Physical Geography The Big Idea Southeast Asia is

Physical Geography The Big Idea Southeast Asia is a tropical region of peninsulas, islands, and waterways with diverse plants, animals, and resources. Main Ideas Southeast Asia’s physical features include peninsulas, islands, rivers, and many seas, straits, and gulfs. The tropical climate of Southeast Asia supports a wide range of plants and animals. Southeast Asia is rich in natural resources such as wood, rubber, and fossil fuels. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: Southeast Asia’s physical features include peninsulas, islands, rivers, and many seas, straits, and gulfs. Mainland Southeast Asia • Two peninsulas that extend from the Asian mainland • Indochina Peninsula • Malay Peninsula Island Southeast Asia • Two island groups • Philippines • Malay Archipelago • An archipelago—a large group of islands Holt Mc. Dougal,

Landforms Mainland Southeast Asia • Rugged mountains across Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam • Low plateaus • River floodplains Island Southeast Asia • More than 20, 000 islands • New Guinea—Earth’s second largest island • Borneo—Earth’s third largest island • High mountains on the larger islands • Part of the Ring of Fire – Earthquakes – Volcanic eruptions – Tsunamis Holt Mc. Dougal,

Bodies of Water • Seas—Andaman Sea, South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Celebes Sea, and Java Sea • Gulfs—Gulf of Thailand Gulf of Tonkin • Oceans—Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean • Strait of Malacca • River—Mekong River Holt Mc. Dougal,

Tsumani Background A tsunami is a series of giant sea waves. Tsunamis occur when an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or other event causes seawater to move in huge waves. Warning systems can help alert people to tsunamis. Indian Ocean Catastrophe What it Means On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake launched a monster tsunami. No one can prevent tsunamis. The waves wiped out costal communities in a dozen countries and some 300, 000 people died. The Indian Ocean did not have a tsunami warning system because tsunamis are rare in that part of the world. Holt Mc. Dougal, The United Nations is now working to create a global tsunami warning system. Individual communities are also taking actions that help mitigate the danger of these fierce waves.

Main Idea 2: The tropical climate of Southeast Asia supports a wide range of plants and animals. Tropical savanna climate Humid tropical climate • Much of the mainland • Temperatures are warm to hot all year-round, but cooler in the north and in the mountains. • Seasonal monsoons bring heavy rain in the summer. • Savannas—areas of tall grasses and scattered trees and shrubs • Islands and Malay Peninsula • Hot, muggy, and rainy all year • Typhoons can bring heavy rains and powerful winds. • Supports tropical rain forests Holt Mc. Dougal,

Lush tropical rain forests are home to a large number of different plants and animals. Plants • 40, 000 kinds of flowering plants in Indonesia alone • Elephants, monkeys, tigers, and many types of birds Animals • Some species are not found anywhere else in the world – Orangutans – Komodo dragons Challenges • Loss of habitat Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 3: Southeast Asia is rich in natural resources such as wood, rubber, and fossil fuels. • • The hot, wet climate and rich soils make farming highly productive. – Major crop - rice – Other crops - coconuts, coffee, sugarcane, palm oil, and spices – Indonesia and Malaysia have large rubber tree plantations. The seas provide fisheries. The tropical rain forests provide valuable hardwoods and medicines. Many minerals and fossil fuels – Minerals - tin and iron ore – Fossil fuels - natural gas and oil Holt Mc. Dougal,

History and Culture The Big Idea People, ideas, and traditions from China, India, Europe, and elsewhere have shaped Southeast Asia’s history and culture. Main Ideas Southeast Asia’s early history includes empires, colonial rule, and independence. The modern history of Southeast Asia involves struggles with war and communism. Southeast Asia’s culture reflects its Chinese, Indian, and European heritage. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: Southeast Asia’s early history includes empires, colonial rule, and independence. • China and India have played a big role in Southeast Asia’s history. • Early civilizations introduced new people and ideas to Southeast Asia. • European powers started colonizing Southeast Asia in the 1500 s. • People in the region began to fight for independence after World War II. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Southeast Asia’s History Early Civilization • The most advanced early civilization was the Khmer. The Khmer built Angkor Wat—a huge Hindu temple. In the 1200 s the Thai settled in the Khmer area. • Buddhism began replacing Hinduism in the region. Colonial Rule Europeans came to the region. Spain claimed the Philippines. The Dutch gained control of Indonesia. • The British and French set up colonies. The United States took the Philippines. • Only Thailand was never colonized. Japan occupied most of Southeast Asia during World War II. Holt Mc. Dougal, Independence After World War II the United States granted the Philippines independence. Soon others in the region began to fight for their independence. By 1970 most of Southeast Asia had thrown off colonial rule.

Main Idea 2: The modern history of Southeast Asia involves struggles with war and communism. The move toward independence for the countries of Southeast Asia was not easy, and several countries were torn apart by civil wars. • Vietnam • Cambodia • Laos Other countries got involved in these civil wars to either halt or encourage the spread of communism. The United States based its decision to get involved on the domino theory—if one country fell to communism, other countries nearby would follow like falling dominoes. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 3: Southeast Asia’s culture reflects its Chinese, Indian, and European heritage. People and Languages • Many ethnic groups Most countries have one main ethnic group plus many smaller ethnic groups. Many different languages are spoken in Southeast Asia, including native languages and dialects, Chinese, and European languages. Religions Customs Buddhism—the main faith on the mainland, many wats People celebrate many religious festivals. Christianity—most people are Roman Catholic in the Philippines Some people continue to practice traditional customs, such as dance and music. • Hinduism—in Indian communities and on the island of Bali • Islam—main religion in Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia Holt Mc. Dougal, Many people wear traditional clothing, such as sarongs.

Mainland Southeast Asia Today The Big Idea Many of the farming countries in Mainland Southeast Asia are poor but are working to improve their economies. Main Ideas The area today is largely rural and agricultural, but cities are growing rapidly. • Myanmar is poor with a harsh military government, while Thailand is a democracy with a strong economy. The countries of Indochina are poor and struggling to rebuild after years of war. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: The area today is largely rural and agricultural, but cities are growing rapidly. • Mainland Southeast Asia includes Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. • War, harsh governments, and other problems have slowed progress in most of Mainland Southeast Asia. • The area’s countries have rich resources. • They are working to improve their futures. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Mainland Southeast Asia Rural Life Urban Life • Mainland Southeast Asia is largely rural. • Mainland Southeast Asia has several large cities. • Most people are farmers and live in small villages. • The rapid growth of these cities has led to overcrowding and pollution problems. • The wet, tropical climate enables farmers to grow two to three crops each year. • Most rural people live in the area’s fertile river valleys and deltas. • Some people live in remote villages in the mountains. They belong to small ethnic groups known as hill peoples. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 2: Myanmar is poor with a harsh military government, while Thailand is a democracy with a strong economy. Myanmar Located to the south of China on the Bay of Bengal Also known as Burma Thailand Located to the southwest of Malaysia Once known as Siam Holt Mc. Dougal,

Myanmar • Most of the people are Burmese. • Buddhism is the main religion. • Harsh military government that abuses human rights— rights that all people deserve, such as rights to equality and justice • Aung San Suu Kyi continues to lead a movement for more democracy. • Poor economy – Some countries refuse to trade with Myanmar. – Rich in natural resources—oil, timber, metals, jade, and gems – Most of its people are poor. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Thailand • Capital and largest city is Bangkok, a city famous for its klongs, or canals. • Constitutional monarchy, prime minister and elected legislature hold the real power. • Good government and rich resources help Thailand’s economy. – – – Industry—computers, textiles, and electronics Farming—rice, pineapples, and rubber Fishing Mining Tourism—magnificent Buddhist wats and unspoiled beaches Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 3: The countries of Indochina are poor and struggling to rebuild after years of war. Cambodia Laos Capital is Phnom Penh. Some 20 years of war, terror, and devastation ended in the early 1990 s. Has a stable, elected government Landlocked country with rugged mountains Capital city is Hanoi; largest city is Ho Chi Minh City. Poor and undeveloped, with few roads, no railroads, and limited electricity Communist government Farming has improved, little industry Problem with land mines Vietnam The area’s poorest economy Most people are subsistence farmers. Holt Mc. Dougal, More economic freedom; private businesses have helped the economy Most people farm. Industry and services growing Fishing and mining important

Island Southeast Asia Today The Big Idea The countries of Island Southeast Asia range from wealthy and urban to poor and rural. Main Ideas • The area today has rich resources and growing cities but faces challenges. • Malaysia and its neighbors have strong economies but differ in many ways. • Indonesia is big and diverse with a growing economy, and East Timor is small and poor. The Philippines has less ethnic diversity, and its economy is improving. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: The area today has rich resources and growing cities but faces challenges. • Island Southeast Asia is made up of six countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, East Timor, and the Philippines. • Economy • Challenges – – – – High potential for wealth and good standards of living Rich resources Large, skilled labor force Growing economies Violent ethnic conflicts Many people live in poverty. Many environmental problems (example—pollution) Holt Mc. Dougal,

Rural and Urban Life of Island Southeast Asia Rural Life • Many people live in rural areas. • Farm or fish – Rice—main crop – Other crops—coffee, spices, sugarcane, tea, and tropical fruit – Rubber—Indonesia and Malaysia are the world’s largest producer – Seafood—main source of protein • Many rural people are leaving for the cities. Holt Mc. Dougal, Urban Life • Largest cities (major capitals) are modern and crowded. • Common problems include smog, traffic, and slums. • Many people live in kampongs—a village or city district with traditional houses built on stilts.

Main Idea 2: Malaysia and its neighbors have strong economies but differ in many ways. • • MALAYSIA Consists of two parts: southern end of the Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo Most Malaysians live on the peninsula. Capital is Kuala Lumpur. Ethnically diverse – Malays—main ethnic group – Chinese and other groups also live there. – Many languages (Bahasa Malay) and religions (Islam and Buddhist) • Constitutional monarchy—prime minister and elected legislature hold the real power • One of the strongest economies in the area – Well-educated workers – Rich resources – Exports natural rubber, palm oil, electronics, oil, and timber Holt Mc. Dougal,

Singapore and Brunei Singapore Brunei A tiny island at the tip of the Malay Peninsula Located on the island of Borneo One of the world’s busiest free ports—ports that place few if any taxes on goods Governed by a sultan, the supreme ruler of a Muslim country Industrial center Modern, wealthy, orderly, and clean country Extremely strict laws Government strictly controls politics and the media. Holt Mc. Dougal, Wealthy from large oil and gas deposits

Main Idea 3: Indonesia is big and diverse with a growing economy, and East Timor is small and poor. • • • INDONESIA Largest of the island countries and world’s largest archipelago Fourth-largest population of any country (largest Muslim population) More than 300 ethnic groups who speak more than 250 languages Java is the main island; capital is Jakarta (located on Java). Growing economy – Rich resources including rubber, oil and gas, and timber – Good farmland for rice and other crops – Factories make clothing and electronics • Challenges for Indonesia – Poor people – High unemployment – Ethnic and religious conflicts Holt Mc. Dougal,

East Timor • One of the area’s smallest countries • Located on the island of Timor • Declared independence from Indonesia in 1999 • One of the region’s poorest countries • Most people farm; coffee is the major export. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 4: The Philippines has less ethnic diversity, and its economy is improving. Land People Includes more than 7, 000 islands Luzon—largest and most populated island Capital is Manila Almost all Filipinos are ethnic Malays. Resources • Rich in resources • Natural resources— copper and other metals, oil, and tropical wood • Farmland— coconuts, sugarcane, rice, and corn • Factories—clothing and electronics Holt Mc. Dougal, Challenges • Large gap between the rich and the poor • Religious conflicts