ABSTRACT
The main objective of this chapter is to show the spread of and diversity within the region in terms of geographic and demographic features and development indicators. Some of the main variables discussed are the Asia-Pacifi c region and sub-regions within it, socio-cultural diversity, political systems, governance and corruption, economic diversity, poverty, peace and confl ict, health, environment, disasters, gender parity, indigenous populations and ethnic minority groups, the use of information technology, the urban rural divide, and development aid. The fi nal section critically discusses the interaction between the region’s diversity and development issues.
