The East and Southeast Asian region is of immense economic, strategic and cultural significance to Australia. It has also been important in defining Australia's national identity, and is the origin of many of Australia's immigrants. Australians therefore need to have some understanding of their northern neighbours, and to be able to think about them in an informed way. They need to do so not only to be able to understand the region in which they live, but also to better understand themselves. This book facilitates this process by providing comparisons between Asian and Australian societies. The reader is encouraged to think about Australia's neighbours across a wide range of social, economic and historical contexts. Written in an accessible and informative way, this is a book for all Australians who seek a better understanding of Australia's neighbours in East and Southeast Asia.