World Regional Geography

Chapter 6

Southeast Asia and South Pacific

Spring 2005

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A World of Influences

Varied Strands Brought Together

An area of expanding modern countries with a number of long-established indigenous groups. Early history is one of Buddhist, Hindu and Moslem expansion with trade with Chinese, Indian and Arab people.

Indonesia- known as Spice Islands and East Indies

Europeans- 1500's Portuguese, then Spanish, Dutch, French, British and American influence. Westerners ignored Asians and established a network of trade, control and politics outside of Asian life.

Japanese- controlled the region before and during WWII- a legacy of hatred.

Domino Theory- Idea that communists would conquer each Southeast Asian country, one by one (using the fall of one to conquer the next.) Represents American policy in the area during the Vietnam conflict.

Pacific Rim- the new outlook of Asia as the center of the world's economy (and population.) !!!!!!!!!!!!

Varied Economic Achievements

Wealth- Australia and New Zealand (Western nations) followed by Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Poverty- Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands.

Vietnam is rapidly catching up with the Little Tigers (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines.)

Cultural History and Colonialism

Khmer, Burmese, Thai, and Vietnamese Empires

Mon and Khmer- Cambodia (800-1200) gave way to Vietnamese, Lao and Burmese

Shan and Karen- Northern Burma

Thai- 1300's unified around Ayutthaya (near Bangkok)

Vietnamese- 100 BC settle in Red River valley. Often controlled by Chinese, adding methods of government. 1400s Vietnamese push Chinese back and occupy their territory.

Cultures Meet on the Southeast Asian Islands

Malay, Indonesian and Philippine Islands- Islam arrives 1200. Indonesia is world's largest Islamic state. Chinese traders and Buddhism arrive in 500s.

Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands

Australia- Aborigines

New Zealand- Maoris

South Pacific- Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian

The Colonists (see table at end)

Philippines- only Christian country in Asia

Singapore- built by British in 1819, controlled Malay states from there. Introduced Chinese workers became dominant culture- left federation with Malaysia in 1965 to preserve its culture.

Indochina- French controlled Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Lost control during WWII (France was occupied by Gemany)

History: http://www.onwar.com/aced/data/india/indochina1882.htm

Vietnam- 1975, North Vietnam reunifies country after fighting French, south and US since 1954.

Thailand- Known as Siam- never a colony traded land with colonial powers to preserve independence. 1890s fought France to maintain its freedom. Sided with Japan at beginning of WWII then switched when new government came to power.

Australia and New Zealand- last major continent to be explored and settled by Europeans. Australia was a penal colony w/ gold discovered in 1850. Aborigines fared poorly.

Pacific Islands- UK was main colonizer (Fiji.) Spain settled Guam and Marianas (taken over by US) and France, Tahiti (many islands still part of France- site of nuclear testing.) French Tahiti:

http://www.southpacific.org/text/finding_tahiti.html

Protest against testing:

http://www.schnews.org.uk/archive/news39.htm

Germans- Marshall Islands & others- lost to Allies after WWII

Natural Environments

Equatorial, Arid, Oceanic, and Frozen Climates

Mix of continental and island climates- equatorial to mid-latitude w/ Himalayan foothills, volcanic islands and coral reefs.

Long-term geographic isolation- unique flora and fauna

Hot, rainy, all-year long- Southern Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia

Monsoon topical climate- Northern Philippines, Indochina, Thailand, Myanmar and Northern Australia

Arid Continental Interior- Australia (1/3 arid and 1/3 semi-arid) (REMEMBER)

Warm Mid-latitude Climate- Southeastern Australian Coast (like Eastern US)

Continents and Islands

Ring of Fire: Relief is dominated by clashing of tectonic plates- volcanoes and earthquakes.

Volcanic Islands- volcano surrounded by coral reefs

Rivers- Mekong (Western China, Indochina and Thailand)

Red River- Vietnam heartland

Chao Praya River- Economic and cultural hearth of Thailand

Distinctive Ecosystems

Ecosystems of Asia are unique and threatened from overpopulation and exploitation

Large areas of Tropical Rainforest- Indonesia and Malaysia

Monsoon Forest- Myanmar to Indochina to Philippines (dominated by Teak and very hard and valuable wood.)

Wallace Line- distinct separation of Asian and Australian species caused by tectonic action.

Natural Resources

Rich in iron, tin, gold and precious stones.

Oil and Natural Gas- Brunei (Muslim Sultanate) and Indonesia

Mekong River- 6 country watershed with opportunities for hydroelectric, transportation and irrigation.

Australian Resources- ancient rock with iron, nickel, gold, platinum, uranium and copper

Environmental Problems

Main- volcanic and earthquake activity

Deforestation, mining pollution and water pollution are main human impacts

Introduction of new species has been very harmful to Australia and New Zealand

Issues- oil spills in shipping lanes, despoiled islands from mining

No-nuke zones: around Australia and New Zealand. Issues between US and region- Nuclear powered ships are not allowed in the area. French Nuclear testing is a big issue.

Globalization

VERY IMPORTANT POINT- This region has strong and ancient cultural roots. The cultures are distinct and the people of the region have a long history of conflict and increasing cooperation. It also has a history (and its cultures have been defined by this) of interaction (conflict, trade and occupation) with Chinese, Arab (Islamic), Indian (Hindu and Buddhist) and Western (from Portugal- 1500s- to the United States) The cultural lines (regions) created by the Chinese and Moslems dominate South East Asian cultures (north is Chinese/Buddhist, south is Moslem.) South Pacific is Western- mostly British

Why: coastal geography between old and powerful civilizations. Sea lanes and chokepoints with natural resources

Global Cities- Singapore (like Chicago), Sydney then Jakarta, Melbourne, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Manila

ASEAN- economic cooperation group of Southeast Asian countries- now includes China, Japan and South Korea. Not much like EU since there is so much conflict and disagreement in the region

Subregions

Southeast Asia

Australia and New Zealand

South Pacific Islands

Southeast Asia

Countries

This region is both isolated (far from much of world history and action) and open (highway for trade and cultural dissemination.) Parts are difficult to reach (jungle or ocean) while much of it is peninsular with navigable rivers

Continental Countries

Center of ancient kingdoms. Kingdoms established from northern immigration. Grew through ocean trade links with India and Arab countries. Similar pattern with Western nations (also between part of East-West communist battle ground.)

Vietnam

1. South China Sea oil field (key to economic future).

2. A large developing market that has attracted French, Japanese and United States interest.

3. First (1946-1954) and Second (1957-1975) Indochina wars have left a legacy of devastation and remorse throughout North and South Vietnam.

4. Continued conflict with China.

5. Industrial north (Hanoi and Haiphong) and agriculture south.

6. The Red, Black and Mekong river valleys hold the majority of the country's population.

7. MIA issue must be resolved before United States relations can deepen.

8. US spent $150 billion, employed 600,000 troops and destroyed 70% of northern villages.

Thailand

1. Rapidly developing.

2. Worlds' largest exporter of rice.

3. Bangkok and Singapore are mainland Southeast Asia's largest economic and industrial centers.

4. A rural country.

5. Infrastructure (streets, roads, waste disposal) lags far behind development.

6. Rapidly moving from labor-intensive to more technology oriented manufacturing.

7. Leader in economic development.

8. King Bhumibol Adulyadej's (50 years on the throne)- longest reigning monarch in modern history. Web site:

http://www.thaimain.com/eng/monarchy/

Check out the life of a Thai on the internet:

http://www.thailandlife.com/

Cambodia

1. Over 10 million mines still dot the landscape of rural Cambodia.

a. Largest U.S.-supported mine clearing operation in the world.

b. Khmer Rouge (Cambodian Communists) continue to fight current government in north and west Cambodia.

2. Once a net food exporter, today Cambodia must import food to avoid food shortages and starvation.

3. Kymer Rouge government murdered over 1 million people under Pol Pot

4. 1.7 million people were starved, executed, or died of disease in 4 years of Khmer Rouge rule.

Laos

1. Land of 10,000 Elephants.

2. Remote, hilly and forested.

3. One major paved road, no railroads.

4. Golden Triangle: the geographic juncture of Laos, Burma and China.

5. Golden Triangle is the world's highest opium-producing region.

6. The main cultivators of opium poppy in SE Asia are hill tribes (Meo and Yao.)

Myanmar (used to be Burma)

1. Has a military rule with widespread unrest.

2. Largely a riverine people in heavily populated areas.

3. Burmese are the dominant ethnic group. There is widespread conflict centered on Myammar's ethnic minorities including:

a. Shan

b. Karen

c. Chin

d. Ka Chin

4. Aung San Suu Kyi: 1991 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Opposition leader under house arrest often (19 months straight with 12 years of frequent detention.) (Need to know) Check out her web site:

http://www.ibiblio.org/freeburma/assk/assk.html

Island Countries

Island lands are mostly Moslem with varying degrees of political control. Given the nature of wide, open oceanic countries, piracy and illegal activities are common.

Jemaah Islamiah- regional terrorist organization seeking to establish a Islamic country to include Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Indonesia

1. World's largest Moslem State.

2. Rapidly developing on a comprehensive natural resource base (oil, metallic mineral resources). The world's largest gold mine recently opened in Indonesia.

3. An aggressive, expansionist oriented country.

a. Suppression of east Timor revolt.

b. Trouble with Philippines' treatment of Moslems.

c. Historic border conflict with Malaysia.

d. Brutal suppression of Chinese political activities in 1960's.

4. 13,000 islands and 300 ethnic groups

5. Very big problem with pirates and militant Moslems- Government fears crackdowns my result in reprisals.

6. Areas seek independence- Aceh, Sumatra, Moluccas and Irian Jaya

East Timor

1. Achieved independence from Indonesia after 24 years of occupation

2. Newest country on earth- 2002

3. Shares offshore oil rights with Australia

4. Former Portuguese colony

Philippines

1. Former Spanish, then US colony

2. Most westernized country in the region

3. Armed Muslim group, Abu Sayaff, fights government army on Basilan Island

4. US military supporting Philippine army against Muslim Abu Sayyaf guerrillas

Singapore

1. Socio-economically the most affluent of the ASEAN states.

2. The region's largest and most modern port complex.

3. Located at the south end of the globally strategic Malacca Strait.

4. Ethnically mixed, but with strong Chinese cultural influence.

5. A tight, highly centralized government and political system.

Malaysia

1. Mostly Moslem with religious-based political system. Moslem Malays still control parliament.

2. World-class producer of tin and natural rubber.

3. Labor shortages have resulted in immigrants from Moslem Bangladesh and Catholic Philippines- a multiethnic society.

4. Chinese-Malay conflicts focus mainly on economic issues.

5. Ruled by a supreme sultan which tightly controls the opposition

Brunei

1. small country on island of Borneo

2. Rich in oil and natural gas

3. Introduced the concept of a Malaysian Moslem Monarchy

4. Shell Oil is very active here

5. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah- one of world’s wealthiest people

6. Citizens are given large benefits of health care and education

People

Diversity leads to tension and conflict (study page 246 to understand)

Chinese- make up 7% of population with great influence. Great influence in economic spheres in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. In Indonesia- make up 3.4% of population and own 75% of businesses.

Indians- present in Myanmar, Malaysia and parts of Indonesia

Religion- region is segregated by Buddhist, Moslem and Christian cultures. Anamistic religions are significant among indigenous people with a great deal of spirit-based observances as part of the culture.

Myanmar- conflict between government and hill tribes (Shan and Karen)

Thailand- very regionally distinct with Northern hill tribes (Karen, etc.), Northeastern Laotian people, Central Khmer/Thai people and Thais and Southern Moslems. Bangkok business area is dominated by Chinese immigrants

Vietnam- border skirmishes with China and conflict over Spratly Islands, also expulsion of Chinese business people.

Population Growth- 520 million people. Population growth rates are falling in most countries. AIDS is increasingly affecting population growth.

AIDs in Thailand

http://www.avert.org/aidsthai.htm

A great story- the politician and the monk:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week606/cover.html

Look at Thailand’s successful program to control population and HIV

http://www.un.org/Pubs/chronicle/2001/issue4/0104p56.html

http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/features/power50.2001/p49.html

http://www.personalmd.com/news/a1996073104.shtml

http://www.aegis.com/news/lt/1990/LT900110.html

Population Densities: Indonesia- 60% of population (of 200 million) live on 7% of land. Small countries like Brunei and Singapore are very urban. Thailand and Indonesia are 30 urban with large rural areas. Malaysia and Philippines are 50% urban.

Bangkok has world’s worst traffic jams. Urban living in Southeast Asia is one of congestion, pollution and inadequate infrastructure with very high urban growth rates.

Trafficking People: ½ of the woman and children sold as slaves and prostitutes come from this region. Reasons- cheap labor, immigration for jobs, prostitution and brides. 10% of Filipinos work abroad. Many S.E. Asian Moslems work in the Middle East.

Economic Development

Area of rapid economic development.

East Asian Miracle (page 250): 1980-90's- a boom year for “Tiger” economies (The Asian Tigers include South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. The Little Tigers include Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia.) By 1997, the miracle had failed. Linked to (no for test):

§ High levels of foreign lending

§ Government budget deficits

§ Loans to glutted property markets

§ Slower economic growth

§ Subsequent currency devaluation

§ Less (almost none) Japanese and US aid.

§ New challenges caused by strong Chinese growth- competition.

Agriculture: padi farming (rice) with plantation agriculture (oil palm, rubber, coffee, tea, spices, fruits, etc.)

Check out Thai fruits:

http://asiarecipe.com/larry/thaifruits.html

http://www.samui.org/fruits/

Forests, Mining and Tourism - review pages 251-54

Australia and New Zealand

Inhabited by mostly Europeans- diverse and affluent economies.

Problems- distance to world markets, small local markets and transition from former colony status to Asian partners.

Countries

Australia- only country/continent- Canberra- capital. Most people live in temperate/humid southeastern coastal region (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra.) Northern Australia- Great Barrier Reef- largest continuous reef formation. Interior and West- Great Australian Desert.

People

Originally British in immigration it is becoming multi-racial and cultural as more Asian mover to the region. Mostly urban.

Economic Development

Japan purchases more from Australia than US and Europe combined.

Ranked 1^st in world- natural capital- includes land, water, timber, gold, resources, etc.

Asia and Australia differ on economic development vs. personal freedom.

Australia- Economy is increasingly tied to Asia (Asia's farm and quarry.)Mining provides 1/2 of its exports (largest exporter of coal, 3^rd producer of gold and world's biggest diamond mine.) Agricultural exports include beef, wheat and wine

New Zealand- Economy is based upon natural resources and agricultural products (wool, lamb and dairy.) Biggest trade partner is Japan. Tourism is growing.

South Pacific Islands

East of Australia- located around the equator

Island Countries

Gained independence during the 1970s. Linked to donor countries (US, UK and France) due to economic difficulties and internal tensions. Poor countries with little products in demand.

People

Land and resources can not support populations at a subsistence level with many dependent upon imported western foods.

Economic Development

Little resources that can be exploited (some copper and gold)- very little agriculture. Tourism has much potential but islands are isolated

Antarctica: A Region?

Antarctica’s Global Status

10% of Earth's surface- visited by tourists and scientists.

Treaty prohibits resource exploitation- used as a site for research (global warming, pollution, etc.)

Antarctica and the Southern Oceans

High pressure cold forms a barrier to any warming trends. Thickness of ice upon continent is significant

Antarctica’s Resources

Not a country- does not have an economy. Resource extraction is not allowed.

Tourism- based upon cruise ships and growing.

Country Facts

Country	Ethnicity	Religion	Colony	Eco Group	Web Links
Singapore	Chinese		British	Asian Tiger
Malaysia	Malay/Chinese	Islam	British	Little Tiger
Thailand	Thai	Buddhism	None	Little Tiger	http://www.thailandnews.net2/ http://www.thailandlife.com/
Indonesia	Indonesian	Islam	Dutch	Little Tiger	http://www.expat.or.id/ http://www.asiadragons.com/indonesia/arts_and_culture/ http://www.interknowledge.com/indonesia/index.html
Philippines	Filipino	Catholic	Spain/US	Little Tiger	http://www.philippinesnews.net/ http://www.manilatimes.net/ http://www.geocities.com/benign0/ http://www.ualberta.ca/~vmitchel/ http://www.tsinoy.com/ http://www.viloria.com/
Vietnam	Vietnamese	Buddhism	France		http://www.viettouch.com/ http://www.thingsasian.com/destination/vietnam/topic_culture.jsp http://www.angelfire.com/co/hongnam/ http://www.vietnamadventures.com/ http://www.vietmedia.com/culture/ http://www.geographia.com/vietnam/
Cambodia	Cambodian	Buddhism	France		http://www.parish-without-borders.net/cditt/cambodia/khculture.htm http://www.mekong.net/cambodia/index.htm http://www.learningspace.org/passport/nov/team8.html
Laos	Laotian/Hmong	Buddhism	France		http://www.global.lao.net/laovl/cultart.htm http://www.laos-hotels.net/laos-travel-guide/culture.html http://www.laos-hotels.com/history.htm
Myanmar	Hill Tribes	Buddhism	British		http://www.myanmar.com/ http://www.yangonow.com/eng/culture/ http://www.dassk.org/ http://www.dassk.org/contents.php?id=195 http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/myanmar/index.html http://www.ibiblio.org/freeburma/assk/assk.html