The document provides an executive briefing on Southeast Asia that characterizes the region. It notes that Southeast Asia has a warm, humid climate with tropical weather and plentiful rainfall. It is also home to unique natural environments and animals. Culturally, the region is diverse with influences from Islam, Buddhism, and other religions. The briefing also compares Southeast Asia to other regions in terms of political stability, infrastructure development, languages spoken, cultural attractions, education levels, cost of living, distance from tourist markets, and labor laws.

1. Executive briefing
SOUTHEAST ASIA

2. General characterization
1. Warm and humid climate
- Tropical/Monsoonal weather
- Plentiful rainfall
2. Unique natural environment/animals
- Komodo Dragon (Indonesia)
- Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
3. Budget friendly
4. Rich, vivid and diverse culture
- Religion: Islam (Indonesia) and Buddhism (Thailand)
5. Friendly locals

3. Characteristic Southeast Asia (Thailand,
Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia,
Singapore)
Eastern Europe, Balkans,
Caucasus, Turkey
South Asia (India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)
Sub-Saharan Africa
Political stability Stable in countries like
Singapore, political tension in
many countries
High levels of political
instability currently,
particularly Ukraine
Relatively stable political
climate
High political instability and civil
conflict
Ease of visas Relatively easy Relatively easy (dense visa-free
areas)
Relatively easy Available to safe tourist areas,
unavailable near places of civil
unrest
Infrastructure Developed cities have modern
infrastructure, more rural areas
are less developed
Most countries have sound
infrastructure
Developed cities have modern
infrastructure, more rural areas
are less developed
Very sparse infrastructure
Language Asian languages, English
speaking tourist areas
Local languages Asian languages, English
speaking tourist areas
Asian languages, English
speaking tourist areas
Cultural attractions Deep cultural history Deep cultural history Deep cultural history Deep cultural history
Education High levels in developed areas,
satisfactory levels in less
developed areas
Satisfactory levels of education Most have between primary
and secondary levels of
education
Very low levels of education
overall
Cost of land High cost of land in developed
countries, lower cost in rural
areas
Relatively high cost of land High cost of land in developed
cities, lower cost in rural areas
Relatively low cost of land
Distance from tourist markets Close to huge tourist market
China and other Asian
travellers, far from the West
In between Europe and Asia,
relatively far from the U.S.
Close to huge tourist market
China and other Asian
travellers, far from the West
Close to the U.S. and Europe,
relatively further from Asia
Geopolitical risk Medium geopolitical risk Medium geopolitical risk Low geopolitical risk High geopolitical risk
Labor laws Relaxed labor laws and
abundance of cheap labor
Higher restrictions on labor
laws
Relaxed labor laws and
abundance of cheap labor
Relaxed labor laws and
abundance of cheap labor
Detailed
comparison
(Regions)

4. Detailed
comparison
(countries)

5. Citations
"Singapore." 2016 Index of Economic Freedom. The Heritage Foundation. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
"Malaysia." 2016 Index of Economic Freedom. The Heritage Foundation. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
"Cambodia." 2016 Index of Economic Freedom. The Heritage Foundation. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
"Vietnam." 2016 Index of Economic Freedom. The Heritage Foundation. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
"Thailand." 2016 Index of Economic Freedom. The Heritage Foundation. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
Chiang, Gracia. "Boost Access to ASEAN by Removing Non-tariff Barriers: EU Businesses." Future Ready Singapore. Future Ready
Singapore, 15 Sept. 2015. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
EF Education First Ltd. "EF English Proficiency Index - A Comprehensive Ranking of Countries by English Skills." EF Education
First. 2015. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
Ieong, Patricia. "Vietnam's High-Tech Boom." Vietnam Briefing News. Dezan Shira & Associates, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
Kotani, Hiroshi. "Thailand Targets Competitive Infrastructure with $50bn Plan." Nikkei Asian Review. Nikkei Inc., 5 Mar. 2016. Web.
16 Apr. 2016.
Kumar Deb, Uttam. "Non-Tariff Barriers in Agricultural Trade: Issues and Implications for Least Developed Countries." ARTNeT
POLICY BRIEF. ARTNeT, May 2007. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
"Vietnam Promises Change after Asked to Ease Visa Policy for Australian, US Citizens." Thanh Nien Daily. 03 Dec. 2015. Web. 16
Apr. 2016.
Todd, William E. "The Technology Revolution in Cambodia." The Cambodia Heralds Opinion. 12 May 2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
Andaya, Barbara W. “Introduction of Southeast Asia..” Asia Society. Web. 05 May 2016.
John, Algie. “The 15 Best Natural Wonders in Southeast Asia.” Jonistravelling. 22 Aug. 2014. Web. 05 May 2016.