Marine health hazards in South-east Asia

Abstract

South-east Asia is a global region consisting of nine countries, six of which are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is a very dynamic rapidly urbanizing region whose economy is fast developing. Four of the 18 largest cities of the world with populations of over 10 million will be in this region by the beginning of the 21st century. The population of the ASEAN region is estimated to be 425 500 000,70% or 296 450 000 of whom live in coastal cities and towns. The biggest country in the region is Indonesia, with a land area of 1 904 569 km* and a population of 187 000 000 growing annually at 1.8%. Brunei has a land area of 5 765 km2 and a population of 200 000 growing at a rate of 2.8%. Brunei, however, has the highest per capita income of US$17 500 and a literacy rate of 85.1%. The other ASEAN nations vary greatly in land area, population and income. At one extreme is Singapore with a 626 km2 area, 3 million population growing at 1.1% per annum, a literacy rate of 90.7% and per capita income of US$15 200. Another extreme is Cambodia with an area of 181 035 km’, 8.7 million population growing at 2.2%, the lowest per capita income of US$150 and the lowest literacy rate of 35.3%.’ The natural resources and wealth of South-east Asia are enormous. Oil, tin, rubber, lumber, tropical fruits, fish and other marine products abound. Natural gas, gold, coal, coffee, cacao and rice are some of its natural exports. The region is considered to be still largely agricultural but has an increasing industrial base concentrated around a number of limited cities and coastal towns which characteristically have high population densities.