National Geographic Special Asian Studies Edition
How does geography impact culture, economics, and politics in Asian nations? Galvez Block B
Special Asian Studies Edition
P EARL A SIAN S TUDIES
OF THE EAST
VOLUME
3
ISSUE B
O COTBER 2008
By Fred Chang Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates cities like Dubai and Abu
quickly rose to 4.6 million in
and glory would have never
Dhabi tend to keep the
2008. This is caused by the new
surfaced in the United Arab
Islamic shape but adopt
laws by the government hoping
Emirates if it weren’t for the
new materials and raise the
to attract more foreign inves-
close link between the federation
height drastically in order
tors, as expatriates can now
and its geography. The UAE was
to ‘modernize’ the city.
enjoy tax-free life in the city of
once an impoverished federation,
Steel and glass were rarely
Dubai, also known as Dubayy.
but through changes relating to
used in Islamic architecture,
With this new law in place
its geography, the UAE is not
but now they are seen
many corporate will set offices
anything like it was before. There
everywhere from luxurious
can be no doubt the key factor
hotels to the new Burj
that started it all was the finding
Dubai skyscraper. Further-
of oilfields, leading the federa-
more, the different ethnic
Developments, wealth,
tion to riches as well and starting
groups in the UAE are
up a chain reaction responsible
heavily influenced because
for all other major advances
of its location.
following that. Location, population and urbanization are the main aspects that affect the culture, politics, and economics of the UAE.
business into the heart of its nation and at the same time increasing the population and
(Photo courtesy of Franklyn Zhu)
The UAE borders major Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia and also serves as the gateway for foreigners entering Southwest Asia. Therefore, there
Location has an im-
in the city, attracting more
Burj Al Dubai and a Modern High-rise buildings
are evidently different races of
pact on the culture of the nation
people living there. In fact, for-
in various ways. Situated in the
eigners occupy almost four-fifth
heart of the Arabic world and the
of the population. As of the year
gateway of Southwest Asia, the
2000 more than 1.9 million for-
size of cities in the UAE. Second, the govern-
the most appealing investing center in the case when Global Companies want to invest in Southwest Asia. The strategic location gives the UAE priority when Global Companies decide where to set they’re headquarters, just as any company would want to have they’re headquarters on Wall Street than in a small town nobody’s ever heard of. Having
ment’s use of oil for funding in various sectors provides better living environments in the city, causing urbanization. The city of Dubai ranks as one of the highest in living standards and GDP thanks to the money the government’s put into it. As of 2007, the per capita GDP is $37, compared to $21,100 just 6 years ago. The rarity of oil in other countries
geographic location and the
eign workers are living in the
different ethnic groups play a
UAE, with 50% South Asians,
vital role in shaping the culture.
Arabs and Iranians 23%, and
Trapped in the midst of the
Westerners/east Asians taking up
Southwest Asian society, UAE’s
8% of the total population. A
culture and lifestyle was largely
huge part of why the UAE has
banization affect politics and the
more advanced society. For the
influenced by Islam. For example,
such an unbalanced racial split is
government of the UAE. First,
government, building up a strong,
Islamic styled architectures. The
due to its location by making
newly modified laws increased
self-dependent nation in the heart
UAE today incorporates both
itself one of the most attractive
its growth and developments. A
of Arab through urbanization is
modern and traditional designs.
connecting point between south
nation with only a population of
just the start. The government’s
Residential high-rises in big
and west asia, as well as being
2.9 million people in 2003
decisions allowed many new
United Arab Emirates’ strategic location as well as its topography shaped many parts of its culture. Population and ur-
makes oil exports a relatively profiting business. Over the years, urbanization caused many more Emiratis to move into cities, finding higher pay jobs and living in a
P EARL OF THE EAST
P AGE 2
GEOGRAPHICAL Elements affect culture, politics and economics in uae
Mountainous Regions
city down just as fast. In a nation
paved. Another influence to the
where pure, drinkable water is
economy is urbanization. Due to
scarcer than oil, the topography of
the fast growing economy urbani-
the United Arab Emirates poses an
zation can lead to various problems.
extremely difficult challenge to the
During the last 30-40 years Dubai
government as well as threatening
expanded several times in size.
the economy. Despite this draw-
With that, the population rises 5
back, a topographical element such
percent with immigrant population
as coastline in the United Arab
rising 6 percent annually. The
Emirates are still rapidly develop-
strategic locations of big cities like
ing and expanding.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi can have
(Photo courtesy of Franklyn Zhu)
projects such as constructing the world’s ‘most expensive’ airport in Dubai and 4835 km of highway to meet the rapidly growing number of transports. As of 2000 there were 745,315 private cars and 453,097 in public transport. Altogether, the policies made by the federal gov-
“ THE CITY ’ S DESALINATION PLANT , A SYSTEM THAT TAKES SALT WATER AND PURIFIES IT WILL LAST NO MORE THAN 24 HOURS IF IT HAD TO BE SHUT DOWN …”
ernment are crucial to the future of the UAE.
Coastal cities in the UAE are vital to its continuous growth as the nation is transform-
positive affect on the cities, regardless of issues such as environmental problems.
ing itself to rely on tourism and
The UAE we see today
serving as the ‘business hub’ of the
is all that different because of the
area. Without much thought needed,
close link between geography and
coastal cities have always been
the culture, politics, and economics
developing faster than others since
of the federation. Without many of
ancient times. According to various
these aspects, The United Arab
sources, 51% of the UAE economy
Emirates might still be an impover-
is made up of Service, with Indus-
ished federation today. United Arab
try coming second place at 46
Emirates have a bright and secured
as urbanization and its topography
percent and Agriculture with 3
future, but power of Mother Nature
have positive as well as negative
percent. This benefits the city of
can always alter that.
effects on the economy. Topogra-
Dubai since Port Rashid, the largest
phy in the United Arab Emirates
artificial harbor of the Middle East
could be a big issue to UAE’s
provides easy access to the sea,
economy. As the UAE is mainly
enabling trading and potential
covered with deserts and mountains,
growth of the fishing industry. As
there are many areas where deserti-
of 2007 there are 59 merchant ships
fication is becoming a major prob-
and 39 airports, 22 of which have
Geographic factors such
lem. In fact, almost 98 percent of the land in the United Arab Emirates is desert. The capital city, Abu Dhabi, needs enormous consumptions of water to sustain its growth rate. A recent research shows that the city’s desalination plant, a system that takes salt water and purifies it will last no more than 24 hours if it had to be shut down in an emergency. The enormous reliance on this one component to sustain the city’s economy is risky as it can go up quickly but also bring the
Coastal Area of the UAE
(Photo courtesy of Franklyn Zhu)
Special Asian Studies Edition
C ULTURE , I NFLUENCED BY C LIMATE A SIAN S TUDIES V OLUME 3
ISSUE
B
O CTOBER 2008
By Elise Jiang (ShanShan) Pyongyang, North Korea
“Culture is the widen-
grow rapidly and lively,
Thais celebrate a festival
takes a huge role in the
ing of the mind and of the
taking a part in the cultural
involving crops: The
food system and festival
spirit.”— Jawaharial Ne-
food for Thais. The warm,
Ploughing Ceremony. (see
traditions in Thailand.
hru (“Culture Quotes”).
tropical climate in Thailand
figure 2) The Ploughing
Culture relates to one’s
guarantees almost perfect
customs, traditions, and a
conditions for sweet,
way of life generally and is
mouth-watering fruits to
greatly affected by climate.
ripen. (see figure 1) Fruits
Thailand consists of a
are grandly included in
tropical climate; China,
Thais’ everyday diet; be-
being such a big country,
cause of the perfectly suit-
has a dramatic climatic
able environment, Thais
difference in the south and
are provided with tasty,
north; lastly, North Korea
aromatic, and delicious
goes through all four sea-
fruits that they genuinely
Ceremony held in May
sons , the temperature
savor
every year aims to predict
altering clearly during each
and
the temperature change
season. Thai, Chinese, and
enjoy.
and farmers’ results of
dressing code in China is remarkably stimulated by the weather and climate change. Plenty of farmers in China depend on agriculFigure 2— Each year, the Thai farmers enjoy such festival, for it has become a part of their tradition.
agriculture. Farmers de-
are all influenced by the
pends on farming for food;
climatic feature of their
food of course, takes a
The climatic charac-
Figure 1— The tropical climate of Thailand guarantees an excellent condition for fruits to ripe.
teristics of Thailand inspire its agriculture and tradi-
The temperature and
tions. Due to the tropical
climate change greatly af-
climate of Thailand, fruits
fects the growing of crops;
ture for a living, while climate change concerns the growing of crops; it also influences the cultures of
North Korean cultural lives
geography in varying ways.
The agriculture and
huge role in the culture of Thais, but this festival has also became an important aspect of the cultural life for farmers to look forward to. Hence, climate
Chinese farmers. Warm climate may mean the increasing amount of available land for farming; however, extreme weathers could greatly reduce the agriculture harvest: these results will vastly alter the cultural life of Chinese farmers and citizens. Not only farmers rely on harvesting crops, it is also vital for Chinese citizens to obtain food. Some weathers
C ULTURE , I NFLUENCED BY C LIMATE
P AGE 2
C LIMATIC
Figure 3— The weather greatly affects the growing of crops. Such as the farm in this picture, its agricultural results are influenced by the weather and climate change.
INFLUENCES ON
N ORTH K OREAN
CULTURES
tures. Clothing takes part in
crops in North Korea. (see
already greatly damaged the
one’s habits and customs, as
figure 5) Rainfalls concern
Chinese farming system,
the climate changes, it highly
the agricultural results and
leading to food shortage,
influences North Koreans’
food system of North Kore-
thus, considerably influenc-
ways of life. While spring
ans. Thus, climate changes
ing the cultural life of all
and autumn bring mild tem-
the total way of life of North
Chinese. (see figure 3)
peratures and the most ex-
Koreans.
Places in China generally consist of four evidently different seasons, which means that most Chinese clothing suitable for each season provided in their wardrobes. Aside from the northernmost point, the cold -temperate zone, and the southernmost point which comprises tropical climate, China’s climate alters from harsh coldness in winter to intolerable heat in summer. Clothing affects one’s living style; therefore the climatic feature of China is extremely important to local Chinese. Climate takes an awfully
Figure 4— North Korean must adapt to harsh weathers during winters and summers, therefore wearing coats to keep warm. Such as this women: she is wearing a hat and a coat during
AND
and climate changes have
have four sets of varied “D UE TO THE TROPICAL CLIMATE OF T HAILAND , FRUITS GROW RAPIDLY AND LIVELY , TAKING A PART IN THE CULTURAL FOOD FOR T HAIS . T HE WARM , TROPICAL CLIMATE IN T HAILAND GUARANTEES ALMOST PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR SWEET , MOUTH WATERING FRUITS TO RIPEN “
T HAI , C HINESE ,
immense part in the cultural lives of Chinese.
The habits and traditions of North Korea are altered by its climatic fea-
quisite weathers in North Korea, harsh, bitterly cold winter which consists of snow storms and hot, but humid summer filled with rain due to the southeastern monsoon winds bringing moist air from the Pacific Ocean bears huge climatic changes and wild weather to North Korea. North Koreans must adapt to the harsh
Culture, influenced by climate, takes a remarkable and significant role in one’s life. Climate has a great effect on the customs and habits of Thais, Chinese, and North Koreans. Without the geography influencing these cultural aspects, their lives would be very dissimilar from now.
weathers therefore patterning their dressing code with coats and warm clothing during winter and summer . (see figure 4)
Food, farming crops, affected by temperature and rainfall, is an essential element of life. Rainfall proceeds during spring and summer from slight but adequate for preparing, sowing, and planting crops to abundant and necessary for growing
Figure 5— The farming crops and agricultural results are considerably affected by the climate in this North Korean farmland.
Special Asian Studies Edition
C LIMATE A SIAN S TUDIES
VOLUME
AND MALAYSIA 3,
ISSUE B
O CTOBER 2008
By Bonnie Dalaroy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
How can climate affect aspects of society in Malaysia? Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia that is located near the equator, it is separated into two regions— Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. The country has a tropical, humid climate all year round and seasons are marked by the arrival of monsoons. The tropical monsoon climate of Malaysia has influence over the culture, economics and politics of the country.
bamboo, they are usually perched high on stilts. (Figure 1) The space below is used for storage and is also an ideal spot for resting during the hot parts of the day. Due to excessive rainfall during the monsoon seasons, the people must build their homes with extra elevation in order to protect it from flooding. The building materials are specially chosen because they conduct very little heat into the house which keeps it cool.
The tropical climate and monsoon seasons of Malaysia has interesting influences over the culture of the country. The hot weather and heavy rainfall affects the housing of the people. Traditional Malay homes are called kampongs and are mainly built of hardwood and
The tropical climate also affects the clothes Malay people wear. Traditional clothing for men in Malaysia consists of a silk or cotton skirt and shirt with a scarf-like piece of cloth tied around his waist. Due to the high temperature and humidity of the country, Malay-
Figure 1- A traditional Malay Kampong house.
sian clothing must be lightweight and loose to be comfortable. The climate of Malaysia has shaped how its people build their homes and the way they dress. But culture is not the only aspect of society that is affected by climate. The economics of Malaysia is largely influenced by the tropical monsoon climate. The rainy seasons of Malaysia causes damage to important natural resources. (Figure 2) “This year, the rainy
season had already begun across most of Malaysia. As a result, prices for most timber products have begun to rise as harvesting of timber become difficult in wet conditions.” Monsoon seasons can cause shortage to important natural resources which leads to price hikes. These increases in product prices can largely affect the country and its people financially. The monsoon seasons of Malaysia also has influence over the economics of the country due to tourism. During the monsoon peak in November and December, the northeast monsoon often floods the east coast of the peninsula and can cause flash floods on the west coast. Travel related activities on the east coast islands are
C LIMATE AND MALAYSIA
P AGE 2
C LIMATE
AFFECTS CULTURE , ECONOMICS AND POLITICS IN
Figure 2- Flood caused by monsoon rain damages field in Malaysia.
“D OCTORS SAY A CHOLERA EPIDEMIC SPREAD IN HER VILLAGE AFTER THE LOCALS TOOK CONTAMINATED WATER -- THE SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER HAD BEEN FLOODED WITH MONSOON WATERS .
Figure 3- Heavy monsoon flood causes citizens to evacuate from village.
closed at this time until the northeast monsoon season ended in March. The closing of certain resorts and recreational activities can all lead to the decline of tourist during the monsoon season. Thereby these “low point” in tourism decreases the profit Malaysia gains from its tourism branch during that period of time. The climate of Malaysia can have negative influence over the economics. It can also affect the politics of the country. The tropical monsoon climate of Malaysia has greatly influenced the politics of the country. Disaster caused by monsoon is a serious issue for the government, many safety policies are issued due to these disasters. During the monsoon seasons, rivers can rise dramatically which contributes to heavy flooding in some areas. (Figure 3) The east coast of the Malaysian peninsular is now experiencing the worst flooding episode for some 40 years. At least 4 people have drowned and several thousand
have been evacuated. Because of these dangerous floods, the government has already taken action by avoiding construction in flood-prone areas, taken measures to reduce the impact of floods in a specific location, informed the public about flood risks and what to do in the event of a flood and also developed emergency response plans in case of a flood. The government has taken all these procedures to insure the safety of the people. Illnesses brought by monsoon rains also affect the politics of Malaysia. “Many people in our village came down with cholera,” said the 35-year-old Malay mother of two, her voice low as she lay in bed. Doctors say a cholera epidemic spread in her village after the locals took contaminated water -the sources of drinking water had been flooded with monsoon waters. To control epidemics like diarrhea, cholera and encephalitis, the government has formed
M ALAYSIA .
rapid response teams comprising paramedics in all the districts of Malaysia. The government has to bring relief to the many victims of illness caused by monsoons. Although the monsoon seasons cause disaster in the country, it also shows that the government is well aware of the needs of the people. The tropical climate and monsoon seasons of Malaysia is intimately linked to the culture, economics and politics of the country. This climate shapes the unique housing and clothing of the people, the overall economics of the country and the safety and relief policies issued by the government. Without the hot and humid weather and excessive rainfall, Malaysia would be very different than it is today.
Special Asian Studies Edition
M ONSOONS A SIAN
STUDIES VOLUME
3
ISSUE B
IN
I NDIA
O CTOBER 2008
Aaron Pu New Delhi, India
Have you ever
(Figure 1). “The mon-
annual rainfall.”
experienced a monsoon
soons destroyed houses
Within 4 months of fre- frightened and tense
in your surroundings
and businesses. The
quent heavy rainstorms, most of the time.
before? For those of you
monsoons were so pow-
the monsoons already
who haven’t, it isn’t a
erful at times they de-
cover up almost all of
pleasant experience.
stroyed the crops leaving
the entire rainfall in a
Every year in India there
no food for the people
is a period called the
and the farmers with
monsoon season and it
nothing to do for
takes place between the
work”(“How
months of June to Octo-
the Monsoons
ber. Monsoons are heavy
Affected…”).
rainstorms that usually
Because of all
happens in this certain
impact the health of the Indian economy; as In-
ous and destructive at
create so much
times. The tropical
trouble for the people,
storms in India affect the
the people most likely
people’s culture, the
come up with various
period of time; this
countries’ economics
rituals to prevent disas-
makes the people very
and politics dramatically.
ters happening to them.
aware and careful about
monsoons, the Indian
impact on culture in In-
people develop a very
dia. The horrendous
cautious nature. “The
monsoons are in fact
monsoonal torrents sup-
immensely destructive
ply over 80% of India’s
culture produc“Monsoon rains
storms, which
soon rains have great
affect not only culture
tion in India.
and they can get danger-
Because of the
Monsoon rains
but also the economics in whole 12 months; since India. Heavy rainstorms most of their rainfall are disturbing the agri-
happen in tropical places, these tragic
The heavy mon-
the people to being very
dian agriculture (Figure 1) Flooding in India caused by heavy monsoon activities.
the usage water, whether it is clean or
employs 600 million people and composes 20% of the national GDP.” Agriculture alone stands for 20% of India GDP, having constant destruction of agricultural products
significantly detract from poisonous. Heavy mon- the status the people are soons flood crop yields, financially and also the ruin homes but most
importantly, they shape
countries’ financial status.
M ONSOONS IN I NDIA
P AGE 2
M ONSOONS RAIN AFFECT ON CULTURE , ECONOMICS , AND POLITICS IN I NDIA On the other hand, the danger (Figure 3). “The because the land becomes
(Figure 2) Major drought forming big cracks in empty farmlands.
“T HE I NDIAN ARMY MOBILIZED , EVACUATING MORE THAN
100,000 PEOPLE AND DROPPING FOOD SUPPLIES FROM THE AIR ”
monsoons also have
Indian army mobilized,
useless. Besides the fact that
good impacts on the
evacuating more than
monsoons endanger the peo-
economy by keeping
100,000 people and drop- ple, leading to the govern-
the land from having
ping food supplies from
ment taking action, mon-
droughts and deser-
the air” The government
soons also help the land to
tification. Since
basically has no choice but stay fertile (Figure 4).
some areas haven’t been
to send its troops to go
hit by monsoons for quite
save the stranded people,
are impacting culture in India,
some time, the area be-
have medical care to aid
the health of the economy,
comes desert like and peo-
the hurt people, and also
and lastly the politics of the
ple have to move out of
provide camps for them to nation. While monsoons have stay. few advantages, they also get
the area because there is no water (Figure 2). Even though monsoons kill segments of the crop yields, the amount of rain it brings is necessary to keep the land habitable. Even though monsoon rain creates heaps of damage
The monsoons
Lastly, the politics in India is also (Figure 3) A heavy monsoon building up.
deeply affected by the
destructive and bring crisis to
don’t rain over the entire
India. Monsoons have poten-
India; the areas that don’t
tial of being very dangerous;
get exposed to the flood-
they destroy most things they
ing, eventually start dry-
come in contact with. Now,
ing up and become de-
how would you feel to be
serted. “Severe summer
settled in areas where there is
droughts of the Indian
history of annual monsoon
and trouble to a country, subcontinent have been they also somewhat defound to accompany pend on them as well.
The yearly monsoons
activities?
prolonged ‘breaks’ in the south-west monsoon.” Since there cer-
yearly returning monsoons. tainly are areas in India When monsoons start that haven’t been heavily raining excessively strong,
rained on, the land starts
the government is forced
to dry up while nobody
to start working and
tends to it, since it’s a big
evacuate the people from
problem to start drying up
(Figure 4) People gathering around a big drought to use their remaining water supply.
Special Asian Studies Edition
T HE L AND OF THE R ISING S UN . A SIAN S TUDIES VOLUME 3 ISSUE B
O CTOBER 2008
By Suzanna Tan Tokyo, Japan
Japan, a country made up of thousands of islands also known as an archipelago, has one of the world’s largest populations. Japan is also home to the famous Mt Fuji, where tourism is the heaviest. The topography of Japan can affect its culture, economics, and politics Japanese culture consists of many different elements that are affected by topography, including their clothing and diet. The
Figure 1:Traditional kimono in Japan
dramatic landscape of Japan influences the design on the kimonos.(Figure 1) As seen in a traditional kimono, mountains flowers and trees are mostly present. If not for Japans abundant nature and beautiful landscapes, their kimono’s would have been much plainer. Kimonos were Japan’s main dress for over 300 years until western clothing was introduced. This shows the how important the kimonos are. The kimono definitely reflects and shows their culture in different ways, of which can include their precision that is needed to make these kimonos. The amount of fertile land in Japan also impacts its
Figure 2: Rice fields
culture. There are four main islands in Japan, all of which contain a huge number of mountain ranges. Along the coast of these mountain ranges, there are small plains that are suitable for growing crops. These small plains are responsible for the cultivation of rice. (Figure 2) Rice is consumed in nearly every single meal and is also included in Japan’s most popular dish, sushi. The average
Japanese diet consists mainly of rice and vegetables, which are the most commonly grown food in Japan. Without that easy access to rice, it probably would not have been so common among the people of Japan. As one may see, the landscape can affect the clothing style while the agriculture can affect Japanese diets. Japan is known as an archipelago. The coastlines that are present may act as a hobby for teenagers who like windsurfing and other sea related sports. These coastlines however, are also the main source of fish, which has a large impact on Japan’s economics. Fish is one of the
T HE L AND
P AGE 2
H OW
largest exports of Japan. Every year, Japan makes thousands of dollars just by exporting fish to countries around the world. Japan hauls in one sixth of the seafood around the world, making them the leading supplier of fish and other seafood. If not for fish that is supplied by Japan, the world seafood would not be as plenty. There are many ways to export these fish and other products made in Japan, one of those ways is shipping. There are many seaports around Japan. The seaports are the main ways of transportation ways of which the machinery and transport equipment are exported. Because Japan produces up to 9,846,000 cars/trucks per year, it is impossible to carry them all through plane. Therefore, these boats and cargo ships export these equipments over to bordering countries. (Figure 3) Without these seaports, Japan
OF THE
R ISING S UN .
TOPOGRAPHY AFFECTS THE CULTURE , ECONOMOICS AND POLITICS IN JAPAN
“J APANESE KIMONO – A SENSE OF BEAUTY ”
Figure 3:Sea transportation.
would have no way to export all these machinery and cars to countries therefore not earning any money. In Japan, the prime minister mainly runs the country. He is in charge of making any decisions that have to do with the government. Japan lies on many different fault lines, these causes Japan to experience an average of 1500 earthquakes per year. This can affect the government in great ways. The most common place that earthquakes strike is along the border of the Pacific
Ocean where two major faults meet. Theses faults cause major tsunamis and massive earthquakes every year. This has caused the government to use its money to construct stronger buildings to withstand the earthquakes impact. Japan has also adopted a disaster-prevention plan that outlines the steps of a safe evacuation. These include the regulation of traffic, the closing of banks, and evacuation of the people. The government has also taken the liberty of conducting periodic checks on the safety of those in the danger zones. Without these drills and safety precautions, Japan would be in much more danger than it already is. The housing cost in Japan can also affect the politics of Japan. Because most of Japan is mountainous, (Figure 4) the government can tax for housing property of very little land. Most of the
Figure 4:Map of the mountains in Japan where the brown represents the mountains.
apartments in Japan are built in the city. The city is not a very big place consequently there aren’t many apartments available. Since there are very little housing estates, the price that the government charges for housing tax is very high. The topography of a country can greatly affect its culture, economics and politics. If Japan were not an archipelago, these aspects would be much different than it is today.
Special Asian Studies Edition
A FGHANISTAN ,
AT THE CROSSROADS OF A SIA
A SIAN S TUDIES V OLUME 3, I SSUE B
D ATE : O CTOBER , 2008
By: So Yeon Park Kabul, Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, a
paradigms that reflect the
different ethnic groups use
crossroad nation that con-
impacts of geography on
their own languages de-
nects the east and west of
the three major aspects of
rived from their origins
Asia, Afghans’ own ways of
society. Culture, politics
which are commonly from
life have developed. Cul-
and economy in Afghani-
Pakistan, Tajikistan and Iran
ture is defined to be a total
stan are heavily influenced
Since Afghanistan often acts
way of people in society,
by its unique geographical
as a crossroad bridge of
and politics is the art and
element, location.
science of governments, while economics refers to all activities involving production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Afghanistan is the place that different civilizations come into interactions, making it possible to be one of the prominent
Afghanistan’s location shapes its culture, resulting in different ways of life of the citizens. Due to Afghanistan’s proximity to its neighboring countries; Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Iran, Afghans’ diets have been impacted by the nearby countries cuisines. (Figure 1) Afghan food includes a wide variety of soups, rice dishes using spices, rich sauces that are common in Iran and Paki-
Figure 1: Afghanistan is a landlocked country, surrounded by five different countries
stan. As the fact that varieties of Afghan diets are similar to those of
Figure 2: Many different languages are used in Afghanistan, this is Pashto one of the languages used in Afghanistan.
neighboring countries proves, the unique location of Afghanistan, surrounded by five nations, causes their foods to resemble nearby countries. Furthermore, it can also result in their own special cuisine that is developed from adopting neighboring cultures’ foods. Afghanistan’s language also reflects its unique location. There are more than 30 languages and dialects spoken in Afghanistan (Figure 2). All
Asia, there are many different languages used within the nation, and it has created some variations of them as well. Location of Afghanistan demonstrates that geography can impact the country’s politics. Because of its geographical characteristic as a landlocked country, and location at the center of Asia, it has inevitably been the major target place of warfare, and the government is doing the best for recovery. Soviet invasion that intervened civil war in Afghanistan, continued for 9 years of
A FGHANISTAN ,
P AGE 2
L OCATION ’ S
time as some neighboring
more attention to military
nant, the most popular eco-
countries also took their
and security. Consequently,
nomic activity in Afghanistan
roles. Located almost at the
Location impacts the govern-
is agriculture and agricul-
center of Asia, where war-
ments and their political
tural development has not
fare is common compared to
activities.
been possible because of the
Afghanistan is inevitably being related, engaged in conflicts around the country and within the country as well. This issue has been the government’s first priority to “C ONFRONTED WITH BOTH ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BEING ENTIRELY ENCLOSED BY LAND , THE COUNTRY HAS PRODUCED A FGHAN SOCIETY ’ S OWN PECULIARITY .”
Figure 4: The damage that warfare brought is catastrophic. Lands, building, and the citizens’ hearts have been destroyed.
A SIA
IMPACT ON CULTURE , POLITICS AND ECONOMY
other parts of the continent,
Figure 3: Afghanistan’s trading options are limited, they are highly dependent upon road transportations
AT THE CROSSROADS OF
solve, they are working arduously aiming for a quick,
Afghanistan’s economy is closely related to its location. The trading option for landlocked countries like Afghanistan is very limited. Afghanistan’s major trading partners are restricted to its neighbors where economic
damaged land. Overcoming challenges of its geographical characteristic will be critical for economic development. Undoubtedly, location of Afghanistan has major influence on its economy. Afghanistan’s loca-
activities like importing and
tion, reflecting its special
exporting can take place
characteristic of geography,
easily using road or rail
shapes culture, politics and
gions under conflicts, the
transportations (Figure 3).
economy. Confronted with
government is sensitive
The lack of opportunity for
both advantages and disad-
about the security issue. The
Afghanistan’s economy to
vantages of being entirely
fact that the country has
proliferate, because it is a
enclosed by land, the coun-
been through several decades
landlocked country with
try has produced Afghan
-long warfare adds even
difficulties to trade with far
society’s own peculiarity. In
more pressure of strengthen-
away countries using bodies
conclusion, geography
ing the border security, es-
of water, is the main catalyst
shapes culture, politics and
pecially frontiers between
that led to one of the today’s
economy of a nation, ulti-
countries or regions such as
poorest countries around the
mately causing the life of
Pakistan in crisis. The gov-
world. As aforementioned,
individual inhabitant to be
ernment is also cooperating
the country has been in-
influenced by the geographi-
with related international
volved in war for several
cal element.
organizations to enhance the
decades, and this has nega-
security. The tension be-
tively impacted the country’s
tween geographically
economy. The result has
neighboring countries has
been catastrophic (Figure 4).
created government to pay
The economy remains stag-
successful recovery. Surrounded by re-
Special Asian Studies Edition
W HAT G EOGRAPHY A SIAN S TUDIES V OLUME 3, I SSUE B
DOES TO
P AKISTAN
O CTOBER 2008
By Sarah Tsai Islamabad, Pakistan
Would you ever have guessed that geography is closely intertwined with culture, economics and politics? Pakistan is a good country to give examples of how geography is affecting these aspects of life. The geographical aspect of location affects the economics, politics and culture of Pakistan as a nation. Pakistan is blossoming into a country with high economic power, and the fact that it is located near wealthy countries is a huge factor to its economic growth. (Figure 1) Pakistan is located near large labor markets, therefore nearby job opportunities are plentiful. Being so near to economically strong countries such as Saudi Arabia and China, many local Pakistani people go there to get a job and send money back as a remittance. Over 50%
of Pakistan’s economy can be traced back to remittance (“Pakistan”). Unemployment in Pakistan is high and jobs are scarce, so many local Pakistanis go to other countries and send back a portion of their wages to Pakistan. This taxable income benefits both Pakistan and the individual. Another way that Pakistan benefits from where it is, is that it is located right on a body of water, which acts as a good natural highways between trading hot spots such as Hong Kong and Singapore. (Figure 1) This eases the export and import of goods. Pakistan is quite lucky as a matter of fact because it is next to the Arabian Sea, so large ships can easily come and go, exporting its goods and making up another 10% of Pakistan’s economy (“Pakistan”). Export-
ing goods such as tex-
Figure 1: Map of Pakistan and surrounding countries.
tiles and clothing makes up another large amount of Pakistan’s economy and with it being so near to a sea, barges and cargo ships have easy access to it rather than having to go inland to make a delivery. Geography definitely impacts Pakistan’s economy, but that’s not all. Pakistan’s politics are also influenced by it. Although Pakistan is still a developing country, it has power in its politics, due to its location. It is located near un-
stable countries causing problems, and people from those specific countries have been excluded from major political bodies. (Figure 2) A group of men called the Taliban, which are from neighboring Afghanistan originally, have been keeping situations very tense in Pakistan politically, so anybody who is of Afghan descent or Muslim, because most of Afghanistan practices Muslim as a religion, are not allowed to participate in political things like the voting of its new Pakistani prime minister (“Moderates Hold…”). Here we see that with Afghanistan and Pakistan not getting along, the opinions of Afghan descents and people who practice the same religion have been excluded from all political meetings. Pakistan’s proximity to war stricken countries has
W HAT G EOGRAPHY
P AGE 2
DOES TO
P AKISTAN
L OCATION ’ S I MPACT ON E CONOMICS P OLITICS AND C ULTURE IN P AKISTAN
Figure 2: Two Taliban men reading to
“O VER 97%
OF THE WHOLE P AKISTANI POPULATION PRACTICE I SLAM .”
Figure 3: A mosque, where all Islam followers go to pray and practice Islam.
aided its political side to be more peace and discussion oriented. After seeing many families get displaced from gun fights and wars and becoming refugees in Pakistan, Pakistan’s political party decided to bring this problem up in the UN (“UN Volunteers…”). Refugees from Afghanistan and Iran have been coming to Pakistan constantly and frankly, Pakistan felt it was wrong for so many people to be displaced from Afghanistan and Iran. Pakistan’s political party was in a dilemma and joined the UN so that problems like this can get solved quicker, seeing that it was so up close and personal with them. The location of Pakistan has intimately affected its political side because it is near many countries have difficulty with themselves, thus affecting Pakistan. Pakistan’s culture is deeply influenced by its location in Asia. Being near highly religious countries, Pakistan uses the religions of these nations as their own, and religion is a huge part of culture to nearly all people.
Saudi Arabia’s closeness to Pakistan has brought the religion of Islam and now over 97% of the whole Pakistani population practice Islam (“Pakistan”). (Figure 3) Saudi Arabia is the country where Islam was founded and got popular, and Pakistan was in close proximity to it, therefore Pakistani people was always around it and eventually made it the most popular religion in the nation. Pakistan is very near to India, thus cultural exchange happens quickly with these countries. One form of culture that moved quickly from India to Pakistan is famous food dishes, which got popular in India and shared with people, therefore Pakistan made it its own, like curry (“Curry”). Many people in Pakistan came to love curry and they quickly changed it around, made it their own by adding slightly different ingredients, and gave it their name of Karachi. It’s now one of Pakistan’s most celebrated and main dishes. Pakistan’s location towards other countries has made foundations for forms
of culture, which are important to them such as religion and food. Pakistan’s location geographically has influenced its economy, politics and culture. The location of Pakistan has affected its economy by just having the luck of being near wealthy countries, its politics has been affected by proximity to politically unstable countries and its culture has been influenced because of the nearby countries. (Figure 4) Pakistan is a beautiful country with many fantastic qualities and is pulling ahead in the world, but without its geographical location none of these things may have happened.
Figure 4: Map of Asia
Special Asian Studies Edition
Bangladesh: At the Mercy of Nature A SIAN S TUDIES VOLUME 3, ISSUE B
OCTOBER 2008
By: JJ Wong Dhaka, Bangladesh
Every country on Earth is unique in its own way, but what is the element that gives each nation its own special characteristics and identity? In the case of Bangladesh, a densely populated country in South Asia, the answer is geography, specifically the climate, which can carve a very large mark on the nation. After all, Bangladesh’s climate shapes and affects many aspects of its culture, economics and politics.
the lives of many Bangladeshi every year are affected in an extremely negative way. This is because they have to cope with the loss of loved ones and damages to property, particularly damages towards housing and shelter which can be quite difficult to resolve since many Bangladeshi do not have the finances needed to rebuild everything. Other issues that concern the Bangladeshi during the aftermath of floods include destroyed crops and shortages of The culture of drinking water, meaning the people living in that there is a grim posBangladesh is greatly sibility that there will be influenced by its climate. no food left to eat, and Bangladesh is a country no clean water to drink. that is often hit by heavy rain and immense floodHowever at the same time, the climate ing, which influences that brings the people of the lives of the BanglaBangladesh such great deshi people (Figure 1). Because Bangladesh is a misfortune also governs nation with a monsoon the work schedule and climate and at the same daily lives of many time has a very lowBangladeshi. For examlying topography, the ple, rice crops can be impact of seasonal rains grown three times each is amplified and the land year, during the kharif, becomes very easily haimantik, and rabi seaflooded. With the flood- sons, meaning the suming and excessive rainmer-rainy, rainy, and fall occurring so often, winter seasons respec-
Figure 1: Flooding in Bangladesh negatively impacts the lives of many people.
tively. After all, Bangladesh is still a largely agricultural society, thus the people of Bangladesh must utilize the climate to maximize crop yields so that they can enjoy a better harvest. And since the growing season lasts all year round, the working habits and lifestyle of many Bangladeshi rely entirely on the climate. If the climate was different, then the culture of Bangladesh would vary vastly from the Bangladesh today. Bangladesh’s economy is also heavily impacted by its climate. Flooding and excessive rainfall not only affect the culture of Bangla-
desh, it also drastically affects the economy of Bangladesh. This is because most of the country’s economics rely on good crops and agriculture; however natural calamities such as floods and heavy rains often ruin these necessities and basic elements of the Bangladesh economy. Due to this, the people of Bangladesh often lose a lot of their wealth and money attempting to repair their farming business. However the after-effects of this severe climate don’t stop there, the flooding of rivers forces the river transportation to a standstill, which in turn hurts
B ANGLADESH : A T
P AGE 2
C LIMATE ’ S I MPACT
ON
Figure 2: Variety of high quality rice at a Bangladeshi market.
“... CLIMATE CHANGE , WHICH HAS ALREADY DRASTICALLY AFFECTED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE IN B ANGLADESH .”
THE
M ERCY
OF
N ATURE
C ULTURE , E CONOMICS , A ND P OLITICS I N B ANGLDESH
deshi government acts. After the deadly cyclone of 1991 which claimed many lives and left a staggering number of nearly 10 million people homeless. The government prepared plans to build 2500 cyclone shelters, as well as organizing a program to train thousands of rescue workers who would provide immediate assistance in the case of another calamity (Figure 3). In Bangladesh the government has to deal with the effects of cyclones on people’s lives and the economy as well as the daunting task of providing funds and effort to rebuild lives and shelter, even though Bangladesh is not a very wealthy nation.
desh faces each year and especially now that climate change is affecting Bangladesh by increasing the velocity of its natural disasters. The Bangladesh government is obviously having improved relations with any other nation that offers it assistance. Yes amazingly, the climate of Bangladesh can even shape its politics, even though the two elements seem to be unrelated on the surface.
the economy since a lot of cargo transportation and In conclusion, the trade is carried out along the climate of Bangladesh rivers. Bangladesh’s climate truly affects and impacts also plays a major role in its its culture, economics, economy because it deterand politics. The devastatmines the types of trade reing natural calamities sources that are available. which destroy lives and When the climate isn’t spewwealth yet at the same ing forth natural disasters, it time paves the way for is rather mild and nearly improving relations with tropical, making Bangladesh other nations, or an ideal place for crops such the ideal condias rice, jute, and tea (Figure 2). tions in which to This goes back to the econgrow high qualomy because as mentioned ity cash crops. before, Bangladesh’s econThese are all eleomy is also very reliant on ments of Banglaagriculture, with rice, jute desh directly and tea being the major cash influenced by crops. Without the help of Figure 3: Aftermath of a devastating cyclone in Bangladesh. its climate. Bangladesh’s perfect cropWithout the growing climate conditions, unique climate, BanglaAmazingly these Bangladesh probably woulddesh would surely be exsame natural disasters can n’t have the trade resources it tremely different. The also impact Bangladesh’s needs to keep an economy fertile soils and catastrointernational relations going. Indeed, Bangladesh’s phic natural disasters that with other countries in a climate can influence the characterize Bangladesh positive manner. For execonomy in various ways, may no longer exist. But ample recently the UK whether it is a negative or if that was the case, then donated 75 million positive impact. it is undeniable that the pounds to aid Bangladesh Lastly, the climate and also prepare the coun- climate plays an immense can also affect and impact role in the shaping of a try for climate change, the political aspect of Bangnation, and in this inwhich has already drastiladesh. For one, cyclones stance, in the identity of cally affected millions of and other natural disasters people in Bangladesh. Bangladesh. that often strike Bangladesh With all the climateaffects the way the Banglarelated problems Bangla-