Asia-Pacific Countries and Territories by Subregion
The Asia-Pacific region is a vast and diverse geographic area encompassing a significant portion of the world's landmass and population. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), this region is formally composed of 51 countries and seven territories. These are organized into five distinct subregions, including five transregional countries—nations that span multiple regions and may also be categorized as part of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region.
Key Facts
- The ESCAP definition includes 51 countries and 7 territories.
- The region is divided into five primary subregions.
- Five countries are classified as transregional, linking Asia-Pacific with the EMEA region.
- A broader continental context adds an additional 31 countries and 12 territories to the regional scope.
Traditional Regional Definitions
The traditional classification of the Asia-Pacific region focuses on the core areas of East, South, and Southeast Asia, as well as the vast expanse of Oceania.
East Asia
East Asia consists of major economic hubs and diverse political landscapes, including China (Mainland), Hong Kong, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Macau, and Mongolia.
South Asia
The South Asian subregion includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is characterized by its archipelagoes and mainland peninsulas, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Oceania
Oceania encompasses a wide array of island nations and territories, including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands. It also includes territories such as American Samoa, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Extended Continental Context
Beyond the core ESCAP definitions, a wider geographic context includes an additional 31 countries and 12 territories. This expanded view incorporates more of the Asian continent and remote oceanic islands.
Additional Asian Territories
This broader list includes nations and regions such as Bahrain, Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. It also accounts for areas like Abkhazia, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Northern Cyprus, Palestine (including the Gaza Strip and West Bank), and South Ossetia.
Additional Oceanic Territories
The extended list for Oceania includes various outlying islands and dependencies, such as the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and Norfolk Island (all associated with Australia). Other entries include the Pitcairn Islands (UK), Tokelau (New Zealand), Wallis and Futuna (France), and the United States Minor Outlying Islands, which encompass Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Island.
Regional Summary Table
| Category | Count/Details |
|---|---|
| ESCAP Countries | 51 |
| ESCAP Territories | 7 |
| Core Subregions | East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania |
| Additional Context Countries | 31 |
| Additional Context Territories | 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which organization defines the Asia-Pacific region in this context?
The region is defined in accordance with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
What are transregional countries?
Transregional countries are nations that are geographically positioned such that they can be considered part of both the Asia-Pacific region and the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region.
How many subregions make up the Asia-Pacific area?
The region is grouped into five subregions.
Which countries are included in the South Asian subregion?
South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
What is included in the extended definition of Oceania?
The extended definition includes various outlying islands and dependencies, such as the Pitcairn Islands, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna, and several United States Minor Outlying Islands.