Southeast Asia and Oceania Lands of Intrigue, Archipelagos, and the Outback
Southeast Asia is also heavily volcanic
The region is also prone to earthquakes, which can trigger tsunamis.
Population Over 600 million people live in the region. The most populated nation is Indonesia, with nearly 250 million people. The small country of Singapore s population density is over 12,000 people/square mile. Most countries remain rural, although some cities are going through amazing growth. As in other areas, people become dissatisfied with life in the country and head to the cities looking for opportunities.
The region has a high population density On the Indonesian island of Java, 145 million people make their home. Its land area is slightly smaller than the U. S. state of Louisiana!
Singapore s location at the tip of the Malay Peninsula has made it an ideal international center of trade.
Singapore
One of the coolest swimming pools in the world
Bangkok, Thailand
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia In 1998, the Petronas Towers overtook the Sears Tower in Chicago to become the world s tallest buildings. They held that title for only six years.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Manila, Philippines
Languages Hundreds of languages and dialects are spoken in Southeast Asia. European languages such as English, French, Spanish, and Dutch are heard, as a result of many nations in the region having at one time been colonies.
The key reason why the Philippines is Christian, is that it was a Spanish colony. Islam is the largest religion, but overall Southeast Asia is pretty diverse. What is Buddhism?
Cultures Southeast Asia is loaded with many different cultures that have varied beliefs and a lot of celebrations. Here are a few examples: Women With Stretched Necks Elephant Festivals and Sanctuaries Thai Festivals of Water and Fire
Southeast Asia is also home to some very unique wildlife Proboscis Monkeys Whale Sharks
Philippine Tarsiers Northern Cassowaryies
A Variety of Southeast Asian Animals Flying Snakes
Komodo Dragons Orangutans
Outside Influences Because of their location, the nations of Southeast Asia have long been a crossroads in the trade routes between the East and the West. Outsiders from South Asia, China, the Middle East, and Europe brought in many cultural influences, including languages and religion.
At one time, every nation, except Thailand (formerly known as Siam), was under European control.
Westerners brought in technology and industrial growth. During World War II, Japan forced most of the westerners out, and tried to control the natural resources of the region. After the war, many countries wanted their freedom, and by 1965, they all had won it.
The Vietnam War Vietnam s struggle for independence from France was long and hard. After years of fighting following World War II, the Vietnamese defeated the French in 1954. A peace settlement then divided Vietnam into two parts. North Vietnam had a Communist government with its capital at Hanoi. In South Vietnam, a pro-western government was set up with its capital at Saigon.
Ho Chi Minh, the Communist leader of North Vietnam
The Domino Theory The two Vietnams could not come to an agreement about reunification, or rejoining as one country. Communist groups supported by North Vietnam fought to control South Vietnam. Our country believed in the DOMINO THEORY, which stated that if a country fell to communism, the others around it would also fall. The United States supported the South Vietnamese forces, entering directly into the conflict in late 1964. A long and bitter war followed.
Over 2 million Vietnamese and more than 58,000 Americans lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The war even spread across the border into Laos and Cambodia. The war eventually became very unpopular in the U. S. as it drug on year after year. Many military personnel were also frustrated in how they were limited in the way they had to fight. It was not a conventional war like wars such as World War II had been.
Most U. S. forces left South Vietnam in 1973 after a cease fire agreement was reached. However, the communists could not be trusted, and in December 1974, attacked again. By April 1975, North Vietnamese forces occupied Saigon, which they renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of their late leader. South Vietnam then fell to communist rule.
More than 1 million South Vietnamese tried to escape the Communist takeover. Many became refugees in nearby countries. Some eventually settled in Western countries, particularly the U. S., Australia, and France. Some historians have said this was a political loss rather than a military one. LESSON: NEVER TRUST A COMMUNIST
Southeast Asia Today Despite the growth of large cities, most people still live in small villages of 25-30 homes made of wood or bamboo. In some areas, people live in longhouses, or dwellings where up to 100 people, usually related, live together. In general, the rural homes lack running water or electricity. Rice is the main food, along with fish, chicken, or vegetables.
Sugar cane, rubber, coffee, coconuts, and spices are all major crops. Forestry is also another important industry. The oil and mining industries are also important. Some areas have become industrialized, and are thriving. Foreign companies have moved in because of the inexpensive labor costs. Transportation systems have improved, and communications services are readily available.
Why Does Southeast Asia Matter to the U. S.? The Vietnam War was a major event in 20th century America, and in some ways, we are still feeling the after effects of it. Economically, the U. S. and Southeast Asia do a lot of business with each other. Southeastern Asia will likely continue to play an important role in the world. With its large population and economic potential, look for Southeast Asia to play a larger role in the world s economic stage.
Australia and Oceania
Just like Washington, D.C., Canberra, Australia s capital, is not located in any state. New Zealand is located 1,000 miles to the southeast. New Zealand is located about 1,000 miles southeast of Australia.
Uluru Ayers Rock Kangaroo Island Great Barrier Reef
The islands of the Pacific, are grouped into 3 regions: Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.
The island of Bora Bora is typical of the volcanic islands of the Pacific.
Population Australia and Oceania (New Zealand and the islands of the Pacific) are among the least densely populated places on earth. In the entire region, there are only about 30 million people. Most are concentrated in the milder climate areas. Antarctica has no permanent population centers, but is home to research stations.
Australia is by far the largest nation in size and population in the region. Australia s more than 22 million residents (less than the U. S. state of Texas), are clustered in population centers near the coastline. Sydney and Brisbane are in the east, Melbourne and Adelaide on the south, and Perth in the west. New Zealand s three major cities are Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The majority of people are Christian.
With a population of over 4 million, Sydney is the largest city in Australia. Its modern skyline looks similar to some American cities.
Melbourne, Australia s second-largest city
Brisbane Australia s third largest city
Perth Australia s fourth largest city, and one of the most isolated cities on earth.
Adelaide Australia s fifth largest city
Top 10 Largest Australian Cities 10 Amazing Facts About Australia Deadly Australian Animals What Some Australians Think of Americans
Wellington, is New Zealand s capital.
Auckland, the City of Sails, is home to the Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
Lifestyles On many of the islands, people follow a traditional or simpler style of life. Many practice subsistence farming, along with raising chickens, pigs, or catching fish for survival. Life tends to move at a slower pace, and some people seem bewildered or even amused at the Western style of life, and how busy and stressed people can be.
In Australia and New Zealand the people enjoy very modern ways of life. They have shopping malls, sports stadiums, and skyscrapers. Many dress like Europeans or Americans, and have all of the modern conveniences. Australians especially love many types of sports, especially those that involve water such as swimming or sailing. Rugby, Australian Rules Football, Cricket, and Tennis are also popular.
Fijians, Samoans, Tongans, Tahitians
Why Do Australia and Oceania Matter to the U. S.? Historically, we are cousins to Australians and New Zealanders, all having been former British colonies. We have maintained military alliances and trade agreements with them. We still control some of the Pacific Islands. There are significant amounts of Pacific Islander people living in the United States.