The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten countries in Southeast Asia. ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Since then, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia have also joined ASEAN.

The purpose of ASEAN is to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region, and to promote regional peace and stability. ASEAN has also established free trade agreements with other major economies, such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand.

ASEAN is also known for its annual summit meetings, where leaders from the member countries gather to discuss issues of mutual concern and to promote cooperation and collaboration in various fields. The ASEAN Summit is a platform for dialogue and engagement with other major world powers, such as the United States, China, Japan, and Australia.

ASEAN plays a significant role in shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of Southeast Asia and beyond. With a combined population of over 650 million people and a growing economy, ASEAN is poised to become a major player on the global stage in the coming years.