East Indies

The East Indies typically refers to a region in Southeast Asia, historically including the islands of Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. During the era of European exploration and colonization, it attracted attention for its rich natural resources, spices, and trade potential. The term contrasts with the West Indies, which refers to the Caribbean. The East Indies played a significant role in global trade routes, with countries like the Netherlands and Britain establishing colonies to exploit its wealth, profoundly impacting both local cultures and international economic systems.