Asian Studies Nat Geo B

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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-