southeast

Southeast is a directional term used on compasses. It designates the sector between south and east and corresponds to a bearing of 135 degrees from north. In navigation, meteorology, and general description, Southeast indicates a location, movement, or wind direction.

As a regional label, Southeast does not have a single fixed boundary. Its meaning depends on context and country. In many contexts, it refers to Southeast Asia, a distinct geographic and cultural region in Asia. In other settings, it describes the southeastern portion of a country, such as the Southeastern United States, or, in Europe, the loosely defined area referred to as Southeast Europe. The exact boundaries can vary among institutions, researchers, and media.

Southeast Asia is commonly understood to include several sovereign states located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The region features tropical and monsoon climates, extensive coastlines, and high biodiversity. It has a long history of maritime trade, empires, and colonial periods, followed by rapid economic development in many parts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a key regional organization that coordinates economic and political collaboration among many of its members.

The Southeastern United States is a subregion of the United States and is typically characterized by a humid subtropical climate in most areas, with a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The economy is diverse, spanning agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with cultural and historical distinctiveness tied to the broader southern and eastern United States.

In Europe, Southeast Europe is a loosely defined concept covering parts of the Balkans and adjacent areas. Boundaries vary by source, but the term commonly refers to a zone with diverse languages, histories, and climates ranging from Mediterranean to continental.