Southeast Asia is composed of eleven countries of impressive diversity in religion, culture, and

history: Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is also one of the most dynamic areas of the world economically, a
factor which largely accounts for its growing international significance.
The cultures of Southeast Asia are marked and influenced by several outside factors. It has been
the crossroads of many peoples who have been contending against each other for centuries. The
communities and cultures of Southeast Asia were in direct contact with India through trade routes.
Hinduism and Buddhism were brought to the region and became the main religions practiced. These
influences played a considerable role in shaping the art of Southeast Asia.