Final answer:
The term 'Opium' is associated with the drug involved in historical conflicts like the Opium Wars, not a place where Maria and Emilia live. Comparing the 19th-century Opium War in China with modern times, Afghanistan and South American countries play significant roles in the production and trade of opiates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The original question about Maria and Emilia living in Opium seems to be a narrative or fictional element, not clearly related to the historical and geopolitical concepts of the Opium War and the opium trade. If the question is referring to the Opium Wars between China and Britain, then it is important to clarify that Opium is not a place but refers to the drug derived from poppies. During the 19th century, Britain fought China in the Opium Wars to maintain the lucrative trade that was damaging China's societal and economic well-being.
To contrast this with modern times, Afghanistan has been a major producer of opium poppies, which are used to produce heroin. The drug trade has had significant impacts on Afghanistan's society and economy, much like the opium trade affected China in the past. In modern drug trade networks, South American countries like Colombia have also become involved by cultivating opium poppies and being part of the supply chain for the global narcotics market.