Southeast Asia

Question 1

What are the major geographic qualities of Southeast Asia?

Answer 1

High relief, crustal instability, volcanic activity and earthquakes, tropical climates.

These geographic features significantly influence the region’s environment and human activities.

Question 2

What is the geopolitical significance of Southeast Asia?

Answer 2

It is a shatter belt between powerful adversaries, with a fractured cultural and political geography shaped by foreign intervention.

This geopolitical position has led to a complex history of conflicts and influences.

Question 3

What catastrophic event occurred in 2004 off the coast of Indonesia?

Answer 3

An undersea earthquake created an Indian Ocean tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people.

This event highlighted the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.

Question 4

What were the years of the major volcanic eruptions in Southeast Asia?

Answer 4

1815—Tambora, 1883—Krakatau.

These eruptions had significant climatic and social impacts on the region and beyond.

Question 5

Which area in Southeast Asia is noted for having no volcanoes and few Earth tremors?

Answer 5

Borneo.

Borneo is described as a ‘mini-continent’ amid a mass of volcanic activity.

Question 6

What are the characteristics of population patterns in Southeast Asia?

Answer 6

Clustered population patterns; very difficult to connect or communicate in many areas.

This can lead to challenges in governance and infrastructure development.

Question 7

What is the cultural composition of Southeast Asia?

Answer 7

Similar ancestry but cultural fragmentation with complex ethnic, linguistic, and religious patterns; local traditions abound.

This diversity contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Question 8

What was the population of the region in 1800?

Answer 8

10 million

Question 9

What is the current population of the region?

Answer 9

Over half a billion

Question 10

Which countries have the majority of the population in Southeast Asia?

Answer 10

Indonesia and the Philippines

Question 11

What is the largest Southeast Asian country by area?

Answer 11

Indonesia

Question 12

What is the largest Southeast Asian country by population?

Answer 12

Indonesia

Question 13

What agricultural practice involves moving to a new field every year or two?

Answer 13

Shifting agriculture

Question 14

What is shifting agriculture?

Answer 14

Rotational farming where land is cleared for cultivation by slash & burn

Question 15

What methods are used in shifting agriculture to clear land?

Answer 15

Slash & burn (girdling bark/setting fire)

Question 16

What has human encroachment destroyed in the region?

Answer 16

Tropical rainforests

Question 17

What activities contribute to the destruction of tropical rainforests?

Answer 17

• Logging
• Road building
• Farming

Question 18

What percentage of the world’s palm oil is produced by Malaysia and Indonesia?

Answer 18

90%

Question 19

What has plantation expansion sacrificed in Malaysia and Indonesia?

Answer 19

Tropical woodlands

Question 20

In what products is palm oil used worldwide?

Answer 20

Processed foods

Question 21

Why is palm oil considered lucrative?

Answer 21

High yield of oil palms

Question 22

Which present-day countries were controlled by British colonizers?

Answer 22

Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong

These territories were part of the British Empire during the colonial period.

Question 23

Which present-day country was controlled by Dutch colonizers?

Answer 23

Indonesia

Indonesia was a significant part of the Dutch colonial empire.

Question 24

Which present-day country was a French colony from 1858-1954?

Answer 24

Vietnam

The United States never colonized Vietnam, but it was under French control during this period.

Question 25

What was Thailand formerly known as?

Answer 25

Siam ## Footnote Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by Europeans.

Question 26

What is one of the most densely populated areas in the Mekong Delta?

Answer 26

The Mekong Delta ## Footnote It is a significant region in Southeast Asia, and China is currently damming the Mekong upstream.

Question 27

What violence has been perpetrated against the Rohingya in Myanmar?

Answer 27

Violence perpetrated by Buddhists since 2013 ## Footnote The Rohingya have faced systemic discrimination and violence in Myanmar.

Question 28

What do China's maritime claims in the South China Sea date back to?

Answer 28

1949 ## Footnote These claims cover most of the South China Sea and are a source of international tension.

Question 29

What is China doing to major reefs in the South China Sea?

Answer 29

Dredging sand to reclaim and enlarge them ## Footnote This is being done to construct runways and naval bases.

Question 30

What is the Strait of Malacca known for?

Answer 30

One of the world's busiest and most strategic waterways ## Footnote It serves as a choke point that constrains navigation.

Question 31

What is the predominant religion in Thailand and Cambodia?

Answer 31

Buddhism ## Footnote Buddhism significantly influences the cultural landscape of these countries.

Question 32

How urbanized is the Mainland (Indochina) region?

Answer 32

One of the least urbanized regions in the world ## Footnote Despite low urbanization, this region has very high populations.

Question 33

Which country in the Mainland region has more than one core area?

Answer 33

Vietnam ## Footnote This occurs despite the country's colonial legacy.

Question 34

What are the five major categories of state territorial configuration?

Answer 34

prorupted state, compact state, elongated state, fragmented state, and enclave/exclave states ## Footnote This question prompts for specific categories that are not listed in the provided text.

Question 35

What does the word 'insular' mean?

Answer 35

Related to islands or island nations ## Footnote 'Insular' refers to characteristics or qualities associated with islands.

Question 36

What type of region is Southeast Asia described as?

Answer 36

A multicultural/multiethnic region where Islam now prevails but colonial legacy still persists ## Footnote This description highlights the diverse cultural and historical influences in the region.

Question 37

What challenges does Malaysia face as a fragmented state?

Answer 37

Difficulties of running a fragmented state ## Footnote Fragmentation can lead to governance issues, regional disparities, and challenges in national unity.

Question 38

What is the world's largest archipelago?

Answer 38

Indonesia ## Footnote Indonesia has more islands than any other country, totaling around 17,500.

Question 39

Which country is the world's largest Muslim country?

Answer 39

Indonesia ## Footnote Over half of Indonesia's population lives on the island of Java.

Question 40

What is the population density of Java, Indonesia?

Answer 40

Nearly 3,000 per square mile ## Footnote Java is the most populous island in Indonesia.

Question 41

What is Indonesia's rank in terms of population size?

Answer 41

4th largest country in population ## Footnote It follows India, China, and the USA.

Question 42

What is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia?

Answer 42

Philippines ## Footnote This is a legacy of Spanish colonialism.

Question 43

Which Southeast Asian country has a majority Chinese population?

Answer 43

Singapore ## Footnote Singapore is a leading world-city.

Question 44

What religions blend in Vietnam?

Answer 44

Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism ## Footnote Vietnam's culture is influenced by these religions.