The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization founded in 1967 to promote political and economic cooperation among its member countries. It consists of ten Southeast Asian nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. ASEAN aims to enhance regional stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange. ASEAN works through various initiatives and agreements to foster collaboration in areas such as trade, security, and environmental sustainability. The organization also engages in dialogue with external partners, including China, Japan, and the United States, to address regional and global challenges.