Asian Studies Nat Geo A

National Geographic Special Asian Studies Edition

How does geography impact culture, economics, and politics in Asian nations?

Mr. Galvez Block A

Special Asian Studies Edition

B ANGLADESH , G EOGRAPHICALLY I MPACTED A SIAN S TUDIES V OLUME 3, I SSUE A

O CTOBER 2008

By Jacques Van Anh Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a highly

would most likely

populated Asian country,

be

has been shaped by its

than it is today.

geography.

Bangladesh’s land is

Throughout

much

can affect a country.

lower

its history, Bangladesh has

filled

with

been impacted by its

amounts of alluvial

amount of natural re-

soil which is perfect

sources, such as soil and

for growing crops.

crops, much like other

Bangladeshis

The resources that a country can grow also influence its people’s cul-

high

are

ture. This is seen in a Bangladeshi’s diet. One of the country’s major natuFig.1: Bangladeshi workers collecting crops during the day.

countries have been. Also, able to grow large quanti-

has ideal growing condi-

the types of natural re-

ties of jute used for wrap-

tions in many areas, and

sources can help influence

ping, making carpets, and

farming employs more

Bangladesh. They have

other goods. It is one of

than 60% of the popula-

been using their resources

Bangladesh’s biggest ex-

tion.” (Figure 1) Because

in many ways. Bangla-

port. Because of this valu-

this country has good land

desh’s geography is able

able

resource,

and fair weather the ma-

to affect its economy,

Bangladesh is able to

jority of the year, over

culture and political deci-

grow many crops, and

half of the working popu-

sions.

therefore

its

lation is employed in the

economy by exporting.

agricultural division. As

The type of natural re-

previously

sources found in Bangla-

Bangladesh’s natural re-

desh can also impact what

sources are able to affect

field of work its popula-

how developed its econ-

tion is employed in. It is

omy is. This is just one

stated that “Bangladesh

way that natural resources

Bangladesh’s

econ-

omy has been greatly affected by the natural resources found on its land.

Without its exceptional amount of arable land, Bangladesh’s

economy

natural

develop

explained,

ral resource is rice since its land allows for large amounts to be grown.

This results in rice being a large part of most of the population’s diet. In Bangladesh, rice is not only common, but also inexpensive, which is why it is regularly eaten in all kinds of Bangladeshi households, big or small, rich or poor.

(Figure 2) The animal species found in a country also impact its nation’s way of life. The many rivers and bodies of water located in Bangladesh are the homes to many types

B ANGLADESH , G EOGRAPHICALLY I MPACTED

P AGE 2

I MPACTS

Fig.2: Women from Bangladesh drying rice out in the sun.

OF

N ATURAL

RESOURCES ON THE

B ANGLADESH S OCIETY

of fish. This is the reason

do not want to export a ral resources are able to

why fish is such an impor-

national

tant part of Bangladeshi

natural resource is making tics and culture in numer-

cuisine. The large amounts

the government think about ous ways. There are many

of fish enable the Bangla-

the right decision to make. things lowering economy

deshis to invent new dishes,

They do not want a low growth rate in Bangladesh

in order to please their

economy; neither do they like floods, but the govern-

people. They are able to

want low pride. The few ment is trying to prevent

mix multiple natural re-

exportable goods in the more damage. The people

sources and make a dish

country make the govern- of Bangladesh try to live

that will be appreciated by

ment think about the best through it all. Natural re-

resource.

This influence economics, poli-

their population. Therefore, way to solve difficult prob- sources are a strong factor

“P OLITICAL DECISIONS ARE ALL MADE TO FIX DILEMMAS WHETHER IT INVOLVES WAR OR GEOGRAPHY .”

people’s diets are strongly

lems. Bangladesh is affected in building a society; Bang-

impacted by their country’s

by floods and storms which ladesh has been significantly

natural resources.

destroy their growing crops, affected by this one part of

However, geography can influence more than just culture and economics.

Natural resources can also affect the political side of a society in a several ways. It can affect the decisions that a government needs to make. Bangladesh has a massive reserve of natural gas, (Figure 3) used to generate power, which has a high potential to become an

Fig.3: Bangladesh’s extremely large reserve of natural gas is a potential export.

export and increase economy. Even though the government is only considering exporting it because they

lowering the number of geography.

Natural

re-

exportable goods. The gov- sources are a strong factor ernment has decided to in building a society; Bangincrease production rate to ladesh has a significantly counter this problem. This affected by this one part of decision can increase the geography. number of remaining crops after the storms have hit, therefore

increasing

the

amount of exports. This proves that amounts of natural resources can also affect politics. Political decisions are all made to fix dilemmas whether it involves war or geography.

Bangladesh’s natu-

Fig.4: Life in the highly dense populated country is not easy.

There is not enough food to for everybody and even fewer to be exported out.

Special Asian Studies Edition

L IFE A LONG W ATER A SIAN S TUDIES V OLUME 3, I SSUE A

O CTOBER 2008

By HeRa Kang New Delhi, India

The geography of

Therefore, people’s life is ing area for crops such as

elers to its waters, and

India is closely related to

usually dependent on riv- legumes, chilies, mustard,

rapids of the Ganges are

how India is shaped today, ers or seas.

sesame, sugarcane, and

also popular for river raft-

and it has huge influences

jute, and sometimes it is

ing. Since there are so

on its country. During

available to go fishing

many things that attract

India’s past, the streams

along the river. Therefore

people to waters, tourism

of water- such as rivers,

living along the river is a

is another big contributor

canals, and oceans often

really good option for

to India’s economy. The

contributed in the coun-

farmers, where they can

flow of water doesn’t just

try’s development. The

use water any time they

affect the economy of In-

need for their work. Since

dia; it even affects the

more than half of Indians

politics of India.

three main aspects that are strongly influenced by geography are economy,

Figure 1.

Hill Range and River Map of India.

are subsistence farmers

Rivers of India

who are main producers

also have large impacts to

Moreover, India of goods to export, re-

the politics of India. More

politics and culture.

India is almost wholly crossed by rivers

is primarily an agriculture quiring

living

than half of the Indians are

(Figure 1), and its econ-

nation, and rivers are pro- along the river is giving

subsistence farmers; lots

omy is greatly influenced

viders

continuous great impacts to the farm-

of amounts of water are

by rivers. The rivers of

source of irrigation to ers, and to India’s econ-

required when farming.

India are often called the

large farming areas. Main omy.

Therefore, living along the

life system of India, indi-

crops cultivated along the

Furthermore,

river would be beneficial

cating that rivers play big

river contain rice, sugar- India attracts people with

for the farmers’ work.

role in its industries and

cane, lentils, oil seeds, its fascinating historical

Thus population would be

economy. In India, there

potatoes, and wheat and sites. The towns of holy

concentrated along the

are many industries re-

some other goods. The to Hinduism – Haridwar,

river (Figure 2), which

quiring water to run it, as

existence of swamps and Allahabad, and Varanasi –

would require the govern-

seen in fishing industries.

lakes provide a rich grow- attract thousands of trav-

ment to make some care-

of

water,

L IFE A LONG W ATER

P AGE 2

I MPACT OF WATER ON I NDIA ’ S E CONOMY , P OLITICS , AND C ULTURE

Figure 2.

A village along Ganges River, Varanasi.

ful decisions in building

have to care about rivers, in

working with water, and

facilities and infrastructures

order to avoid any damages

they would differ from

along the region, for con-

or disadvantages for the

those of people in plains or

venience of people living in

citizens. The politics of

mountain ranges. This indi-

the region, considering the

India is affected by water in

cates that condition of the

concentrated

various ways.

surroundings or the envi-

there. Concentrated popu-

Since the civiliza-

ronment plays a big role in

lation along the river affects

tion began, population was

the lives of people along the

the decisions that govern-

mostly concentrated along

river. The streams of water

ment is making.

water, and where most of

are the main way of life for

India’s

“T HE RIVERS OF I NDIA ARE OFTEN CALLED THE LIFE SYSTEM OF I NDIA …”

Figure 3.

Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India

population

different

civilizations have been built, people living along water.

topographical features also

and where cultures were

The three main

affect the decisions that

developed. For India, rivers

elements that were affected

government is making. In-

were where its civilization,

by geography are the econ-

dia is consisted of 3 differ-

began and where the na-

omy, politics, and culture

ent topographical features,

tions in the past have been

of India. India was devel-

the mountain range, the

developed. Evidences of

oped mainly by the streams

great plain, and the south-

civilization in the past are

of water, and has been

ern peninsula. As the coun-

still found along the water,

shaped as present. Through

try’s topographical features

such as ancient paintings,

researching and writing this

are varied, India is also di-

and architectures (Figure 3). essay, I could learn the im-

vided into several states and

Therefore, rivers of India

portance of geography’s

territories that are having

remain also as evidences of

role in shaping a country by

each of their own govern-

history of India.

greatly impacting it.

ment. According to the

Life along water

location of the state or ter-

day by day (Figure 4)

ritory, different decisions

would be determined to the

like rules would be spe-

condition of the streams of

cially made for the region

water. For example, foods

that would differ from

that people eat would

other regions. For the cities

mainly be seafood and

which have rivers crossing,

clothes people wear would

the

usually be suitable for

governments

would

Figure 4.

Bathing ghat on the Yamuna River at Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Special Asian Studies Edition

T HE E XTREME C LIMATE OF C AMBODIA A SIAN S TUDIES V OLUME 3, I SSUE A

O CTOBER 2008

By Adeline Wong Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Have you ever wondered what a country with only two extreme seasons is like?

Cambodia is one of these nations; there are only two seasons; the wet and the dry. During the wet season has most of the country flooded, and it rarely rains during the dry season. In Cambodia, the extreme alternating climate affects the culture, economics and politics.

Figure 1: A stilt house during a flood.

size” (“Cambodia: The Climate. . .”) during this period of time. The stilt houses, which are raised to about three meters on mangrove piles. The reason why villagers live The climate of a place can greatly impact in stilt houses is mainly to the culture. Many aspects keep out the water durof Cambodian culture are ing the annual floods.

Another reason is to keep influenced by the climate.

In rural Cambodia, most out wild animals and rodents. During the dry people live in stilt houses season, the space under (Fig. 1). This is caused by the house is “used as the extreme alternating climate. From mid-June storage” (Kras) and to to November, a large dry laundry. These stilt portion of the nation is houses are generally flooded. On the other “made from bamboo, thatch, or wood.” (Kras). hand, the other half of However, these the year sees nearly no rain at all. The major lake, Cambodians do not live the Tonle Sap, “grows 7 in stilt houses all year times its’ round. Some of the

“farmers become fishermen”. (“Cambodia: The . . .”). What that means, is that during the rainy season, the farmers then begin to fish to earn money because there is hardly any dry land to farm anything. During this period of time, fish becomes the country’s “main export” (“Cambodia: The Climate. . .”) the fishermen live in houses on the Tonle Sap (the Great Lake) and the Mekong River. They live on little houses that float on top of the water by using bamboo branches. These houses that are grouped together are called “Floating Villages” (Sara Louise Kras, Cambodia).

These floating villages (Fig. 2) are like any other village you could imagine, just that their form of transportation is by boat.

The houses are impermanent and can be easily taken apart. Most of the houses have fishing pens

under or around them, where the villagers put caught fish in them and fatten them up before eating or selling them.

After season changes, especially from the wet season to the dry season, some people would be able to find jobs.

The roads and some houses would be ruined from the floods, and many road and construction workers would have the opportunity to earn more money. A lot of people would need these services; therefore, the demand would be high, causing the prices to be slightly more expensive.

Although the road and construction workers may not earn much money in the months before and after, they would mostly likely earn a large amount during that period. Many houses would likely be damaged, some harmed so greatly they wouldn’t be habitable anymore; this would

T HE E XTREME C LIMATE OF C AMBODIA

P AGE 2

C LIMATE ’ S IMPACT OF CULTURE , POLITICS , AND ECONOMICS IN C AMBODIA .

Figure 2: A vendor on a boat going around the floating village selling goods.

“R ICE IS ONE OF THE MAIN NATURAL RESOURCES AND IS EXPORTED ALL AROUND A SIA .”

Figure 3: A rice paddy field in Cambodia.

give the construction workers a big opportunity to earn more money. The unemployment rates would most likely go down during the transition between the wet and dry season. The climate of Cambodia affects a lot of different jobs and occupations, giving everybody a chance to be successful.

Climate can sometimes affect the politics of a nation. The Cambodian government is often affected when it concerns the climate of the country. The government must always repair the cities after the annual floods come. The yearly floods stay for a slight period of time, therefore, destroying many roads and much of the land. After the floods leave and the villagers move back to their village homes, the government is responsible to pay for the repair of the streets, and to clean them up also.

Many of the roads may have cracked and would most likely be quite bumpy after the change of season, so there would be a lot of work for the government.

The government of Cambodia would also be impacted during the years

when the floods were more severe. During the heavy floods, the floodwater would wash away crops and homes. This would often “lead Cambodia to food shortage” (“Background and Cambodia. . .”), hunger and starvation, and poverty. The government would have the burden of fixing these problems and making sure the poor was fed and cared for. The climate of Cambodia often impacts politics, especially the government, because of the heavy rains.

Economics of a place can be influenced by the climate. Cambodia’s rainy climate has affected the occupations that people in rural areas have. A large portion of the villagers are farmers, mainly rice paddy farmers. Rice paddies (Fig. 3) need a lot of water, and water is accessed easily because of the heavy rains in Cambodia.

Rice is the staple food for all the people, and is eaten at nearly every meal. Because of the abundant supply of rice, a lot is also exported, earning the country more money. The people of Cambodia “are the best fed in South East Asia” (“Cambodia: A Land.

. .”), most probably because of the large supply of rice. During the wet season of the year, which is generally around mid-June to November, some of these farmers become fishermen. Rice is one of the main natural resources and is exported all around Asia.

The economy of Cambodia is impacted by the climate, and the two main foods in the nation show how great the impact is.

The interesting culture, remarkable economy, and the unique politics of the nation of Cambodia are influenced by the extreme alternating climate. Many Cambodians live in stilt houses to protect themselves from the annual floods, and many live on the Tonle Sap to fish. The rainy climate makes it easier to grow rice, and the large Tonle Sap and Mekong River open opportunities for people to fish and make a living. Furthermore, the politics of Cambodia is greatly affected by the great floods. Although the climate is quite, seeing as it has all but only two extreme seasons, the dry and the wet, the people of this nation are well and truly adapt to it.

Special Asian Studies Edition

GIFTS FROM EARTH A SIAN S TUDIES VOLUME 3, ISSUE A

OCTOBER 2008

By Marcus Wei Tokyo, Japan

"Natural resources are any property of the physical environment, such as minerals, or natural vegetation, which humans can use to satisfy their needs.

Technically speaking, a property only becomes a resource when it is exploited by humans.”

–Answers.com.

This is the definition of a natural resource; natural resources are one aspect of geogra-

Fig 1: Japanese fishermen with hundreds of tunas.

phy that affects a country’s economy, and it affects the economy in many different ways.

Japan, Saudi Arabia, and China are three examples of countries that have natural resources affecting their economy.

of rice and a large number of other crops too, such as tea, sugar beets, and wheat. This shows that the Japanese rely on agriculture as food and use these crops to accomplish trade with other countries; also due to its topography of being in In the islands of Japan, aquaculture is one the ocean, sea trade for seafood and corps can be natural resource that affects their economy accomplish with ease. greatly. Japan catches 1.5 million tons of fish In the dry lands of Saudi Arabia, the economy each year, accounting for about 8% of the is heavily dependent on the oil fields. Saudi Araworld’s catch. In this quote, it shows that Japan bia has the world’s largest oil fields, and oil accatches a large number of fish as shown in fig- counts for more than 90% of its exports. In these ure 1, and therefore exporting fish and other contexts, it explains that Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest exporter of oil, and this is their seafood affects Japan’s economy.

Agriculture also plays a big role in Japan’s main income in their economy. Since the econeconomy. Because Japan consists mostly of omy is dependent on these oils, each year Saudi plains, agriculture can exist in most parts of Arabia produces millions of barrels of oil each Japan. It produces more than 11.5 million tons day.

GIFTS FROM EARTH

P AGE 2

NATURAL RESOURCES AFFECTING ECONOMY Another natural resource that will affect the economy will be natural gas. About 60% of the energy consumed in Saudi Arabia is oil; the other 40% is from natural gas.

Therefore, if the source oil in Saudi Arabia comes to an end, the economy won’t be damage as bad, because they still have natural gas for energy use.

In China, the mining industry is extremely vital to its economy. China is the world’s largest coal producer and it produces more than 1,270 million tons of coal in a year. Coal is the primary energy for its massive population and it’s also exported to the rest of the world. This shows that coal is a very valuable mineral in China and not only is a stable energy source, but also its estimated that coal will last longer than both oil and natural gas, but yet the production of coal energy creates harmful pollution.

Another element in China that affects the economy is tourism. China’s tourism is the second largest in the world; tourist spent in total of 588 billion Yuan in 2006, it contributed 2.9% to China’s GDP. China has many geographical sites such as the three gorgeous dam that attracts thousands of tourists each year, and this also has contribute the economy greatly.

Fig 2: The biggest oil fields lies in Saudi Arabia.

Natural resources affect the economy in many ways. In Japan, Saudi Arabia, and China it is clearly shown that the resources have affected these countries’ economy. Without these natural resources the countries won’t be what it is today.

"Natural resources are any property of the physical environment, such as minerals, or natural vegetation, which humans can use to satisfy their needs. Technically speaking, a property only becomes a resource when it is exploited by humans.”

–Answers.com Fig 3: In China, coal is one main power source.

Special Asian Studies Edition

H OW C LIMATE S HAPES E CONOMICS , P OLITICS , AND C ULTURE OF M ALAYSIA A SIAN S TUDIES V OLUME 3 I SSUE A

O CTOBER 2008

By Von Ying Lee Kuala Lumpur, Malayia

Did you know of traditional clothing.

Malaysia eat. Durians can only

all fruits’.

that instead of four

Since it is so hot in Ma- be grown in hot tropical weath-

seasons, Malaysia is

laysia, many people

the climate of Malaysia

tropical all year

wear t-shirts and shorts

also greatly affects poli-

around? Malaysia is

instead of their national

tics. Malaysia is a coun-

hot and humid most of costumes. These the time, but during a

clothes allow them to

period of time, end-

feel cooler, letting

Besides culture,

try that rains almost daily, which can be a Figure 1: Durians hanging down from the branch in Malaysia.

big impact on their

less rainfall occurs.

them feel the wind, as

This unique climate of

well as preventing the

Malaysia greatly af-

people from sweating

ers; like Malaysia. (Figure 1)

fects economics, poli-

too much. Because of

“The durian is grown in other

that occur are natural

tics, and culture of the the humid weather, is

areas with a similar climate; it is

results of cyclical mon-

country.

has become unfit to

strictly tropical and stops grow-

wear the different cul-

ing when mean daily tempera-

ture’s national cos-

tures drop below 22 °. Since this are characterized by fruit tree is planted all around heavy and regular rain-

The most important change that climate in Malaysia brings to people is culture. The tropical climate affects the clothes that people

tumes, and now, only in special occasions are

Malaysia's geographical

Malaysia, it has become a fruit

these national costumes that has become a Malaysian worn.

delicacy. In fact, they have even Tropical cli-

government. “Given

been made into pastries, juices,

location, most floods

soons during the local tropical wet season that

fall from roughly October to March.” Because of the great amount of floods that occur each

wear. Malaysia is a

mate affects the types

and even candies. Believe it or

year, many of the

multi racial country,

of fruits grown in Ma-

not, durian is so important and

houses, buildings, etc.

meaning that there are laysia which affects the many different types

food that people in

commonly eaten, that Malaysians consider it as the ‘King of

get ruined. In order to restore Malaysia to its

P AGE 2

H OW C LIMATE S HAPES E CONOMICS , P OLITICS ,

C LIMATE ’ S

Figure 2: Stilt houses in Malaysia

IMPACT ON

Figure 3: Beach in Malaysia

OF

M ALAYSIA

POLITICS , AND CULTURE IN MALLAYSIA

still damaged, and people

Malaysia because tourists

quickly as possible, the

are still injured. The gov-

mean money.

government has to take

ernment will have to do

action, meaning con-

something to prevent

tributing a huge amount

them from happening

of money in order for

more to avoid the risk of

things to get back to the

many lives.

Landslides are

TROPICAL CLIMATE NOT ONLY AFFECTS POLITICS AMD CULTURE , BUT ALSO M ALAYSIA ’ S ECONOMY .”

C ULTURE

original condition as

way they were.

“T HE

E CONOMICS ,

AND

The tropical cli-

Another way climate affects economics is when it comes to farming. With an average of one hundred-fifty to two hundred raining days per year is an advantage to

mate not only affects

farmers. This not only saves

another factor that is

politics and culture, but

farmer’s time, but also gives

caused by Malaysia’s

also Malaysia’s economy.

the farm land endless sup-

climate which greatly

The natural beauty of

plies of natural water. With

affects its politics. It is

Malaysia attracts many

enough amounts of water

one of the two main

visitors. Malaysia’s cli-

and sunlight, the crops in

natural disasters that

mate is wet and tropical

Malaysia are likely to grow

occur in Malaysia. Land-

all year around with an

fast, and very healthy with-

slides only occur

average of eighty to

out the help of additional

through heavy rainfall.

ninety percent relative

medication for the crops.

The Government has to

humidity. The unspoiled

(Figure 4) This will allow

take action when this

rainforests, ancient cave

the farmers to earn money

natural disaster occurs

systems and scenic

quickly and efficiently.

in ways such as; evacua-

beaches attract many

tion procedures, change

tourists with their tropi-

of house structures for

cal beauty. (Figure 3)

all houses that are

The humid and wet cli-

within the commonly

mate allows all the trees

affected areas, such as

to stay green all year

stilt houses. (Figure 2)

around and the ocean

Some of these disasters

water to stay nice and

that occur can be very

blue. The attraction of

minor, but things are

tourists is a huge gain to

Figure 4: Farm in Malaysia

Special Asian Studies Edition

r

SAUDI ARABIA A SIAN S TUDIES V OLUME 3, I SSUE A

OCTOBER 2008

By Kevin Wang Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

One of Saudi Arabia’s Oil Rigs (Fig 1)

Topography plays a major role in many countries. It has affected the way a country functions, from personal health standards to how leaders govern their country. Saudi Arabia consists of dry and flat terrain, enormous sandy deserts in the middle, with narrow plains on the coast. Saudi Arabia is a very distinctive country due to its topography. Its unique terrain shapes how Saudi Arabia functions as a country. With this unique environment comes change, it changes almost everything, but mostly, it affects economy, culture, and politics.

The economy of Saudi Arabia would not be the same without the terrain. Saudi Arabia has to adjust their economic activities to suit their landscape. More than 50% of terrain in Saudi Arabia is uninhabited (Fig 3), because of

the difficult conditions.

The middle of the country is mainly uninhabited because of its large desert, as a result, major economic cities have to be moved elsewhere. Cities are mainly located on the west coast of the country (Fig 2 and 4), near water. The middle of the country does not contribute to the economy, while the east and west coasts contribute the most to the economy.

Growing agriculture is almost impossible in this coun-

The Kingdom Tower in the capital city of Riyadh (Fig 2)

Saudi woman preparing a meal (Fig 3)

try. Without agriculture, the economy misses out on a big opportunity to make money by selling food products. Instead of making money like other countries do from this, Saudi Arabia needs to spend millions of dollars to import agriculture to feed to people of Saudi Arabia.

The terrain is way too dry and infertile for crops to be grown on, the economy suffers because their people are not fed unless they import agriculture. The

SAUDI ARABIA

P AGE 2

T OPOGRAPHYS

IMPACTS MANY ASPECTS OF

cuisine consists of mainly on meats, grains, and spices (Fig 3). Most Saudi dishes do not include a lot of green vegetable because Saudi Arabia’s terrain is infertile and difficult to grow vegetables. With this lack of green vegetable, Saudi dishes are made with ingredients easily obtained on their land, like spices or grain.

Culture and topography blend with one-another, culture is greatly affected by the landscape.

One of the major cities, Jiddah, Saudi Arabia (Fig 4)

landscape and terrain4of Saudi Arabia majorly affects how the economy works and functions.

The culture of Saudi Arabians are shaped by the topography. The people adapt and change to their surroundings which results in a unique culture. The people of Saudi Arabia have different clothes as a result of their environment. With this desert like terrain comes heat, so most Saudi’s wear light and bright colored clothes as a way to escape the heat.

Saudi Arabians have adapted their clothes to suit the difficult environment. Saudi cuisine has a very unique and distinctive taste due to the geography. Saudi

Saudi Arabia’s politics are changed with the topography. It changes the way politicians and leaders control and make decisions for their country. Due to the physical features of this country, the politics of Saudi Arabia have special concerns and needs for there country (Fig 5). For example, there are no bodies of water within Saudi Arabia, because of the dry climate, politicians and leaders have to focus on how to get water into Saudi Arabia. To solve this problem, they have built many water sanitation plants to turn sea water into drinkable water.

The vast desert creates a giant gap between many major cities, which makes transportation difficult. Politicians have to find a way to support transportation for the people of Saudi Arabia, for example, trains or roads between major cities. Distances between cities are quite large, and even worse with a desert between them, so it is a big concern for the politics to find new and convenient ways to transport

S AUDI A RABIA

people around the county of Saudi Arabia.

Terrain has majorly affected how politicians make choices and how they run the country.

Topography shapes the county of Saudi Arabia and how it functions and works as a county. It forms the way their economy and politics work along with how their culture is defined. Economy is spilt between the coasts due to the difficult terrain. Culture has a direct run-off from the landscape, as things like food and clothes are changed.

Politicians and leaders have to support there citizens with easy compromises to the difficult landscape.

Topography plays a big role in Saudi Arabia, its people, its government, and others are all changed by how they adapt to their environment to benefit themselves and their country.

“I T FORMS THE

Harvesting crude oil in Saudi Arabia (Fig 5)

WAY THEIR ECONOMY AND POLITICS WORK ALONG WITH HOW THEIR CULTURE IS DEFINED .”

Special Asian Studies Edition

G EOGRAPHY

OF

A SIAN S TUDIES VOLUME 3, I SSUE A

S OUTH K OREA D ATE : O CTOBER 17 TH ,2008

By: Angus Ng Seoul, South Korea

In this article, it will be explaining and providing evidence about how the geography of South Korea influences its economy, politics and culture. How the topography and climate of South Korea, has shaped South Korea as it is today.

to the buildings which affects the economy.

The peninsula of South Korea has boosted the economy up. “Its convoluted coastline provides mild seas, and the resulting calm environment allows for safe navigation, fishing, and seaweed farming.

Climate and to- (Korea...Wikipedia.co pography influences m) This shows that South Korea’s econ- fishing and seaweed omy in several ways. farming is a part of “The rainfall of South South Korea’s econKorea has damaged omy. The climate and South Korea’s econ- topography are the omy. South Korea has two major things that more than 100 cm of have affected South rain in a year.” (South Korea’s economy.

Korea Weather… mapsofworld.com) In South Korea, Even though South Korea has a great the Han River was economy status right once a very important now, it could be better trading tool. The if there wasn’t as economy may be much rain. The rain much better if the Han may not cause much River was still active damage but once the but it’s not. “The river rain is raining enough is no longer actively for a flood, it can do used for navigation, quite a lot of damage because its estuary is located at the borders

(Korea)… Wikipedia).

The Han River was once ruled over by the Three Kingdom, and it was a trade route to China. The Han River is not actively use for trading but in the past it played an important role for the economy.

The economy and topography plays a huge role in politics, in ( Figure 1 ) a negative way and a his is a picture showing the positive way. In 2006 heavy rain fall in Seoul.

July 16th, major flooding happened in South Korea.

“Torrential rains also flooded about 1,300 homes across the country, of the two Koreas, forcing nearly 3,000 barred for entrance by people to seek refuge any civilian.” (Han elsewhere, the emerRiver (Korea)… gency agency said. The Wikipedia).

Even government has prothough the Han River vided them with firstis still in South Korea, aid kits and basic neit wasn’t use for the cessities like water and food, it said.” (At least purpose for trading.

13 …iht.com)This has damaged the economy “The Han River and its because of the rebuildsurrounding area ing of homes. played an important role in Korean history” (Han River

G EOGRAPHY

P AGE 2

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P OLITICS INFLUENCED BY T OPOGRAPHY AND C LIMATE .

( Figure 2) This is showing a cite of the mountains in the back ground that separates North Korea and South Korea.

( Figure 3 ) This is a image showing the mountain range and the red line is the border of South Korea and North Korea.

The topography has helped South Korea, because the mountain range has created a huge boundary between North Korea and South Korea.

South Korea politicians do not wish to bond their country with North Korea for many reasons one of them being economic.

One of the main reasons they split was the Korean War/ Cold war.

“The politics of the Cold War resulted in the 1948 establishment of two separate governments, North Korea and South Korea.”(Korea…

Wikipedia) The war has completely separated Korea in half. The topography has been a massive border for South Korea and North Korea, big enough for them to support the political separation. The climate has made the politicians create a better South Korea and the topography has separated the two countries that were supposed to be united.

The climate and topography are the largest influences to South Korea because it has such unique weather and the huge mountain range that has created a boundary. It has influenced South Korea’s economy, culture and politics. I

think these influences are what created the South Korea that we have now.

T HE RAINFALL OF S OUTH K OREA HAS DAMAGED S OUTH K OREA ’ S ECONOMY .

S OUTH K OREA HAS MORE THAN 100 CM OF RAIN IN A YEAR .”

S OUTH K OREA