Global Guide

East Asia and the Pacific

East Asia and the Pacific Region

An Overview

Geographical Reach:

East Asia spans an area of about 11.8 million square kilometers and is home to six countries: China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. It also includes autonomous regions like Hong Kong and Macau.

Economic Impact:

As of 2023, the region boasts a GDP of $44.8 trillion (PPP) and $26.7 trillion (nominal), making it an economic powerhouse on the global stage.

Political Influence:

Historically, the region has been under the Chinese sphere of influence, and many East Asian languages and scripts are derived from Classical Chinese.

Population:

The region is densely populated, with about 1.6 billion people as of 2023. This accounts for approximately 20% of the global population.

Currency and Trade

The region has diverse currencies, with the Chinese Yuan, Japanese Yen, and South Korean Won being among the most significant. Trade is a vital part of the region’s economy, especially for export-driven countries like China and Japan. East Asia also has various trade agreements both within the region and with other parts of the world, enhancing its economic influence globally.

 

Countries in East Asia and the Pacific

Global Guide