Southeast Asia

     Objectives

Describe the location, economies, and resources of mainland countries in Southeast Asia.
Examine how physical and human influences affect life in island countries of Southeast Asia.

     Chapter Overview

Chapter 25: Southeast Asia

Thousands of islands and a long arm of land make up Southeast Asia. Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam lie entirely on the mainland. These countries have highland areas and lowland river valleys with fertile soil. Myanmar has a socialist government established by military leaders. Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are all poor countries that have been affected by recent conflicts.

The island countries of Southeast Asia are Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Malaysia is rich in mineral resources. It also produces palm oil and rubber. Its capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a commercial center. The port of Singapore is one of the world's busiest trading centers. Brunei has rich deposits of oil and natural gas. The Philippines is the only Christian country in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 13,600 islands. It is the world's fourth most populous country. It also has a strong economy based on large reserves of oil and natural gas, many mineral resources, and agriculture. Islam is the major religion.

     Quick Notes

Mainland Southeast Asia

Mainland Southeast Asia includes the countries of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Plentiful water supplies and fertile soil enable farmers to grow rice as a major food crop.
Most of this area of Southeast Asia has tropical and subtropical climates.
Most mainland Southeast Asians live in rural villages, but cities are growing in population.
Most people in mainland Southeast Asia practice Buddhism.

Island Southeast Asia

The islands of Southeast Asia lie along the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire. Their people face the threat of volcanic activity and earthquakes.
Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia in area and population.
The city of Singapore is one of the world's busiest trading and commercial centers.
The people of Malaysia come from many different ethnic backgrounds.
The culture of the Philippines shows Malay, Spanish, and American influences.

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