Southeast Asia Chapter 15

I. History and Governments Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Created to promote economic cooperation and peace among countries of Southeast Asia Mandala – Political system where a powerful ruler works to gain support from others

A. Thailand Only country in Southeast Asia that was never a European colony Constitutional Monarchy – Government ruled by a king and a written constitution Tourism is one of the country’s most important industries – 5 billion dollars a year

Only in Thailand

2004 – Tsunami devastated the country Tsunami – Wall of water caused by an earthquake or volcano Has taken Thailand many years to recover

Before

After

B. Vietnam Indochina – French colony made up of modern Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam French colony until 1954 Vietnam War – (1954-1973) – United States attempts to prevent the area from becoming Communist

Rice Field in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh – Vietnamese leader during the Vietnam War North Vietnam – Communist country South Vietnam – Democratic country on the U.S.’s side 1973 – U.S. withdrew from Vietnam and all of Vietnam fell to communism in 1975

C. Indonesia 4th largest populated country in the world Member of OPEC Has more Muslims than any other country East Timor – Became an independent country in 2002 One of the newer country in the world

D. Myanamar Size of Texas Military Dictatorship – Rule by one man whose power comes from the military Aung San Suu Kyi – Tried to build a democracy and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 – Put in jail Finally released from jail November 2010 Military still controls the country today

E. Singapore One of the world’s smallest countries Also one of the world’s richest countries Most people live in the city of Singapore 100% - Of the population lives in urban areas

                                                                                                          Downtown Singapore

A Closer Look