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The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), established in 1994, fosters dialogue and cooperation on political and security issues among 27 members, promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. For a detailed description, click on the article title.
Centrally planned economies, once widespread among Communist states, are now limited to North Korea, Cuba, and partially China, with most nations transitioning to market-oriented systems. For a detailed description, click on the article title.
The Colombo Plan, established in 1951, promotes economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific. With 27 member nations, it focuses on regional cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building. For a detailed description, click on the article title.
The Group of 77 (G-77), formed in 1964, unites developing countries to promote economic cooperation, equitable trade, and collective negotiation in global forums. For a detailed description, click on the article title.
Location: Southeast Asia Official name: Lao People’s Democratic Republic Formation (date of independence / date current borders were established): 1953 / 1953 Capital city: Vientiane Population: 6.4 million / 72 people per sq mile (28 people per sq km) Total land area: 91,428 square miles (236,800 square km) Language(s) spoken: Lao (official language), Mon-Khmer, Yao, …
(LDCs) The world’s poorer countries.