10 ASEAN MEMBER STATES

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM CAMBODIA

ASEAN
Capital : Bandar Seri
Capital : Phnom Penh
Begawan
Land area : 181,035 sq. km. HISTORY Promote regional peace and stability through
Land area : 5,765 sq. km.
Population : 15,158.2 thousand abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in
Population : 423.0 thousand
Language(s) : Malay, English
Currency : Brunei Dollar
Language(s) :
Currency :
Khmer
Riel COMMUNITY The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
was founded on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok with
the relationship among countries of the region and
adherence to the principles of the United Nations
the signing of the ASEAN Declaration by Indonesia, Charter.
Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The
ASEAN Declaration committed the signatory States to
cooperate for the purpose of economic growth, social
progress, cultural development, and regional peace STRUCTURE
and stability.
INDONESIA LAO PDR The highest decision-making body of ASEAN is the
Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984, meeting of the Heads of Government/State of the
Capital : Jakarta Capital : Vientiane
Land area : 1,913,579 sq. km. Land area : 236,800 sq. km. Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar Member States – the ASEAN Summit.
Population : 258,705.0 thousand Population : 6,621.1 thousand on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999.
Language(s) : Bahasa Indonesia Language(s) : Lao Currently, ASEAN has ten Member States. The Chairmanship of ASEAN is rotated annually,
Currency : Rupiah Currency : Kip based on the alphabetical order of the English names
of Member States.
AIMS and PURPOSES
ASEAN has numerous sectoral ministerial bodies
The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims and which cooperate in many fields, including defence,
purposes of the Association are, among others, to: law, transnational crime, trade, investment, finance,
agriculture and forestry, energy, mineral, science
MALAYSIA Accelerate the economic growth, social progress and technology, transport, telecommunications
MYANMAR
Capital : Kuala Lumpur and cultural development in the region through and information technology, tourism, information,
Capital : Nay Pyi Taw
Land area : 331,388 sq. km.
Land area : 676,576 sq. km.
joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and culture and arts, education, disaster management,
Population : 31,660.7 thousand partnership in order to strengthen the foundation environment, haze pollution, health, labour, rural
Population : 52,917.0 thousand
Language(s) : Malay, English,
Language(s) : Myanmar for a prosperous and peaceful community of development and poverty eradication, youth, women
Chinese, Tamil
Currency : Kyat Southeast Asian Nations. and children, and sports.
Currency : Ringgit
one vision
one identity
one community

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967. The Member States are
SINGAPORE
PHILIPPINES
Capital : Singapore
Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and ASEAN EMBLEM ASEAN ANTHEM
Viet Nam. The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Capital : Manila
Land area : 719.2 sq. km.
Land area : 300,000 sq. km.
Population : 5,607.3 thousand For inquiries, contact:
The ASEAN Emblem represents a stable, peaceful, The ASEAN Way
Population : 103,242.9 thousand
Language(s) : English, Malay, united and dynamic ASEAN. The colours of the Emblem
Language(s) : Filipino, English Community Relations Division (CRD)
Mandarin, Tamil – blue, red, white and yellow – represent the main Raise our flag high, sky high
Currency : Peso ASEAN Secretariat
Currency : Singapore Dollar colours of the crests of all the ASEAN Member States. Embrace the pride in our heart
70A Jalan Sisingamangaraja
Jakarta 12110 ASEAN we are bonded as one
Indonesia Lookin’ out to the world
Phone : (62 21) 724-3372, 726-2991 Blue represents peace and stability.
Fax : (62 21) 739-8234, 724-3504 Red depicts courage and dynamism. For peace, our goal from the very start
Email : [email protected] White shows purity. And prosperity to last
Yellow symbolises prosperity.
General information on ASEAN appears online We dare to dream we care to share
THAILAND VIET NAM at the ASEAN Website: www.asean.org
Together for ASEAN
Capital : Bangkok Capital : Ha Noi
The stalks of padi represent the dream of ASEAN’s
Land area : 513,120 sq. km. Land area : 331,231 sq. km. Catalogue-in-Publication Data
Population : 67,454.7 thousand Population : 92,695.0 thousand
Founding Fathers for an ASEAN comprising all We dare to dream we care to share
Language(s) : Thai Language(s) : Vietnamese ASEAN Community the countries in Southeast Asia bound together in For it’s the way of ASEAN
Currency : Baht Currency : Dong Jakarta: ASEAN Secretariat, October 2018 friendship and solidarity. The circle represents the
unity of ASEAN. Music : Kittikhun Sodprasert and Sampao Triudom
352.1159 Arr. : Kittikhun Sodprasert
1. ASEAN – People – Community
2. Political-Security – Economic – Socio-Cultural
Source of data: ASEAN Statistical Yearbook 2015, December 2016
Photo credits: ASEAN Secretariat, AHA Centre
“The Association represents the collective will of the nations of South-East Asia to bind themselves
together in friendship and cooperation and, through joint efforts and sacrifices, secure for their peoples
The text of this publication may be freely quoted or reprinted, provided proper acknowledgement is given and a copy
containing the reprinted material is sent to Community Relations Division (CRD) of the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta.
and for posterity the blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity.”
~ The ASEAN Declaration – 8 August 1967
ASEAN KEY FACTS Copyright Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2018.
All rights reserved. “United by a common desire and collective will to live in a region of lasting peace, security and stability,
Population – 634,484.9 thousand sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and social progress, and to promote our vital interests,
ideals and aspirations.”
Total Land Area – 4,490,212 sq. km.
~ The ASEAN Charter – 20 November 2007
GDP – US$ 2,568.2 (in billion)
GDP per Capita – PPP$ 11,674 the-asean-secretariat
Total Trade – US$ 2,238.6 (in billion)
FDI – US$ 122.8 (in billion) Source of data: aseanstats.org as of June 2018
 ASEAN CONNECTIVITY Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States
The ASEAN CHARTER LANDMARK DOCUMENTS of America; four Sectoral Dialogue Partners, namely
ASEAN Connectivity aims to support integration Pakistan, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey; and one

T he ASEAN Leaders adopted the ASEAN Charter

at their Summit in Singapore in November
2007. A High Level Task Force had drafted the
1967
1971
ASEAN Declaration
Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality Declaration
and community building efforts by strengthening the
foundational support needed to achieve the goals of
political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars
Development Partner namely Germany.

ASEAN is actively pursuing cooperation and dialogue

Charter, drawing upon the recommendations of - Declaration of ASEAN Concord of the ASEAN Community. with these partners to forge mutually beneficial
1976
- Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia
an Eminent Persons Group. The Charter embodies cooperation, particularly to support ASEAN Centrality
fundamental principles, goals, objectives and Agreement on the Common Effective Preferential The ASEAN Leaders adopted the Master Plan on ASEAN and ASEAN’s community building efforts and to
1992
structures of ASEAN cooperation, codifies all Tariff Scheme for the ASEAN Free Trade Area Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 at the 28th ASEAN Summit in promote peace and stability in the region. In addition,
ASEAN norms, rules and values, gives ASEAN a Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free September 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, as the successor ASEAN is also reaching out to potential partners
1995
“legal personality”, determines the functions, and Zone document to the MPAC 2010. The MPAC 2025 is a multi- considering the increased interest by external partners
develops areas of competence of key ASEAN 1997 ASEAN Vision 2020
year, cross-pillar, cross-sectoral, and project-centric in establishing formal partnerships with ASEAN.
bodies and their relationship initiative that serves as a comprehensive framework
with one another. Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South To date, 90 non-ASEAN Member States and regional
2002 to link the region through physical, institutional, and
China Sea
people-to-people connectivity. With a Master Plan organisations have accredited their Ambassadors to
With the entry into force of 2003 Declaration of ASEAN Concord II focusing on five strategic areas: sustainable ASEAN (NAAAs) and 54 ASEAN Committees in Third
the ASEAN Charter on 15 Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian infrastructure, digital innovation, seamless logistics, Countries (ACTCs) have been established. ASEAN
2007
December 2008, ASEAN has Nations regulatory excellence, and people mobility, ASEAN is enhancing engagement with the NAAAs as well ASEAN SECRETARIAT ASEAN projects and activities. The ASEAN Secretariat
become a rules-based inter- Connectivity seeks to improve the way the people as utilising more effectively the role of the ACTCs to is the nerve centre of a strong and confident ASEAN
Cha-am Hua Hin Declaration on the Roadmap for the

A
governmental organisation 2009 live, work, and travel. It underpins ASEAN in creating a promote ASEAN in the host countries/international SEAN established a Secretariat in February 1976. Community that is globally respected for acting in full
ASEAN Community (2009-2015)
with a legal personality. Some more competitive, innovative, and resilient environment; organisations. The existing premises in Jakarta, which was compliance with its Charter and in the best interest
institutional changes include: Ha Noi Declaration on the Adoption of the Master promoting inclusive and equitable growth in the region; donated by the Indonesian government, was officiated of its people; and its mission is to initiate, facilitate
2010
Plan on ASEAN Connectivity
and connecting everyone in the region as one community. ASEAN also maintains contacts and cooperates with in 1981. and coordinate ASEAN stakeholder collaboration in
An improved structure to ensure greater 2011
Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in A Global regional and international organisations including the realising the purposes and principles of ASEAN as
efficiency and prompt implementation of Community of Nations “Bali Concord III” UN. In 2006, ASEAN became an official observer at The ASEAN Secretariat has staff recruited locally and reflected in the ASEAN Charter.
ASEAN agreements and decisions ASEAN Human Rights Declaration and Phnom Penh EXTERNAL RELATIONS the United Nations General Assembly. ASEAN also from the ASEAN Member States. The ASEAN Heads
Convening of the ASEAN Summit twice a year 2012 Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human cooperates closely with regional organisations such of Government/State appoint the Secretary-General
Creation of an ASEAN Coordinating Council Rights Declaration ASEAN develops friendly relations and mutually as the Pacific Alliance (PA), Gulf Cooperation Council for a term of five years. The four Deputy Secretaries-
Single Chairmanship for key high-level ASEAN beneficial dialogue, cooperation and partnerships (GCC), Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), General comprise two Deputy Secretaries-General
- Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2025: Forging
bodies Ahead Together with countries and sub-regional, regional and Community of Latin American and Caribbean Sates who are nominated by ASEAN Member States on
Creation of a Committee of Permanent - Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of international organisations. ASEAN currently has ten (CELAC), MERCOSUR, South Asian Association alphabetical rotation and two Deputy Secretaries-
2015
Representatives in Jakarta the ASEAN Community Dialogue Partners, namely Australia, Canada, China, for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Shanghai General who are openly recruited.
Establishment of the ASEAN - ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons the European Union, India, Japan, the Republic of Cooperation Organisation (SCO), among others.
Especially Against Women and Children (ACTIP)
Intergovernmental Commission on The ASEAN Secretariat’s basic function is to provide
Human Rights 2016
Vientiane Declaration on the Adoption of the Master for greater efficiency in the coordination of ASEAN
Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 organs and for more effective implementation of

ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC) ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY (ASCC)
ASEAN COMMUNITY (APSC)
2025

GDP of US$ 2.77 trillion. With annual GDP growth

averaging 5.33% from 2000-2017, the region has
quickly become an emerging economic powerhouse. T he ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)
is one of the three pillars of ASEAN Community
which envisions a community where people enjoy
The AEC Blueprint 2025, adopted by the ASEAN the benefits of being part of ASEAN. At the heart of
Leaders at the 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, ASCC is the commitment to lift the quality of life of
Malaysia, guides the next phase of ASEAN economic its peoples through cooperative activities that are
integration from 2016 to 2025. Along with the ASEAN people-oriented, people-centred. The ASCC activities
Community Vision 2025, the ASEAN Political-Security aim to open a world of opportunities to collectively

T he APSC aims to ensure that the peoples and

Member States of ASEAN live in peace with
one another and with the world at large in a just,
ASEAN Charter. It also subscribes to a comprehensive
approach to security. At the same time, the APSC seeks
to strengthen the mutually beneficial relations between
T he formal establishment of the ASEAN Economic
Community (AEC) as part of the ASEAN
Community on 31 December 2015 marks an important
Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025 and the ASEAN
Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025, the
AEC Blueprint 2025 forms part of the ASEAN 2025:
deliver and fully realise human development, care for
the environment, and gear towards the promotion
of sustainable development. The ASCC activities
democratic and harmonious environment. ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners and friends. milestone in ASEAN economic integration agenda. Forging Ahead Together. also foster inter-cultural understanding and mutual
respect, and prepare the ASEAN community to face The ASCC Blueprint was adopted by the ASEAN
To achieve this, the APSC promotes political The APSC Blueprint 2025 which is the successor By the time of its establishment, the AEC has The AEC Blueprint 2025 sets higher ambition through new and emerging challenges in the future. Leaders at the 27th ASEAN Summit in 2015 in Kuala
development in adherence to the principles of document to the APSC Blueprint 2015 was adopted delivered on the following key achievements: (i) More both the deepening of existing integration areas such Lumpur, Malaysia. Development initiatives under
democracy, the rule of law and good governance, by the ASEAN Leaders at the 27th ASEAN Summit open market, with intra-regional tariffs virtually as trade in goods, trade in services, investment and ASCC Pillar are formulated to achieve outcomes that
respect for, promotion and protection of human in November 2015, as an integral part of the ASEAN eliminated and formal restrictions in services sector sectoral cooperation, as well as incorporation of new will encourage positive social changes in the region.
rights and fundamental freedoms as inscribed in the 2025: Forging Ahead Together. It is envisioned that gradually removed; (ii) Reduced trade costs through focus areas such as Global Value Chains (GVCs),
the APSC will be a united, inclusive and resilient simplification of cross-border trading processes, good regulatory practice, sustainable economic
community by 2025. including on customs procedures and rules of origin, development, global megatrends and emerging
harmonisation of standards, technical regulations and trade-related issues.
The APSC Blueprint 2025 comprises key characteristics mutual recognition arrangements; (iii) More attractive
as follows, all of which are inter-related and mutually investment regime, and a more business-friendly
reinforcing and shall be pursued in a balanced and and innovation supportive environment through the
holistic manner: a rules-based, people-oriented, adoption of common frameworks, standards and The ASCC regional cooperation covers a wide range
people-centred Community, a peaceful, secure and mutual cooperation in various areas; and (iv) Better of areas such as: Culture and Arts, Information,
stable region, ASEAN centrality in a dynamic and connectivity in transportation and other infrastructure Education, Youth and Sports, Social Welfare and
outward looking region, and a strengthened ASEAN networks. Development, Gender, Women and Children’s Rights,
institutional capacity and presence at the national, Labour, Civil Service, Rural Development and Poverty
regional and international levels. Two years into its establishment, by 2017 and based Eradication, Environment, Disaster Management and
on preliminary statistics, ASEAN has a combined Humanitarian Assistance, and Health.