Once known as the East Indies, this region of islands exported important spices such as pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg, used in cooking all over the world. In earlier times, these spices were highly prized in Europe and the Middle East because they provided a way of preserving food that was more flavorful than using only salt. Although much of the region continues to follow traditional ways of life, the growth of cities, improvements in technology, and government programs aimed at modernization are making inroads to traditional village life. Which region is the above exerpt referring to?

a
Southeast Asia
b
South Asia
c
Southwest Asia
d
East Asia