Densely populated East Asia is home to a wide array of languages and religious beliefs—as well as challenges. While China's vast population is predominantly rural, industrial pollution is a major problem. Even though Japan is a leading manufacturer, trader, and financier, it still faces high unemployment and low economic growth. Despite maintaining the world's fourth largest army, North Korea faces severe shortages of food and electricity for its population.

But there are bright notes for East Asia: China has the fastest-growing economy in the world, and South Korea is the world's 12th largest trading nation. These nations will play a major part in the 21st century.