Asia Pacific

This page includes a list of national statistics, and resources for each nation. There is a lot of good information, so you'll have to scroll down for it.

ASIA PACIFIC: NATIONAL STATISTICS

This is a list of nations and dependent territories in the Asia Pacific. They are listed according 2050 population size. The nations hightlighted in blue are nations belonging to the G8 or G20, and the nations highlighted in red number among the least developed nations in the world according to the United Nations. Dependent territories are highlighted in green .

1 - China:

Population: 2000/1,266,954,000 - 2050/1,417,045,000 (2 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 7.9%  Evangelical: 5.7%
Fertility Rate: 2000/1.77 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/29.6 - 2050/45.2

2 - Indonesia:

Population - 2000/205,280,000 - 2050/288,110,000 (6 nation in population)
Christian: 15.9% Evangelical: 5.6%
Fertility Rate: 2000/2.38 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/24.8 - 2050/41.1

3 - Philippines:

Population - 2000/77,689,000 - 2050/146,156,000 (11 nation in population)
Christian: 92.3%  Evangelical: 12.4%
Fertility Rate: 2000/3.34 - 2050/1.98
Median Age: 2000/20.9  - 2050/35

4 - Japan:

Population - 2000/126,706,000 - 2050/101,659,000 (14 nation in population)
Christian: 1.5% Evangelical: 0.5%
Fertility Rate: 2000/1.3 - 2050/1.6
Median Age: 2000/41.4 - 2050/55.1

5 - Vietnam:

Population - 2000/78,663,000 - 2050/111,666,000 (16 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 9.4%  Evangelical: 1.8%
Fertility Rate: 2000/2.25 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/23.2 - 2050/42.4

6 - Thailand:

Population - 2000/62,347,000 - 2050/73,361,000 (24 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 1.1% Evangelical: 0.5%
Fertility Rate: 2000/1.81 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/30 - 2050/41.4

7 - Myanmar/Burma:

Population - 2000/46,610,000 - 2050/63,373,000 (29 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 9% Evangelical: 5%
Fertility Rate: 2000/2.45 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/24.6 - 2050/39.7

8 - South Korea:

Population: 2000/46,429,000 - 2050/44,077,000 (42 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 31% Evangelical: 16.8%
Fertility Rate: 2000/1.22 - 2050/1.59
Median Age: 2000/32.1 - 2050/53.7

9 - Malaysia:

Population: 2000/23,274,000 - 2050/39,664,000 (51 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 9.4% Evangelical: 4.3%
Fertility Rate: 2000/2.85 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/23.6 - 2050/39.3

10 - Australia:

Population: 2000/19,171,000 - 2050/28,724,000 (59 nation in 2050 population)
Christian:   Evangelical: ????????
Fertility Rate: 2000/1.75 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/35.4 - 2050/42.9

11 - North Korea:

Population: 2000/22,859,000 - 2050/24,562,000 (64 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 1.5% Evangelical: 1.0%
Fertilty Rate: 2000/1.92 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/30.2 - 2050/41.9

12 - Cambodia:

Population: 2000/12,760,000 - 2050/23,795,000 (66 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 3.1% Evangelical: 1.6%
Fertility Rate: 2000/3.4 - 2050/1.9
Median Age: 2000/18.3 - 2050/34.6

13 - Taiwan

Population: 2000/23,200,00 - 2050/21,500,000
Christian: 5.8% Evangelical: 2.8%
Fertility Rate: 2000/  - 2050/
Median Age: 2000/ - 2050/ ?????

14 - Papaua New Guinea (Melanesia Islands)

Population 2000/5,388,000 - 2050/12,871,000
Christian:  Evangelical: ??????????????
Fertility Rate: 2000/4.3 - 2050/2.2
Median Age: 2000/19.2 - 2050/30.1

15 - Laos:

Population: 2000/5,403,000 - 2050/10,744,000 (90 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 3.4%  Evangelical: 2.6%
Fertility Rate: 2000/3.9 - 2050/2.0
Median Age: 2000/18.2 - 2050/32.6

16 - Hong Kong (China)

Population: 2000/6,667,000 - 2050/8,623,000
Christian: 12.4% Evangelical: 6.1%
Fertility Rate: 2000/.98 - 2050/1.36
Median Age: 2000/36.3 - 2050/52.7

17 - New Zealand:

Population: 2000/3,868,000 - 2050/5,349,000 (123 nation in 2050 population)
Christian:   Evangelical:  ????????????
Fertility Rate: 2000/1.95 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/34.4 - 2050/43.1

18 - Singapore:

Population: 2000/4,018,000 - 2050/5,221,000 (125 nation in population)
Christian: 16%  Evangelical: 7.8%
Fertility Rate: 2000/1.36 - 2050/1.64
Median Age: 2000/34.5 - 2050/53.5

19 - Mongolia:

Population: 2000/2,389,000 - 2050/3,446,000 (135 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 1.7%  Evangelical: 1.2%
Fertility Rate: 2000/2.06 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/21.9 - 2050/39.9

20 - Timor-Leste Island:

Population: 2000/815,000 - 2050/3,217,000 (138 nation in 2050 population)
Christian: 87.4%  Evangelical: 2.3%
Fertility Rate: 2000/6.9 - 2050/2.7
Median Age: 2000/15.3  - 2050/25

21 - Fiji Islands

Population: 2000/802,000 - 2050/910,000
Christian:   Evangelical: ?????????
Fertility Rate: 2000/2.9 - 2050/1.88
Median Age: 2000/22.6 - 2050/37.5

22 - Macau (China)

Population: 2000/441,000 - 2050/593,000
Christian: 5.4% Evangelical: 1.7%
Fertility Rate: 2000/.84 - 2050/1.36
Median Age: 2000/33.6 - 2050/55.8

23 - Micronesia Islands (Association with United States)

Population 2000/497,000 - 2050/802,000
Christian  Evangelical
Fertility Rate: 2000/2.8 - 2050/1.76
Median Age: 2000/23.7 - 2050/36.2

24 - Solomon Islands - (Melanesia Islands)

Population 2000/416,000 - 2050/1,007,000
Christian Evangelical
Fertility Rate: 2000/4.36 - 2050/2.14
Median Age: 2000/18.6 - 2050/31.8

25 - Brunei:

Population: 2000/333,000 - 2050/658,000 (166 nation in 2050 population)
Christian  Evangelical
Fertility Rate: 2000/2.28 - 2050/1.85
Median Age: 2000/25.1 - 2050/37.7

26 - New Caledonia Islands (Melanesia Islands, France)

Population 2000/215,000- 2050/362,000
Christian  Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/26.9 - 2050/41.6

27 - French Polynesia Island (France)

Population 2000/236,000 - 2050/354,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/25.4 - 2050/40.6

28 - Vanauatu Islands (Melanesia Islands)

Population 2000/190,000 - 2050/282,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/18.7 - 2050/31.7

30 - Guam Island (United States)

Populaton 2000/155,000 - 2050/242,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/27.4 - 2050/38.9

31 - Samoa Islands (Polynesia Islands)

Population 2000/177,000 - 2050/192,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/19.7 - 2050/31.4

32 - Kiribati Islands (Micronesia Islands)

Population 2000/84,000 - 2050/151,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/  - 2050/

33 - Northern Mariana Islands (United States)

Population 2000/69,000 - 2050/151,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/  - 2050/

34 - Tonga Islands (Polynesia Islands)

Population 2000/99,000 - 2050/123,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/19.7 - 2050/31

35 - American Samoa Island (United States)

Population: 2000/57,000 - 2050/107,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/  - 2050/

36 - Marshall Islands (Free Association with United States)

Population 2000/52,000 - 2050/92,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/  - 2050/

37 - Palau Islands

Population 2000/19,000 -2050/26,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/   - 2050/

38 - Cook Islands (New Zealand)

Population: 2000/18.000 - 2050/24,000
Christain Evangelical
Median Age:

39 - Wallis and Futuna Islands (Polynesia Islands, France)

Population 2000/15,000 - 2050/17,000

40 - Nauru Islands (Micronesia Islands)

Population 2000/10,000 - 2050/11,000

41 - Tuvalu Islands (Polynesia Islands)

Population 2000/10,000 - 2050/11,000
Christian Evangelical
Median Age: 2000/ -  2050/

42 - Cocos Island (Australia)

Population: 2000/  - 2050

43 - Christmas Island (Australia)

Population: 2000/ - 2050

44 - Niue Island (New Zealand)

Population 2000/2,000 - 2050/1,000

45 - Norfolk Island (Australia)

Populaton 2000 - 2050

46 - Pitcairn Island (New Zealand)

Population 2000/0 -2050/0

47 - Tokelau Islands (New Zeland)

Population: 2000/2,000 - 2050/1,000

ASIA PACIFIC NEWS

Asia Pacific News - BBC

ASIA PACIFIC RESOURCES

Asia Pacific - Al Jazeera

1 - CHINA (Asia Pacific, East Asia)

Population: 2000/1,266,954,000 - 2050/1,417,045,000 (2 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 72 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $3,590 (World Bank, 2009)

There are approximately 500 indigenous, distinct ethnic groups in China, but only 55 "nationalities" are officially recognized by the government for administrative purposes. China is physically the third largest nation in the world. Most of the provinces of China are large enough in size and population to be categorized as independent nation-states. For example, 11 of them would be among the 25 most populous nations in the world. The People's Republic of China (PRC) was founded in 1949 after the Communist Party defeated the previously dominant nationalist Kuomintang in a civil war. The Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan, creating two rival Chinese states - the PRC on the mainland and the Republic of China based on Taiwan. The leadership of Mao Tse-Tung oversaw the often brutal implementation of a Communist vision of society. Millions died in the Great Leap Forward - a programme of state control over agriculture and rapid industrialisation - and the Cultural Revolution, a chaotic attempt to root out elements seen as hostile to Communist rule. However, Mao's death in 1976 ushered in a new leadership and economic reform. China is presently experiencing the most massive human migrations in history as many rural Chinese move to the cities. China is one of the world's top exporters and is attracting record amounts of foreign investment. In turn, it is investing billions of dollars abroad. China does not have freedom of the media or press. China is the largest media market in the world, and has the world's largest online population. Outlets operate under tight Communist Party control. With 420 million surfers (China Internet Network Information Centre, June 2010) China has the world's largest net-using population. More than 98% of wired internet users opt for broadband. Mobile internet users numbered around 277 million by mid-2010. An extensive web filtering system, dubbed the "Great Firewall of China", is one of the "most technologically-advanced in existence", according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). It blocks tens of thousands of sites using URL filtering and keyword censoring. Thousands of cyber-police watch the web. Internet cafes are closely monitored. Filtering targets material deemed politically and socially sensitive. Blocked resources include Facebook, Twitter, and human rights sites. China is an "enemy of the internet" (2010). The CPJ ranks it as one of the "10 worst countries to be a blogger" (2009).

The recent growth of the Han Chinese church in China is unprecented in the history of the world. 8% of the population, around 106 million, of China's 1.3 billion people are categorized Christians, but the presence of the church is uneven throughout the land and peoples of China. The Chinese government has stated that there are over 50 million Christians in unregistered church networks. There are over 75 million Evangelical Christians, the majority being among the Han Chinese. Chinese Christians are now among every segment of the society. There is a growing number of vibrant urban professional churches. The number of Chinese university students becoming Christian is growing fast. Many believe that the church in China will become the greatest mission movement in the world during the 21st century.

China - Google Directory

China - Wikipedia

China - CIA World Factbook

China - U.S. State Department

China - ChinaToday.com

China - China Daily

China - Google Images

China - Information Please

China - BBC Country Profile

China - Official Website

Asia Harvest

2 - INDONESIA ISLANDS (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population - 2000/205,280,000 - 2050/288,110,000 (6 nation in population)
Population Growth Rate - 2000/1.31 - 2050/0.10
Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $2,230 (World Bank, 2009)

Indonesia’s vast diversity is both its strength and its peril. With 17,500 islands strewn across nearly 10 million sq km of ocean, 33 provinces, 722 languages, even more ethnic groups, myriad religious expressions and deeply divided political agendas, holding this nation together is a monumental task.

Lying near the intersection of shifting tectonic plates, Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. A powerful undersea quake in late 2004 sent massive waves crashing into coastal areas of Sumatra, and into coastal communities across south and east Asia. The disaster left more than 220,000 Indonesians dead or missing.

Former army general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono won Indonesia's first-ever direct presidential elections in September 2004, in what was hailed as the first peaceful transition of power in Indonesia's history. Press freedom is hampered by legal and regulatory restrictions, US-based Freedom House said in 2010. Defamation is punishable by imprisonment. Self-censorship is commonplace. Reporters can face violence and intimidation.

There were 30 million internet users by September 2009 (InternetWorldStats). Facebook is a popular web destination, with some 20 million users, according to 2010 research. Surfers are leapfrogging traditional forms of access - including PCs - in favour of mobile devices. There has been a fierce debate over government proposals to filter sites deemed to carry pornographic or blasphemous content.

Approximately 80% of the population of Indonesia, 187 million, are Muslims. 37 million confess to be Christian in Indonesia, around 16% of the population. 25 million (10% of the population) are Protestant/Independent, compared to 7 million Roman Catholics (3% of the population). Over the last few decades we have seen significant growth among Evangelicals, approximately 6% of the population. There are 13 million Evangelicals in Indonesia, 6% of the population (2010). Great people movements to Christ have occurred in many animistic peoples, among three of the eight Java sub-groups and among Indonesians of Chinese descent. Over 50% of the latter are now Christian. The lives and vibrant witness of committed Christians have made an impact on a society influenced by the power of the occult and have offered many the path to freedom.The government mandate that all citizens adhere to one of six recognized religions impels many animists to consider the claims of the gospel.

Indonesia - Google Directory

Indonesia - Wikipedia

Indonesia - CIA World Factbook

Indonesia - U.S. State Department

Indonesia - Google Images

Indonesia - Google News

Indonesia - BBC Country Profiles

Indonesia - Information Please

Indonesia - Geographia

3 - PHILIPPINE ISLANDS (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population - 2000/77,689,000 - 2050/146,156,000 (11 nation in population).
Philippines has the highest birth rate in Asia,
Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $1,790 (World Bank, 2009)

More than 7,000 islands make up the Philippines, but the bulk of its fast-growing population lives on just 11 of them. Much of the country is mountainous and prone to earthquakes and eruptions from around 20 active volcanoes. It is often buffeted by typhoons and other storms. The Philippines - a Spanish colony for more than three centuries and named after a 16th century Spanish king - was taken over by the US in the early 20th century after a protracted rebellion against rule from Madrid. Spanish and US influences remain strong, especially in terms of language, religion and government. Self-rule in 1935 was followed by full independence in 1946 under a US-style constitution. President Ferdinand Marcos, a close ally of the US, imposed martial law in the early 1970s but was forced to step down in 1986 after mass demonstrations cost him the support of the armed forces. Benigno Aquino won the 2010 presidential election after campaigning on the legacy of his parents and pro-democracy icons, former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino and Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. On the southern island of Mindanao, rebels have been fighting for a separate Islamic state within the mainly-Catholic country. The decades-long conflict has claimed more than 120,000 lives. Sporadic violence has continued despite a 2003 ceasefire and peace talks, which again resumed in December 2009. The radical Islamist Abu Sayyaf group on the island of Jolo, which is reputedly linked to Al-Qaeda, has a history of violence towards hostages, and the government has declared all-out war on it. Since 1969, the government has also faced a protracted guerrilla campaign across much of the country by the communist New People's Army (NPA) Press freedom is guaranteed under the constitution. But violence against media workers is a serious problem. By June 2009 there were 24 million internet users (InternetWorldStats). Mobile phone use has mushroomed to more than 70 million users.

Philippines - Google Directory

Philippines - Wikipedia

Philippines - CIA World Factbook

Philippines - U.S. State Department

Philippines - Informaiton Please

Philippines - Google Images

Philippines - Google News

Philippines - BBC Country Profiles

4 - JAPAN ISLANDS (Asia Pacific, East Asia)

Population - 2000/126,706,000 - 2050/101,659,000 (14 nation in population)
Life expectancy: 80 years (men), 87 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $37,870 (World Bank, 2009)
Around 99 million people were online by 2010 (InternetWorldStats).

Japan has the world's third-largest economy, having achieved remarkable growth in the second half of the 20th Century after the devastation of World War II. Its role in the international community is considerable. It is a major aid donor and a source of global capital and credit.

More than three quarters of the population live in sprawling cities on the coastal fringes of Japan's four mountainous, wooded islands. Twenty percent of the world's earthquakes take place in Japan, which sits on the boundaries of at least three tectonic plates. The government has set targets for reducing the number of deaths and the economic damage after any future, powerful quake.

Japan's relations with its neighbours are still heavily influenced by the legacy of Japanese actions before and during World War II.  Homegrown networks, led by Mixi, dominate the social networking scene. Around 75% of users access social networks via mobile technology, which is advanced and ubiquitous.

Japan - Google Directory

Japan - Wikipedia

Japan - CIA World Factbook

Japan - Information Please

Japan - U.S. State Department

Japan - Google Images

Japan - BBC Country Profiles

Japan - Answers.com

5 - VIETNAM (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population - 2000/78,663,000 - 2050/111,666,000 (16 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $1,010 (World Bank, 2009)

Vietnam is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. Vietnam, a one-party Communist state, has one of south-east Asia's fastest-growing economies and has set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2020. It became a unified country once more in 1975 when the armed forces of the Communist north seized the south. This followed three decades of bitter wars, in which the Communists fought first against the colonial power France, then against South Vietnam and its US backers. In its latter stages, the conflict held the attention of the world. Vietnam struggled to find its feet after unification and tried at first to organise the agricultural economy along strict collectivist lines. But elements of market forces and private enterprise were introduced from the late 1980s and a stock exchange opened in 2000. Foreign investment has grown and the US is Vietnam's main trading partner. The disparity in wealth between urban and rural Vietnam is great. Despite pursuing economic reform, the ruling Communist Party shows little willingness to give up its monopoly on political power. The Communist Party has a strong grip on the media. The Ministry of Culture and Information controls the press and broadcasting. There were around 23 million internet users by late 2009 (InternetWorldStats). Providers face fines or closure for breaking the rules, and cyber dissidents have been imprisoned. Filtering of "obscene" content, and of opposition websites, is in place. Vietnam is an RSF "Enemy of the Internet" (2010) and one of the Committee to Protect Journalists' "10 worst countries to be a blogger" (2009).

Vietnam - Google Directory

Vietnam - Wikipedia

Vietnam - CIA World Factbook

Vietnam - U.S. State Department

Vietnam - Google News

Vietnam - Google Images

Vietnam - Geographia

Vietnam - Information Please

Vietnam - BBC Country Profiles

6 - THAILAND (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population - 2000/62,347,000 - 2050/73,361,000 (24 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 73 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $3,760 (World Bank, 2009)

Thailand (Kingdom of Thailand) is the only country in south-east Asia to have escaped colonial rule. Buddhist religion, the monarchy, and the military have helped to shape its society and politics. The 1980s brought a boom to its previously agricultural economy and had a significant impact on Thai society as thousands flocked to work in industry and the services sector. Thailand's capital, Bangkok expanded rapidly with the influx of workers during the boom years. It is one of Asia's most vibrant, and heavily-congested, cities. The large-scale sex industry which flourishes there contributed to the incidence of HIV infection - a major concern for the government. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, assumed the throne in June 1946 and is the world's longest-reigning monarch. The royal family is revered by many Thais. The government and military control nearly all the national terrestrial television networks and operate many of Thailand's radio networks. There were 16.1 million internet users by September 2009 (InternetWorldStats.com). Pornographic sites, anti-monarchy sites and anti-government sites are subject to filtering.

Thailand - Google Directory

Thailand - Wikipedia

Thailand - Google Images

Thailand - U.S. State Department

Thailand - BBC Country Profiles

Thailand - Google News

Thailand - CIA World Factbook

YWAM National Thailand

YWAM Thailand (Locations in Thailand)

7 - MYANMAR/BURMA (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population - 2000/46,610,000 - 2050/63,373,000 (29 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 62 years (men), 67 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: Estimated to be low income: $995 or less (World Bank, 2009)
Government: Authoritarian Military Junta

The largest group is the Burman people, who are ethnically related to the Tibetans and the Chinese. Burman dominance over Karen, Shan, Rakhine, Mon, Chin, Kachin and other minorities has been the source of considerable ethnic tension and has fuelled intermittent separatist rebellions. Myanmar is largely rural, densely forested country, Myanmar, is ruled by a military junta which suppresses almost all dissent and wields absolute power in the face of international condemnation and sanctions. The generals and the army stand accused of gross human rights abuses, including the forcible relocation of civilians and the widespread use of forced labour, which includes children. Prominent pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, has had various restrictions placed on her activities since the late 1980s. Her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), won a landslide victory in 1990 in Burma's first multi-party elections for 30 years, but has never been allowed to govern. Burma is the world's largest exporter of teak and a principal source of jade, pearls, rubies and sapphires. It is endowed with extremely fertile soil and has important offshore oil and gas deposits. Activists argue that French oil interests fuel oppression by co-operating with the junta in a joint venture to exploit gas. They allege that France has been blocking tough European Union sanctions against the military. The people remain very poor and are getting poorer. The Burmese media have been strictly controlled since the 1962 military coup. Everything from poetry to films is censored, filtering not only criticism of the government but most bad news. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has placed Burma among the bottom 10 countries in its world press freedom ranking. It cites "relentless advance censorship" and the imprisonment of journalists and bloggers. There were 108,900 internet users by September 2009 (InternetWorldStats). Access is tightly controlled and further hampered by poor telecoms and an unreliable power supply. RSF calls Burma a "black hole" whose system "increasingly resembles an intranet".

The country is festooned with the symbols of Buddhism.

Myanmar/Burma - Google Directory

Myanmar/Burma - Wikipedia

Myanmar/Burma - Google New

Myanmar/Burma - CIA World Factbook

Myanmar/Burma - Google Images

Myanmar/Burma - Information Please

Myanmar/Burma - Geographia

Myanmar/Burma - BBC Country Profile

Myanmar/Burma - Ethnologue

8 - SOUTH KOREA (Asia Pacific, East Asia)

Population: 2000/46,429,000 - 2050/44,077,000 (42 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 83 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $19,830 (World Bank, 2009)

South Korea has developed into one of Asia's most affluent countries since partition in 1948. The Communist North has slipped into totalitarianism and poverty. The Republic of Korea was proclaimed in August 1948 and received UN-backed support from the US after it was invaded by the North two years later. The Korean War ended in 1953 without a peace agreement, leaving South Korea technically at war for more than fifty years. The demilitarised zone (DMZ) between South and North Korea is the world's most heavily-fortified frontier. But the US, which maintains tens of thousands of soldiers in South Korea, is pulling its forces away from the front line and plans to hand over wartime operational control to the South Korean military in April 2012. South Korea is one of the world's major economies and a leading exporter of cars and electronic goods. The South Korean economy is now the third largest in Asia and the 13th in the world. South Korea is at the leading edge of the digital revolution. It is a trailblazer for high-speed and wireless internet. Nearly 37.5 million South Koreans were online by June 2009 (InternetWorldStats). The country is a pioneer of TV via mobile devices and the internet (IPTV). Online gaming is a national passion. The government has "put in place the means to scrutinise online news."

South Korea - Google Directory

South Korea - Wikipedia

South Korea - Google News

South Korea - U.S. State Department

South Korea - CiA World Factbook

South Korea - Google Images

South Korea - BBC Country Profile

South Korea - Information Please

9 - MALAYSIA ISLANDS (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population - 2000/23,274,000 - 2050/39,664,000 (51 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 78 years (women)
GNI per capita: US $7,230 (World Bank, 2009)
No freedom of press or media

Ethnic Malays comprise some 60% of the population. Chinese constitute around 26%; Indians and indigenous peoples make up the rest. Malaysia is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. Consisting of two regions separated by some 640 miles of the South China Sea, Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and three federal territories. Dense rainforests in the eastern states of Sarawak and Sabah, on the island of Borneo, are a refuge for wildlife and tribal traditions. Malaysia boasts one of south-east Asia's most vibrant economies, the fruit of decades of industrial growth and political stability. Its multi-ethnic, multi-religious society encompasses a majority. It is one of the region's key tourist destinations, offering excellent beaches and brilliant scenery. Muslim population in most of its states and an economically-powerful Chinese community. The country is among the world's biggest producers of computer disk drives, palm oil, rubber and timber. It has a state-controlled car maker, Proton, and tourism has considerable room for expansion. Malaysia's human rights record has come in for international criticism. Internal security laws allow suspects to be detained without charge or trial. Malaysia has some of the toughest censorship laws in the world. The authorities exert substantial control over the media and can impose restrictions in the name of national security. Around 16.9 million Malaysians were online by June 2009 (InternetWorldStats). In 2009, the government abandoned a controversial plan to install filters at Malaysia's internet gateways, saying it would use existing laws to combat "negative practices".

Malaysia - Google Directory

Malaysia - Wikipedia

Malaysia - U.S. State Department

Malaysia - CIA State Department

Malaysia - Google Images

Malaysia - Information Please

Malaysia - Google News

Malaysia - BBC Country Profile

10 - AUSTRALIA ISLAND (Asia Pacific)

Population: 2000/19,171,000 - 2050/28,724,000 (59 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 80 years (men), 84 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $43,770 (World Bank, 2009)
Part of British Commonwealth
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Press and Media

Over 90% of the population are of European descent, with less than 3% descended from the indigenous Aboriginal population. Australia is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. The island continent combines a wide variety of landscapes. These include deserts in the interior, hills and mountains, tropical rainforests, and densely-populated coastal strips with long beaches and coral reefs off the shoreline. Modern Australia was founded with the flow of European settlers just over two hundred years ago. The British founded the first European settlement in 1788 and named it Sydney. The Aborigines inhabited the continent for thousands of years before that. They numbered a few hundred thousand before the European influx. But two centuries of discrimination and expropriation followed, and at one point the indigenous population fell as low as 60,000. Australia's politicians at first looked to Europe and the US in foreign policy, but in the past 20 years or so they have made their near neighbours a priority. Australia remains part of the British Commonwealth, and the UK monarch remains the formal head of state, represented by the governor-general, who has a largely ceremonial role Australia's growing orientation towards its Asian neighbours is reflected in its economic policy. It is a key member of Apec, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and aims to forge free trade deals with China and Asean, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.Australia has freedom of religion, and because of immigration it is becoming a multi-religious nation.

69.5% of the population of Australia are confessing Christians, with 21.3% of them being evangelicals. Of the confessing Christians, 25% are Roman Catholic, 18% are Anglican, 11% Protestant, and 11% unaffliated. Of the approximately 500,000 Chinese living in Australia, about 20% are Christians.

Australia News - Yahoo

Australia - BCC Country Profiles

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Australia - Google Directory

Australia - Wikipedia

Australia - Google Images

Australia - About

Australia - U.S. State Department

Australia - BBC Country Profile

Australia - CIA World Factbook

Australia - Information Please

Engage City Church (Brisbane, Australia)

11 - NORTH KOREA (Asia Pacific, East Asia)

Population: 2000/22,859,000 - 2050/24,562,000 (64 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 83 years (women) (UN)
A Political Dicatorship
One of the world's largest militaries
No Freedom of Religion
No Freedom of Press or Media

North Korea is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. For decades North Korea has been one of the world's most secretive societies. It is one of the few countries still under communist rule. North Korea's nuclear ambitions have exacerbated its rigidly maintained isolation from the rest of the world. The country emerged in 1948 amid the chaos following the end of World War II. Its history is dominated by its Great Leader, Kim Il-sung, who shaped political affairs for almost half a century. North Korea maintains one of the world's largest standing armies and militarism pervades everyday life. Aid agencies have estimated that up to two million people have died since the mid-1990s because of acute food shortages caused by natural disasters and economic mismanagement. The country relies on foreign aid to feed millions of its people. The totalitarian state also stands accused of systematic human rights abuses. Reports of torture, public executions, slave labour, and forced abortions and infanticides in prison camps have emerged. A US-based rights group has estimated that there are up to 200,000 political prisoners in North Korea. Radio and TV sets in North Korea are pre-tuned to government stations that pump out a steady stream of propaganda. The state has been dubbed the world's worst violator of press freedom by the media rights body Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

It is estimated that there are approximately 200,000 Christians in underground churches.

North Korea - Google Directory

North Korea - Wikipedia

North Korea - U.S. State Department

North Korea - CIA World Factbook

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North Korea - BBC Country Profiles

North Korea - Google News

12 - CAMBODIA (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population - 2000/12,760,000 - 2050/23,795,000 (66 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 61 years (men), 65 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $650 (World Bank, 2009)

Cambodia is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Naitons. It is one of the least developed nation in the world according to the United Nations. The imposing temple complex at Angkor, built between the ninth and 13th centuries by Khmer kings, is a UN heritage site and a big draw for visitors. The fate of Cambodia shocked the world when the radical communist Khmer Rouge under their leader Pol Pot seized power in 1975 after years of guerrilla warfare. An estimated 1.7 million Cambodians died during the next three years, many from exhaustion or starvation. Others were tortured and executed. Today, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world and relies heavily on aid. Foreign donors have urged the government to clamp down on pervasive corruption. 70% of Cambodia's workforce employed in subsistence farming. The Mekong River provides fertile, irrigated fields for rice production. Well over half of Cambodia is forested, but illegal logging is robbing the country of millions of dollars of badly-needed revenue. By September 2009 there were 74,000 internet users (InternetWorldStats). Access is largely limited to the main towns and cities.

Cambodia - Google Directory

Cambodia - Wikipedia

Cambodia - CIA World Factbook

Cambodia - U.S. State Department

Cambodia - Google Images

Cambodia - Information Please

Cambodia - BBC Country Profile

Cambodia - Google News

Cambodia - U.N. World Health Organizaiton

13 - TAIWAN (Asia Pacific, Eastern Asia, Claimed by China)

Population: 2000/23,200,00 - 2050/21,500,000
Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 79 years (women) (government statistics)
GNI per capita: US $17,230 (World Bank, 2006)

Taiwan functions as an independent nation, although China claims sovereignty over it.Taiwan is an island which has for all practical purposes been independent for half a century, but which China regards as a rebel region that must be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary. China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, when the defeated Nationalist government fled to the island as the Communists, under Mao Zedong, swept to power. China insists that nations cannot have official relations with both China and Taiwan, with the result that Taiwan has formal diplomatic ties with only two dozen countries - Pacific, South American and African statea. Taiwan has no seat at the United Nations, having lost it to China in 1971. Repeated attempts to regain representation at the UN have been blocked. In June 2010, China and Taiwan signed an historic trade pact. China is Taipei's number one export market. Taiwan has become one of Asia's big traders. It is considered to have achieved an economic miracle, becoming one of the world's top producers of computer technology. There were more than 15 million internet users by June 2009 (InternetWorldStats). A digital convergence plan aims to integrate telecoms, the internet and broadcasting by 2014.

Taiwan - Google Directory

Taiwan - Wikipedia

Taiwan - CiA World Factbook

Taiwan - U.S. State Department

Taiwan - Google Images

Taiwan - BBC Country Profiles

Taiwan - Google News

14 - PAPUA NEW GUINEA ISLANDS (Pacific, Melanesia Islands)

Population 2000/5,388,000 - 2050/12,871,000
Life expectancy: 60 years (men), 65 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $1,180 (World Bank, 2009)

Papua New Guinea is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. It occupies the eastern part of the world's second largest island and is prey to volcanic activity, earthquakes and tidal waves. Linguistically, it is the world's most diverse country, with more than 700 native tongues. Some 80% of Papua New Guinea's people live in rural areas with few or no facilities of modern life. Many tribes in the isolated mountainous interior have little contact with one another, let alone with the outside world, and live within a non-monetarised economy dependent on subsistence agriculture. Papua New Guinea has strong ties with its southern neighbour, Australia, which administered the territory until independence in 1975. The founding father of independent Papua New Guinea, Michael Somare, won his second successive term as premier following elections in 2007. This is his fourth term of office. He briefly stepped aside in December 2010 to face a tribunal investigating allegations of misconduct, but returned to work the following month. Known as "The Chief", Mr Somare led the country to independence from Australia in 1975 and has a reputation for capable administration. Radio is an important medium in Papua New Guinea, a country with widely-scattered, isolated settlements and low levels of literacy. By June 2009 there were 120,000 internet users (InternetWorldStats). There is a burgeoning blogging scene. Radio Australia notes that the platform gives locals a chance to vent their frustration with politicians, bureaucrats and the police.

Papua New Guinea Islands - Google Directory

Papua New Guinea Islands - Wikipedia

Papua New Guinea Islands - CIA World Factbook

Papua New Guinea Islands - Google Images

Pqpua New Guinea Islands - U.S. State Department

Papua New Guinea Islands - Geographia

Papua New Guinea Islands - BBC Country Profiles

15 - LAOS (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population: 2000/5,403,000 - 2050/10,744,000 (90 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 65 years (men), 68 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $880 (World Bank, 2009)
One of the least developed/poorest nations in the world
Communist Government
No Freedom of Speech
No Freedom of Press or Media
No Freedom of Religion

Communist Laos is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nation. Landlocked Laos is one of the least developed nations in the world according to the United Nations. Laos is one of the world's few remaining communist states, and is one of east Asia's poorest countries. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 it has struggled to find its position within a changing political and economic landscape. Communist forces overthrew the monarchy in 1975, heralding years of isolation. Laos began opening up to the world in the 1990s, but despite tentative reforms, it remains poor and dependent on international donations. Laos is a landlocked, mountainous country, widely covered by largely unspoilt tropical forest. Less than 5% of the land is suitable for subsistence agriculture, which nevertheless provides around 80% of employment. Outside the capital, many people live without electricity or access to basic facilities. The ruling communist Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) is the only legal political party in Laos. Public dissent in Laos is dealt with harshly by the authorities, and the country's human rights record has come under scrutiny. Laos denies accusations of abuses by the military against the ethnic minority Hmong. Hmong groups have been fighting a low-level rebellion against the communist regime since 1975. The ruling communists maintain strict control over the media. The government owns all newspapers and broadcast media. Newspaper circulation figures are very low. Slandering the state, distorting party policies and spreading false rumours are all criminal offences. Media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) noted in 2010 that "the activities of the president and top party leaders are always the lead stories in the state media, which are the only media permitted". There were some 527,400 internet users by December 2009 (InternetWorldStats). According to RSF, the authorities do not censor the internet.

Laos - Google Directory

Laos - Wikipedia

Laos - CIA World Factbook

Laos - U.S. State Department

Laos - Google Images

Laos - Information Please

Laos - BBC Country Profile

Laos - Google News

16 - HONG KONG (Eastern Asia, Territories of China)

Population: 2000/6,667,000 - 2050/8,623,000

Cell Church Mission Network (Hong Kong, China)

Shepherd Community Grace Church, Benjamin Wong (Hong Kong, China)

17 - NEW ZEALAND (Asia Pacific)

Population: 2000/3,868,000 - 2050/5,349,000 (123 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 79 years (men), 83 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $26,830 (World Bank, 2009)

New Zealand is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. It is a wealthy Pacific nation and is dominated by two cultural groups: New Zealanders of European descent, and the minority Maori, whose Polynesian ancestors arrived on the islands around 1,000 years ago. Agriculture is the economic mainstay, but manufacturing and tourism are important and there is a world-class film industry. New Zealand has diversified its export markets and has developed strong trade links with Australia, the US, and Japan. In April 2008 it became the first Western country to sign a free trade deal with China. Migration patterns have changed, with most incomers coming from Asia and Pacific island states, rather than from the UK and Australia. Officials estimate that Asians will make up 13% of the population by 2021 from about 9% in 2009. New Zealand's broadcasters enjoy one of the world's most liberal media arenas. Some 3.5 million New Zealanders - more than 80% of the population - were online by December 2009 (InternetWorldStats).

New Zealand - Google Directory

New Zealand - Wikipedia

New Zealand - Google Images

New Zealand - CIA World Factbook

New Zealand - Google News

New Zealand - Information Please

New Zealand - BBC Country Profile

New Zealand - U.S. State Department

18 - SINGAPORE (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population: 2000/4,018,000 - 2050/5,221,000 (125 nation in population)
Life expectancy: 79 years (men), 83 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $37,220 (World Bank, 2009)
No Freedom of Press or Media

Singapore - Google Directory

Singapore - Wikipedia

Singapore - CIA World Factbook

Singapore - Google Images

Singapore - BBC Country Profile

Singapore - U.S. State Department

Singapore - Information Please

19 - MONGOLIA (Asia Pacific, East Asia)

Population: 2000/2,389,000 - 2050/3,446,000 (135 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 65 years (men), 71 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $1,630 (World Bank, 2009)

Mongolia is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. In 1990 Mongolia abandoned its 70-year-old Soviet-style one-party state and embraced political and economic reforms. Democracy and privatisation were included in a new constitution, but the collapse of the economy after the withdrawal of Soviet support triggered widespread poverty and unemployment. Once the heartland of an empire stretching to Europe under Genghis Khan, Mongolia is a landlocked country dominated by sparsely populated steppe and semi-desert. Mongolia spreads across 1.5 million sq km of the Central Asian plateau, but its population is far smaller than the Mongol population of China. A third of the population lives in the capital, while around forty percent of the country's workforce herds livestock in Mongolia's extensive pasturelands. The country has some of Asia's richest deposits of minerals, although these remain largely unexploited. Mongolia has expanded political and financial ties with the US, Japan and the European Union, but its main trading partners are neighbouring Russia and China. The latter is the biggest market for Mongolian exports. In general the media are free and sometimes outspoken in their criticism of the authorities. There were 330,000 internet users by September 2009 (InternetWorldStats). There are no official restrictions on web access.

Sunni Muslim Kazakhs in the west are the only significant national and religious minority, comprising some 5% of the population.

Mongolia - Google Directory

Mongolia - Wikipedia

Mongolia - CIA World Factbook

Mongolia - Google Images

Mongolia - U.S. State Department

Mongolia - Informaiton Please

Mongolia - BBC Country Profile

Mongolia - Google News

20 - TIMOR-LESTE ISLAND/EAST TIMOR (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population: 2000/815,000 - 2050/3,217,000 (138 nation in 2050 population)
One of the least developed/poorest nations in the world
Life expectancy: 62 years (men), 64 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: $2,460 (World Bank, 2009)

Timor-Leste is a sovereign nation. It became independent on May 20, 2002. The people of the first new nation of the century suffered some of the worst atrocities of modern times. An independent report commissioned by the UN transitional administration in East Timor said that at least 100,000 Timorese died as a result of Indonesia's 25-year occupation, which ended in 1999. As one of Asia's poorest nations, East Timor will rely on outside help for many years. The infrastructure is poor and the country is drought-prone. However, vast offshore oil and gas fields in the Timor Sea hold much potential. East Timor and Australia have agreed to share revenues from the reserves. East Timor had around 1,800 internet users by September 2009 (InternetWorldStats.com).

Timor-Leste Island - Google Directory

Timor-Leste Island - Wikipedia

Timor-Leste Island - Maps of the World

Timor-Leste Island - AllCountries.EU

Timor-Leste Island - CIA World Factbook

Timor-Leste Island - U.S. State Department

Timor-Leste Island - Google Images

Timor-Leste Island - BBC Country Profile

21 - FIJI ISLANDS (Pacific, Melanesia Islands)

Population: 2000/802,000 - 2050/910,000
LIfe expectancy: 67 years (men), 72 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $3,950 (World Bank, 2009)

Fiji Islands is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. The 800-plus volcanic and coral islands that make up the Pacific nation of Fiji enjoy a tropical climate and host a significant tourism industry. However, since 1987 racial and political tensions have been a steady source of instability and international isolation. Fiji's population, which resides mostly on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, is divided between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the descendents of indentured labourers brought from India. Mixing between the two groups is minimal, and informal segregation runs deep at almost every level of society. Fiji has been hampered by persistent trade and budget deficits, making it one of the world's largest per capita recipients of aid. Radio is a key source of information, particularly on the outer islands. There are publicly and privately-owned stations. There were 108,000 internet users by September 2009 (InternetWorldStats).

Fiji Islands - Google Directory

Fiji Islands - Wikipedia

Fiji Islands - BBC Country Profiles

22 - MACAU (Eastern Asia, Territory of China)

Population: 2000/441,000 - 2050/593,000

23 - MICRONESIA ISLANDS (Pacific, Free Association with the United States)

Population 2000/497,000 - 2050/802,000
Life expectancy: 68 years (men), 70 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $2,220 (World Bank, 2009)

Micronesia is a subregion of Pacific/Oceania, comprising thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Micronesia, in the western Pacific, consists of some 600 islands grouped into four states: Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk) and Yap. Occupying a very small total land mass, it is scattered over an ocean expanse five times the size of France. It is distinct from Melanesia to the south, and Polynesia to the east. The Philippines lie to the west, and Indonesia to the southwest. Though formally independent, in 1986 Micronesia signed a "Compact of Free Association" with the US. Under this, Washington took on responsibility for defence and gained the right to set up military bases and deny other nations access to Micronesia. In return, Micronesia received financial assistance averaging $100m per year, and the right of Micronesians to live and work in the US. Micronesia also takes its cue from Washington on foreign policy. A renegotiated 20-year compact, worth $3.5 billion to Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, was signed by US President George W Bush in December 2003. Some of the money is being diverted into trust funds, intended to provide a financial resource for Micronesia after the compact expires. Despite its small population and the large amount of incoming aid from the US, Japan and elsewhere, Micronesia has relatively high unemployment, a matter compounded by increasing numbers of Filipino migrant workers.

Micronesia Islands - Google Directory

Micronesia Islands - Wikipedia

Micronesia Islands - World Atlas

Micronesia Islands - Information Please

Micronesia Islands - Google Images

Micronesia Islands - Atlapedia

Micronesia Islands - BBC Country Profile

24 - SOLOMON ISLANDS (Pacific, Melanesia Islands)

Population 2000/416,000 - 2050/1,007,000
One of the least developed/poorest nations in the world
Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 69 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $910 (World Bank, 2009)

Solomon Islands is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. It is one of the least developed nations in the world according to the United Nations. The Solomon Islands chain consists of several large volcanic islands to the south-east of Papua New Guinea, as well as outlying islands and atolls. The terrain is mountainous and heavily forested. The Solomon Islands, a former British protectorate in the Pacific, is striving to recover from a civil conflict that brought it to the brink of collapse. More than 90% of the islanders are ethnic Melanesians, but there has been intense and bitter rivalry between the Isatabus on Guadalcanal, the largest island, and migrant Malaitans from the neighbouring island.

Solomon Islands - Google Directory

Solomon Islands - Wikipedia

Solomon Islands - U.S. State Department

Solomon Islands - CIA World Factbook

Solomon Islands - Google Images

Solomon Islands - Information Please

Solomon Islands - BBC Country Profile

Solomon Islands - World Atlas

Solomon Islands - World Health Organization

25 - BRUNEI (Asia Pacific, South-East Asia)

Population 2000/333,000 - 2050/658,000 (166 nation in 2050 population)
Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 81 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: Estimated to be high income: $12,196 or more (World Bank, 2009)

Brunei is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Naitons. A tiny country with one of the smallest populations in the world. Brunei was the only Malay state in 1963 to choose to remain a British dependency rather than join the Malaysian Federation. It became independent in 1984 and, thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas, now has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Its ruling royals, led by the head of state Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, possess a huge private fortune. Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs, became sultan in October 1967 after his father, Sir Haji Omar Ali Saifuddin, abdicated. He was crowned in August 1968. In 1991 he introduced a conservative ideology called Malay Muslim Monarchy, which presented the monarchy as the defender of the faith. A country of dense forests and mangrove swamps whose people enjoy high subsidies and pay no taxes, Brunei is highly dependent on imports. Despite its immense wealth, most of the country outside the capital remains undeveloped and unexploited. While oil and gas exports account for the bulk of government revenues, reserves are dwindling and Brunei is attempting to diversify its economy. About two-thirds of the people of Brunei are ethnic Malays, and these benefit from positive discrimination. The Chinese comprise about 16% of the population. There are also Indians and indigenous groups, of whom the Murut and Dusuns are favoured over the Ibans. There were nearly 319,000 internet users by June 2010 (InternetWorldStats). Access is said to be unrestricted.

Brunei - Google Directory

Brunei - Wikipedia

Brunei - U.S. State Department

Brunei - CIA World Factbook

Brunei - Google Images

Brunei - Information Please

Brunei - BBC Country Profiles

Brunei - Google News

Brunei - WorldAtlas

26 - NEW CALEDONIA ISLANDS (Pacific, Melanesia Islands, Territory of France)

Population 2000/215,000- 2050/362,000
Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 78 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US$14,820 (World Bank, 1999)

New Caledonia Islands are an overseas territory of France located in the Pacific, New Caledonia has seen deep divisions between its indigenous and European populations, notably over the thorny question of independence. Named by the British explorer Captain James Cook, who spotted similarities with the Scottish highlands, the territory was annexed by France in 1853 and became a destination for thousands of French convicts. Kanaks represent about 45% of the population. Europeans, most of them born in the territory, account for about a third of the inhabitants.

New Caledonia Islands - Google Directory

New Caledonia Islands - Wikipedia

New Caledonia Islands - Google Images

New Caledonia Islands - BBC Country Profiles

27 - FRENCH POLYNESIA ISLANDS (Pacific, Territory of France)

Population 2000/236,000 - 2050/354,000
Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 76 years (women)
GNI per capita: $16,540 (World Bank, 1999)

French Polynesia Island is a dependent territory of France located in the Pacific Ocean, made up of 118 volcanic and coral islands and atolls, including Tahiti. There are five island groups - the Society islands, the Tuamotu archipelago, the Gambier islands, the Marquesas islands and the Tubuai islands. Tahiti is the most densely-populated island. For France this huge stretch of the Pacific - as big as Western Europe - remains strategically valuable. Atomic testing on the atolls enabled France to keep the nuclear clout it needed to remain one of the world's leading powers.The issue of independence dominates the political agenda. French Polynesia enjoys a high standard of living, but wealth is unevenly distributed and unemployment is high. Tourism is an important money-earner; travellers favour Tahiti and Bora Bora. Boasting a year-round warm climate, volcanic peaks and tranquil lagoons, it is easy to see why the islands are popular. French Polynesia is, though, prone to typhoons. There were 90,000 internet users by June 2009 (InternetWorldStats).

French Polynesia Island - Google Directory

French Polynesia Island - Wikipedia

French Polynesia Island - Google Images

French Polynesia Island - CIA World Factbook

French Polynesia Island - BBC Country Profile

French Polynesia Island - World Atlas

French Polynesia Island - Information Please

28 - VANUATU ISLANDS (Pacific, Melanesia Islands)

Population 2000/190,000 - 2050/282,000
One of the least developed/poorest nations in the world
Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $2,620 (World Bank, 2009)
Independent from France and Britian in 1980

Vanuatu is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. It is one of the least developed nations in the world according to the United Naitons. Vanuatu - a string of more than 80 islands once known as the New Hebrides - achieved independence from France and Britain in 1980. Most of the islands are inhabited; some have active volcanoes. Vanuatu is mountainous and much of it is covered with tropical rainforests. Like most of the area, it is prone to earthquakes and tidal waves. Most of the people live in rural areas and practise subsistence agriculture. Australia, a key donor, has pushed for good governance and economic reform in the islands. There were 17,000 internet users by November 2008 (InternetWorldStats).

Vanuatu Islands - Google Directory

Vanuatu Islands - Wikipedia

Vanuatu Islands - Google Images

Vanuatu Islands - World Atlas

Vanuatu Islands - BBC Country Profiles

29 - GUAM ISLAND (Pacific, Territory of United States)

Populaton 2000/155,000 - 2050/242,000
Life expectancy: 72 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US$14,518 (UN)

Guam is a dependent territory of the United States. The tropical island of Guam in the western Pacific is a important spot of American military strategy in the Pacific region. Guam is an important staging post, allowing rapid access to potential flashpoints in the Koreas and in the Taiwan Strait. Tourism and the growing military presence on the island are the bedrock of its economy. Guam's diverse population includes Japanese, Chinese, and incomers from other Pacific islands. The indigenous Chamorro are a people of mixed Micronesian, Spanish and Filipino descent.

Guam Island - Google Directory

Guam Island - Wikipedia

Guam Island = Google Images

Guam Island - CIA World Factbook

Guam Island - Information Please

Guam Island - BBC Country Profile

30 - SAMOA ISLANDS (Pacific, Polynesia Islands)

Population 2000/177,000 - 2050/192,000
One of the least developed/poorest nations in the world
Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $2,840 (World Bank, 2009)
Independent of New Zealand in 1961

Samoa is a sovereign nation in the United Nations. It iis made up of nine volcanic islands, two of which - Savai'i and Upolu - make up more than 99% of the land. It was governed by New Zealand until its people voted for independence in 1961. Samoa has the world's second-largest Polynesian group, after the Maori. Many younger Samoans are leaving for New Zealand, the US and American Samoa. Money sent home by Samoans living abroad can be a key source of household income. Press freedom is "generally respected", according to US-based Freedom House (2009). By June 2009 there were 9,000 internet users (InternetWorldStats). Internet cafes are widely used.

Samoa Islands - Google Directory

Samoa Islands - Wikipedia

Samoa Islands - U.S. State Department

Samoa Islands - CIA World Factbook

Samoa Islands - Google Images

Samoa Islands - Information Please

Samoa Islands - BBC Country Profile

31 - KIRIBATI ISLANDS (Pacific, Micronesia Islands)

Population 2000/84,000 - 2050/151,000
Life expectancy: 59 years (men), 63 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $1,890 (World Bank, 2009)
Independent from United Kingdom in 1979

Kiribati Islands is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations. The 33 atolls that make up Kiribati - the former Gilbert Islands - occupy a vast area in the Pacific. They stretch nearly 4,000 km from east to west, more than 2,000 km from north to south, and straddle the Equator. Kiribati became independ from the United Kingdom in 1979. Many of the atolls are inhabited; most of them are very low-lying and at risk from rising sea levels. Kiribati's economy is weak and is affected by rises and falls in the world demand for coconut. Kiribati is home to the South Pacific's largest marine reserve. It is also one of the low-lying Pacific island states seen as highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and global warming, and frequently lends its voice to calls for action on climate change.

Kiribati Islands - Google Directory

Kiribati Islands - Wikipedia

Kiribati Islands - CIA World Factbook

Kiribati Islands - Google Images

Kiribati Islands - BBC Coutnry Profiles

Kiribati Islands - World Atlas

Kiribati Islands - World Health Organization

32 - NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (Pacific, Territory of United States)

Population 2000/69,000 - 2050/151,000
Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 79 years (women)

Northern Mariana Islands is a chain of 14 islands in the northwest Pacific. It is self-governing, but linked politically to the US. The economy relies on tourist arrivals, mostly from Japan, and clothing exports. It is vulnerable to downturns in both.The CNMI is exempt from US minimum wage and immigration laws; this has helped to drive a billion-dollar garment trade which employs thousands of migrant workers, many of them from China and the Philippines. Migrants outnumber the indigenous Chamarro and Carolinian populations.

Northern Mariana Islands - Google Directory

Northern Mariana Islands - Wikipedia

Northern Mariana Islands - CIA World Factbook

Northern Mariana Islands - Information Please

Northern Mariana Islands - Google Images

Northern Mariana Islands - Nations Online

Northern Mariana Islands - BBC Country Profiles

33 - TONGA ISLANDS (Pacific, Polynesia Islands)

Population 2000/99,000 - 2050/123,000
Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $3,260 (World Bank, 2009)

Tonga Islands is a sovereign nation of the United Nations. A group of more than 170 islands spread over an area of the South Pacific roughly the size of Japan. Tonga is the last Polynesian monarchy. A deeply conservative, Christian country, it is ruled by a king supported by hereditary noblemen who together have a perpetual majority in parliament, electing or appointing 21 of its 30 members, but moves are afoot to democratise the constitution.A former British protectorate, Tonga became fully independent in 1970, though it was never formally colonised. Almost all Tongans are Polynesian and its population has remained largely untouched by immigration. Around 8,400 Tongans were online by March 2008 (InternetWorldStats).

Tonga Islands - Google Directory

Tonga Islands - Wikipedia

Tonga Islands - Google Images

Tonga Islands - BBC Country Profile

Tonga Islands - U.S. State Department

Tonga Islands - Nation Online

Tonga Islands - World Atlas

34 - AMERICAN SAMOA ISLAND (Pacific, Territory of United States)

Population: 2000/57,000 - 2050/107,000

American Samoa is territory administered by the United States Department of the Interior. It was acquired in 1900 in a treaty with Germany that divided the Samoan archipelago.

America Samoa Island - Google Directory

American Samoa Island - Wikipedia

American Samoa Island - Google Images

35 - MARSHALL ISLANDS (Pacific, Free Association with the United States)

Population 2000/52,000 - 2050/92,000
Life expectancy: 64 years (men), 67 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: US $3,060 (World Bank, 2009)

Marshall Islands is a sovereign nation of the United Nations under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The Marshall Islands consist of two chains of coral atolls, together with more than 1,000 islets, just north of the Equator. The atolls are coral deposits on the crater rims of submerged volcanoes. The islands were occupied by the US for several decades after World War II. A major problem for the islands is how to gain some measure of financial independence from the US. Imports dwarf exports, unemployment is high and many islanders live by subsistence farming. ourism is one option; unspoiled beaches abound and the islands are an ideal base for scuba diving and sports fishing. The islands also sell fishing rights to other countries, and offer ship registrations under the Marshall Islands flag.

Marshall Islands - Google Directory

Marshall Islands - Wikipedia

Marshall Islands - U.S. State Department

Marshall Islands - Google Images

Marshall Islands - Information Please

Marshall Islands - BBC Country Profiles

Marshall Islands - World Map

36 - PALAU ISLANDS (Pacific)

Population 2000/19,000 -2050/26,000
Independent from United States in 1994

Palau is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations.The Palau island chain consists of about 200 islands located in the western Pacific Ocean. Only eight of the islands are permanently inhabited.The Republic of Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, some 500 miles (800 km) east of the Philippines and 2,000 miles (3,200 km) south of Tokyo. Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States) in 1994, it is one of the world's youngest and smallest sovereign states.

Palau Islands - Google Directory

Palau Islands - Google Images

Palau Islands - Wikipedia

Palau Isands - Information Please

Palau Islands - World Atlas

Palau Islands - Nations Online

37 - COOK ISLANDS (Pacific, Territory of New Zealand)

Population: 2000/18.000 - 2050/24,000 

38 - WALLIS AND FUTUNA ISLANDS (Pacific, Polynesia Islands, Territory of France)

Population 2000/15,000 - 2050/17,000

Wallis and Futuna Islands are dependent territories of France. The two island groups in the South Pacific between Fiji and Samoa were settled by French missionaries at the beginning of the 19th century. A protectorate was established in the 1880s. There is a French-appointed high administrator, a 20-member territorial assembly, and a deputy and a senator to the French national parliament. The three traditional Polynesian kings also help decide internal policy matters. Following a referendum by the Polynesian inhabitants, the status was changed to that of an Overseas Territory in 1961.

Wallis and Futuna Islands - Google Directory

Wallis and Futuna Islands - Wikipedia

Wallis and Futuna Islands - Google Images

Wallis and Futuna Islands - Information Please

Wallis and Futuna Islands - Answers,com

Wallis and Futuna Islands - World Atlas

39 - NAURU ISLANDS (Pacific, Micronesia Islands)

Population 2000/10,000 - 2050/11,000
World's smallest nation
Life expectancy: 55 years (men), 57 years (women) (UN)
Independent from United Kingdom

Nauru Islands is a sovereign nation in the United Nations. The former British colony of Nauru is the world's smallest republic. The tiny Pacific island once generated a per capita income out of proportion to its size. But the source of this wealth - phosphates - is nearing exhaustion, leaving the islanders facing an uncertain future. In 2001 Nauru signed an agreement with Australia to accommodate asylum seekers on the island, in return for millions of dollars in aid. However, Australia ended its controversial "Pacific Solution" of detaining asylum seekers on islands in 2008. Australia has sent financial experts to Nauru to help it overcome its problems.

Nauru Islands - Google Directory

Nauru Islands - Wikipedia

Nauru Islands - CIA World Factbook

Nauru Islands - U.S. State Department

Nauru Islands - Google Images

Nauru Islands - Official Website

Nauru Islands - Informaton Please

Nauru Islands - BBC Country Profile

40 - TUVALU ISLANDS (Pacific, Polynesia Islands)

Population 2000/10,000 - 2050/11,000
One of the least developed/poorest nations in the world
Life expectancy: 62 years (men), 65 years (women) (UN)
GNI per capita: Estimated to be lower middle income: $996 to $3,945 (World Bank, 2009)
Independence from United Kingdom in 1978

Tavalu is one of the least developed nation in the world according to the United Nations. Tuvalu is a group of nine tiny islands in the South Pacific which won independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. Five of the islands are coral atolls, the other four consist of land rising from the sea bed. All are low-lying, with no point on Tuvalu being higher than 4.5 metres above sea level. Local politicians have campaigned against global warming, arguing that climate change could see the islands swamped by rising sea levels. Life on the islands is simple and often harsh. There are no streams or rivers, so the collection of rain is essential. Tuvalu depends on foreign aid, the income from the sale of tuna fishing licences and the interest from a trust fund set up in 1987. The sale of postage stamps also brings in revenues. There were around 4,000 internet users by March 2008 (ITU).

Tuvalu Islands - Google Directory

Tuvalu Islands - Wikipedia

Tuvalu Islands - Official Website

Tuvalu Islands - Google Images

Tuvalu Islands - Nations Online

Tuvalu Islands - World Atlas

Tuvalu Islands _ BBC Country Profiles

Tuvalu Islands - Information Please

COCOS ISLAND (Pacific, Territory of Australia)

Cocos Island is a dependent territory of Australia.

Cocos Island - Google Directory

Cocos Island - Wikipedia

Cocos Island - Nation Maker

NORFOLK ISLAND (Pacific, Territory of Australia)

Populaton 2000 - 2050

Norfolk Island is a depdendent territory of Australia. It is a small island in the Pacific Ocean located between Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. The island is part of the Commonwealth of Australia, but it enjoys a large degree of self-governance. Together with two neighbouring islands, it forms one of Australia's external territories.

Norfolk Island - Google Directory

Norfolk Island - Wikipedia

Norfok Island - World Atlas

Norfolk Island - Google Images

Norfolk Island - Maps of the World

Norfolk Island - Answers.com

Norfolk Island - Nation Master

Norfolk Island - Ethnologue

Norfolk Island - Information Please

NIUE ISLAND (Pacific, Territory of New Zealand)

Niue Island is a dependent territory of New Zealand. The residents of the Pacific island of Niue are far outnumbered by their citizens who have migrated to New Zealand. Home to fewer than 2,000 islanders, the self-governing coral atoll is trying to encourage some of the 20,000 overseas Niueans - many of them New Zealand-born - to return.

Niue Island - Google Directory

Niue Island - Wikipedia

Niue Island - Google Images

Niue Island - BBC Country Profile

PITCAIRN ISLAND (Pacific, Territory of New Zealand)

Pitcairn Island is a dependent territory of New Zealand.

TOKELAU ISLANDS (Pacific, Territory of New Zealand)

Population: 2000/2,000 - 2050/1,000

Tokelau islands is a dependent territory of New Zealand.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND (Pacific, Territory of Australia)

Population: 2000/ - 2050

Christmas Island is a dependent territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean. It is located 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) northwest of the Western Australian city of Perth, 360 km (220 mi) south of the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, and 975 km (606 mi) ENE of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Christmas Island - Google Directory

Christmas Island - Wikipedia

Christmas Island - Google Images

Christmas Island - Nation Maker