Lao Soung is sharing some similar characteristics with Chinese or Tibetan-Burmese

Religion
The predominant religion of Laos is Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism was the state religion of
the prerepublic kingdom of Laos, and the organization of the community of monks and novices,
the clergy (sangha), paralleled the political hierarchy. Buddhists—largely lowland Lao—account
for about half the country’s people. Some two-fifths of the population, primarily the Lao
Theung and Lao Soung groups, follow non-Buddhist local religions. Buddhism and local religion
are not necessarily mutually exclusive, however; there is both a syncretic practice of and a
general tolerance for local religious traditions within the broader Buddhist community.
9. Myanmar

MYANMAR

"The Land of the Golden Pagoda"

Myanmar is known as “Land of Pagodas” or Golden Land, thanks to devout Myanmar Kings
and their citizens who built countless religious monuments and shrines throughout the ages. An
appreciation of Buddhism is a prerequisite for understanding the culture of the Burmese.
Myanmar's Tourism Tagline, "Be Enchanted"

‘This is Burma', wrote Rudyard Kipling. ‘It will be quite unlike any land you know about.’
Amazingly, over a century later, Myanmar retains the power to surprise and delight even the
most jaded of travellers. Be dazzled by the 'winking wonder' of Shwedagon Paya. Contemplate
the 4000 sacred stupas scattered across the plains of Bagan. Stare in disbelief at the Golden
Rock at Mt Kyaiktiyo, teetering impossibly on the edge of a chasm. These are all important
Buddhist sights in a country where pious monks are more revered than rock stars.

Map Location

Also known as Burma and the Golden Land. Myanmar has a long coastline along the Bay of
Bengal, the Gulf of Mottama and the Andaman Sea in the south. It borders China in the north
and northeast, Laos and Thailand in the east, and Bangladesh and the Indian states of Nagaland,
Manipur and Mizoram in the northwest.

General Information

Myanmar Flag
Official Name: Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Capital City: Naypyidaw
Government: Independent Republic under a Military unta
Current Head/s of State: Myint Swe (Acting President); Aung San Suu Kyi (State Counselor)
Population: 54.05 million Million (World Bank, 2019)
Official Language/s: Burmese
Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK)
Currency Symbol: K
People
Myanmar is a country of great ethnic diversity. The Burmans, who form the largest group,
account for more than half of the population. The Karen are the only hill people who have
settled in significant numbers in the plains. Constituting about one-tenth of the population,
they are the second largest ethnic group in Myanmar.
Religion

Although Myanmar has no official religion, nearly nine-tenths of the population follows
Theravada Buddhism. The vast majority of Burmans and Shan are Buddhist. There is, however, a
significant Protestant Christian minority, concentrated primarily among the Karen, Kachin, and
Chin communities. Many of the other hill peoples practice local religions, and even those who
adhere to world religions typically incorporate local elements to some degree. Muslims, mostly
Burman, and Hindus are among the smallest religious minorities.
10. Cambodia
CAMBODIA
"Land of the Khmer"
The official name of the country in English is the Kingdom of Cambodia and in Khmer as (Preah
Reacheanachak Kampuchea), often shortened to just Kampuchea. Kampuchea derives from the
Sanskrit word Kambuja or "GoldenLand" or "Land of Peace and Prosperity".
Cambodia's Tourism Tagline, "Kingdom of Wonder"

Cambodia is slowly recovering from the horrors of the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror. Major
problems still exist: land mines, poverty and a devastated infrastructure. But the reconstruction
and healing process is now well under way and increasing numbers of tourists are rediscovering
Cambodia’s top destinations. The stunning temples of Angkor are the obvious draw for most
visitors, but the country has much else to offer: tropical beaches, colonial buildings and an
abundance of natural attractions.
Map Location

International borders are shared with Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on
the West and the North, and the Social Republic of Viet Nam on the East and the Southeast.
The country is bounded on the Southeast by the Gulf of Thailand. The dominant features of the
Cambodian landscape are the large, almost generally located, Tonle Sap (Great Lake) and the
Bassac River Systems and the Mekong River, which crosses the country from North to South.
General Information

Official Name: Preah Réachéanachâkr Kâmpuchea, Kingdom of Cambodia

Capital City: Bangkok
Government: Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Current Head/s of State: King Norodom Sihamoni (Monarch); Hun Sen (Prime Minister)
Population: 16.49 Million (World Bank, 2019)
Official Language/s: Cambodian
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Currency Symbol: ៛
People

The Khmer (Cambodians) account for the vast majority of the population, producing a
homogeneity unique in Southeast Asia that has encouraged a strong sense of national identity.
Ethnic minorities include Chinese, Vietnamese, Muslim Cham-Malays, Laotians, and various
indigenous peoples of the rural highlands.

Religion

Most ethnic Khmer are Theravada (Hinayana) Buddhists (i.e., belonging to the older and more
traditional of the two great schools of Buddhism, the other school being Mahayana). Until 1975
Buddhism was officially recognized as the state religion of Cambodia.