"Southeast Asia, also spelled South East Asia and South-East Asia, and also known as Southeastern Asia, South-eastern Asia or SEA, is the geographical south-eastern region of Asia, consisting of the regions that are situated south of mainland China, east of the Indian subcontinent, and north-west of mainland Australia which is part of Oceania."
Study of the religious practices, beliefs, and traditions in Southeast Asia, including Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and others.
Religious Beliefs and Practices in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the religious beliefs, practices, and values that are prevalent in Southeast Asia, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
Religious History in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the historical development of religion in Southeast Asia, including the spread of Buddhism, the influence of Hinduism and Islam, and the interactions between different religious communities.
Religious Art and Architecture in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the various forms of religious art and architecture found in Southeast Asia, such as temples, statues, and paintings.
Religious Literature in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the literary works produced by religious communities in Southeast Asia, such as Buddhist sutras, Javanese kakawin, and Islamic texts.
Religious Rituals and Ceremonies in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the different types of religious rituals and ceremonies observed in Southeast Asia, such as festivals, offerings, and prayer.
Religious Ethics and Morality in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the ethical and moral values espoused by different religious traditions in Southeast Asia, including concepts of karma, dharma, and adat.
Religious Education and Scholarship in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the role of religious education and scholarship in Southeast Asia, including the training of religious leaders, the development of religious institutions, and the relationship between religion and secular education.
Religious Pluralism in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the diversity of religious traditions and communities in Southeast Asia, including interreligious relations, syncretism, and religious conflict.
Gender and Religion in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the role of gender in religious beliefs and practices in Southeast Asia, including the experiences of women and LGBTQ+ individuals within different religious communities.
Modern Religious Movements in Southeast Asia: This topic covers the emergence of new religious movements in Southeast Asia, including the impact of globalization and modernity on traditional religious practices and beliefs.
Buddhism: A religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, that emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. It is prevalent in countries like Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Hinduism: A religion that originally developed in the Indian subcontinent, which emphasizes the concept of karma and worship of a variety of gods and goddesses. It is also found in Indonesia and parts of Malaysia and Cambodia.
Confucianism: A system of philosophical and ethical teachings attributed to Confucius, focusing on the importance of education, family and social hierarchy, and reverence for ancestors. It is prevalent in countries like China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Taoism: A Chinese philosophical system emphasizing living in harmony with the Tao (cosmic order) and developing a balanced life; it is prevalent in Vietnam.
Shintoism: A Japanese religion that focuses on the worship of spirits, called kami, that inhabit all things; it emphasizes the importance of purity and harmony with nature.
Islam: A monotheistic religion that began in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century, which emphasizes the belief in Allah as the one true God and the importance of submission to His will. It is prevalent in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Christianity: A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasizes the belief in the Holy Trinity and the importance of faith and love. It is prevalent in countries like the Philippines and East Timor.
Animism: The belief that everything, including inanimate objects, has a spirit, which can be extremely prevalent in Southeast Asia, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Sikhism: A monotheistic religion originating in India and emphasizing the importance of equality and justice for all people, regardless of class, caste, or gender. It is also present in small numbers within Southeast Asia.
Jainism: A religion founded in ancient India that emphasizes non-violence, respect for all forms of life, and asceticism. It is present in small numbers within Southeast Asia.
Zoroastrianism: A monotheistic religion that originated in ancient Persia, emphasizing the struggle between good and evil forces and the concept of free will. It is present in small numbers within Southeast Asia.
"Southeast Asia is bordered to the north by East Asia, to the west by South Asia and the Bay of Bengal, to the east by Oceania and the Pacific Ocean, and to the south by Australia and the Indian Ocean."
"Apart from the British Indian Ocean Territory and two out of 26 atolls of Maldives in South Asia, Maritime Southeast Asia is the only other subregion of Asia that lies partly within the Southern Hemisphere."
"The Sunda Plate is the main plate of the region, featuring almost all Southeast Asian countries except Myanmar, northern Thailand, northern Laos, northern Vietnam, and northern Luzon of the Philippines, while the Sunda Plate only includes western Indonesia to as far east as the Indonesian province of Bali."
"The mountain ranges in Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lesser Sunda Islands, and Timor are part of the Alpide belt, while the islands of the Philippines and Indonesia as well as East Timor are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire."
"It covers about 4,500,000 km2 (1,700,000 sq mi), which is 8% of Eurasia and 3% of Earth's total land area."
"Its total population is more than 675 million, about 8.5% of the world's population."
"It is the third most populous geographical region in Asia after South Asia and East Asia."
"Ten countries in the region are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional organisation established for economic, political, military, educational, and cultural integration amongst its members."
"Historically, Southeast Asia was significantly influenced by Indian, Chinese, Muslim, and colonial cultures, which became core components of the region's cultural and political institutions."
"European colonization exploited natural resources and labour from the lands they conquered, and attempted to spread European institutions to the region."
"Several Southeast Asian countries were also briefly occupied by the Japanese Empire during World War II."
"The aftermath of World War II saw most of the region decolonised."
"Today, Southeast Asia is predominantly governed by independent states."