ASEAN is an economic union comprising 10 countries in Southeast Asia which aims to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and sociocultural evolution among its members. Key facts about ASEAN include that it has over 600 million people and a combined GDP of over $2.5 trillion, and its goals include realizing an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 and an ASEAN Community by 2020. ASEAN promotes trade and advances political and security cooperation among its members and is also engaged in partnerships with countries like China, Japan, South Korea, India, and others.