Nations bordering the Pacific Ocean, and the island countries situated in it, Asian Pacific Rim countries grew significantly in economic and political importance during the 1980s and ‘90s.

An organization of 20 nations and one administrative region dedicated to promoting regional economic integration and global free trade among countries bordering the Pacific Ocean, APEC was founded in 1989 at the prompting of the government of Australia. (Although more countries are a part of APEC than are shown in this Australia and Pacific Rim country list, the APEC is still significant.) It’s members include: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States. Peru, Russia, and Vietnam joined the organization in 1998.

Foreign ministers and trade officials from each country have met yearly since APEC's inception. The heads of state met for the first time in 1993, while trade officials began annual meetings in 1994. At these meetings, members have discussed such issues as regional security, financing for infrastructure development, reduction of tariffs and other trade barriers, and development of global free trade. In 1994, APEC members with industrialized economies pledged to eliminate trade barriers by 2010, while those with developing economies agreed to follow by 2020. Members pledged to strengthen social safety nets, financial systems, trade and investment flows, and scientific and technological infrastructure within their nations.

The church in these countries is diverse. Australia is suffering with secularism and materialism, the Philippines and Singapore are experiencing revival, Vietnam is in the midst of persecution and Thailand is stagnant.