South Asia Notes Physical Geography Cultural Geography South

South Asia Notes Physical Geography Cultural Geography South Asia Today Used with permission from Mr. Remmell

Physical Geography The Land Climate and Vegetation

The Land • South Asia consists of a large peninsula with an island near its southern tips. The peninsula is also know as a subcontinent, a large landmass smaller than a continent • South Asia is bordered by the Himalayas in the north, the Arabian Sea on the west, the Indian Ocean on the south, and the Bay of Bengal on the east

The Land • Most of the region’s people live on the northern plains, an agriculturally rich area • South Asia has three great river systems and the world’s largest alluvial plain

The Land • South Asia has few significant oil reserves, but some natural gas, coal, and uranium. The region also has a number of substantial mineral deposits, including iron ore and mica

Climate and Vegetation • South Asia has highland, desert, steppe, and tropical climates • The monsoon is a seasonal change in wind directions that brings heavy rains to much of South Asia

Climate and Vegetation • South Asia’s vegetation is affected by altitude, rainfall, and human activity • South Asia was once largely covered by forests. Today only a small portion of the land is forested

Cultural Geography Population Patterns History and Government Culture and Lifestyles

Population Patterns • South Asia is an ethnically diverse area • Population density is greatest on the Indo. Gangetic Plain • Although most South Asians live in rural areas, an increasing number are migrating to the cities in search of work

History and Government • The Indus Valley was home to one of the world’s first great civilizations • Many people have conquered South Asia, from the Aryans to the British • Two of the world’s great religions – Hinduism and Buddhism originated in South Asia

History and Government • After WWII, the region achieved independence from the British empire • Today most of the people of South Asia elect their leaders

Culture and Lifestyles • South Asians speak many different languages. India alone has 14 major languages and 100 s of dialects • The main religions of South Asia are Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism. People also practice Christianity, Jainism, and Sikhism

Culture and Lifestyles • In most of South Asia the standard of living is low and life expectancy is short. There have been improvements, however, in health care and education in recent years

South Asia Today Living in South Asia People and Their Environment

Living in South Asia • Agricultural advances are helping South Asia produce enough food for its expanding population • Main food crops include rice and wheat; main cash crops include jute and tea

Living in South Asia • Mining, fishing, and tourism are significant sources of income in the region • Industry – both light and heavy – is expanding in the region

People and Their Environment • Much of South Asia has been deforested by human beings seeking wood for fuel and shelter, and land for farming and grazing • Deforestation can lead to flooding, landslides, loss of valuable topsoil, loss of habitat for animals, and climate change

People and Their Environment • Governments and individuals throughout South Asia are attempting to conserve and replant forests • Despite the loss of many animals due to over hunting and habitat loss, South Asians are working to maintain existing species in wildlife preserves and elsewhere

People and Their Environment • Water usage is controversial in South Asia for many reasons; dams are needed to control flooding and provide water for irrigation, but they also cause environmental problems