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On this map of Southeast Asia, British colonial territory is highlighted within red borders: the Straits Settlements (Singapore, Malacca and Penang) on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula; and British Burma (Chittagong and Aracan, and Tenasserim).

The colonial possessions of Britain (in red, though faded on this map), the Netherlands (green, but discoloured to blue) and Spain (the Philippines, brown) are shown on this map, with independent areas such as Borneo and the Maluku Islands in yellow.

Map of Asia, marked with populations of cities and lengths of rivers. Mainland Southeast Asia is divided into kingdoms, but maritime Southeast Asia is mostly blank, and parts such as Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands are left off entirely.

Map of Asia, marked with populations of cities and lengths of rivers. Mainland Southeast Asia is divided into kingdoms, but maritime Southeast Asia is mostly blank, and parts such as Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands are left off entirely.

The shoals and reefs of maritime Southeast Asia are highlighted on this colourful mid-19th century map, with the treacherous waters around many islands and straits marked.

A 19th century map of mainland Southeast Asia, showing the ancient kingdoms of the Birman Empire (roughly modern Myanmar), Malaya (Malaysia), Siam (Thailand), Cochin China and Tonquin (Vietnam), and the Anamese Empire (Cambodia and Laos).

This map of Asia is marked with the routes taken through Southeast Asia by the British Royal Navy captain James Cook, and the French explorer Lapérouse. The title also refers to two other explorers: Louis Antoine de Bougainville and William Dampier.

This map of Asia is marked with the routes taken through Southeast Asia by the British Royal Navy captain James Cook, and the French explorer Lapérouse. The title also refers to two other explorers: Louis Antoine de Bougainville and William Dampier.

This map of mainland Southeast Asia is divided into colour-coded regions. The Birman Empire (Myanmar) is the most detailed, with internal regions, rivers including the Irrawaddy, mountains and settlements marked.

This map of Asia features the ancient kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia, such as the Birman Empire, Siam, Tonquin and Cochinchina. There are labels noting the inhabitants of some areas, such as 'Biajos' and ‘Tedongs’ in Borneo, and ‘Kemoy’ in Anam.

This map of Asia features the ancient kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia, such as the Birman Empire, Siam, Tonquin and Cochinchina. There are labels noting the inhabitants of some areas, such as 'Biajos' and ‘Tedongs’ in Borneo, and ‘Kemoy’ in Anam.

Longitude is indicated in two different ways on this mid-18th century map: along the top border, it is shown in degrees (number of degrees east of London); more unusually, along the bottom border, it is shown in time (number of hours east of London).