(9 regions defined as East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, South Pacific, Central Asia, Central & South America, Middle East & North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the North & Australasia)
The countries most similar to average of the 9 regions of the world were determined by analyzing the data from the Country Similarity Index. The index attempts to quantify how similar countries are to each other relative to other countries, using a variety of statistics from five broad categories: demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure, and geography.
In general, these countries have traits in common with many regions of the world and are not far different from any particular region. These countries do not have extreme demographic characteristics, cultural practices, political systems, infrastructural developments, or especially unique geographical features.
1) Philippines
The Philippines is almost always classified as a Southeast Asian country on world regional maps created by academics. Average linkage clustering also grouped the country in with Southeast Asia. However, the Philippines has a lot in common with countries in the South Pacific as well. Like many countries in the South Pacific, English is one of the official languages. Furthermore, its people are mostly Christian, unlike other countries in Southeast Asia. Even the least similar region to the Philippines, the Middle East, as some traits in common with it. In fact, over 5 percent of people in the country are Muslim. The Philippines was colonized by Spain and the United States so it has a significant amount of Western influence as well.
2) Albania
Albania is a European country on the Mediterranean coast. However, few countries are far different from Albania. Its culture has traits of Central Asia and the Middle East, due to significant Ottoman influence. Its people are mostly Sunni Muslim, although it has a significant Christian population and many atheists as well. Albania’s laws are neither especially liberal nor conservative. Like most countries, it is a democracy. However, the rule of law there is relatively low. Due to the country’s Mediterranean climate, it is neither especially hot or cold nor is it especially dry or wet. The least similar regions to it, Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, still have many countries with predominately Muslim population.
3) Indonesia
At the crossroads of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific region, Indonesia boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and historical influences. It is home to a diverse population comprising hundreds of ethnic groups and languages. The nation’s history as a major trading hub, combined with its colonial past under Dutch rule, has left a lasting imprint on its culture, cuisine, and societal structures. Indonesia’s tropical climate and rainforests contribute to its rich biodiversity, akin to that of many Amazonian and Sub-Saharan regions. While its cultural and religious practices are distinctly Southeast Asian, Indonesia has also embraced elements from the Indian subcontinent, China, and the Arab world, making it a vibrant melting pot.
4) Malaysia
Being at a key trade intersection between the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, Malaysia has had variety of influences. Demographically, Malaysia has a diverse population with significant Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities, reflecting a microcosm of global multiculturalism. The country is a melting pot where traditional practices coexist with modern influences, creating a dynamic societal landscape. Although the least similar region to Malaysia is the North & Australasia, it was once a British colony so it has some western influence as well. Furthermore, it has a tropical climate and an abundant amount of rainforest, like many Sub-Saharan African countries.
5) Turkey
Turkey has traits of Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, since it is at the confluence of these three different regions. It is also one of the few countries that is considered to be in two different continents. The country is predominately Muslim, but its laws are secular. It allows alcohol, prostitution, and abortion. Politically, Turkey could be classified as a democracy or an autocracy. Like most languages, Turkish now uses the Latin script, although it once use the Arabic script. Furthermore, the country has a wide range of climates, including subtropical, temperate, and desert zones. The country is mountainous and has many beautiful beaches, just like the countries in the least similar region to it, the South Pacific.