Asia–Pacific

The Asia–Pacific (APAC) is the region of the world adjoining the western Pacific Ocean. The region's precise boundaries vary depending on context, but countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania are oft-included. In a wider context, parts of Northern and Southern Asian and Central Asia and West Asia regions, and even Pacific-adjoining countries in the Americas can be considered: the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, for example, includes many New World countries. The term has become popular since the late 1980s in commerce, finance, and politics. Despite the heterogeneity of the regions' economies, most individual nations within the zone are emerging markets experiencing rapid growth. Sometimes, the notion of "Asia–Pacific excluding Japan" (APEJ) is considered useful.