MONGOLIA Chapter 31 Section 4

Mongolia location and size Mongolia is located North of China between China and Russia. It is a vast, dry land that is twice the size of Texas. The Gobi Desert is located in the southern areas, and the rest is mostly steppe.

History In the 1200’s (13 th Century) Mongolia was ruled by Ghengis Khan. The Mongol empire from this time stretched from China in the east to Hungary and Poland in the west. Later, Mongolia came under Chinese rule.

History In 1921, Mongolia regained it’s independence with the help of the Soviets in Russia. Mongolia also adopted communism. When Russia gave up on Communism in 1991, so did Mongolia. The winners of the first election were former Communists who had renounced communism and promised a free market economy.

Culture Traditionally, Mongolians have been nomadic herders. Today, it is still the major economic activity on the steppes. They have developed some industries such as: Coal and Copper mining Food processing Manufacturing leather goods, chemicals and cement. Because of these industries, Mongolia has become more urban. About 63% of the population lives in the capital city Ulan Bator.

THE KOREAS Chapter 32 Section 3

Location The Korean Peninsula is located on the east coast of Asia between China and Japan. The peninsula is only about the size of Minnesota, but it is divided into two countries. The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea) The Republic of Korea (South Korea)

The Korean War After 1945 (the end of WWII) the Korean peninsula was caught between communists and non-communists. Russia controlled Northern Korea and the United States controlled Southern Korea. Both countries were expected to leave when Korea could govern itself. Instead, Soviet Russia established a communist government in North Korea. Free elections were held in South Korea in 1949 and the United States left. Fearing communist rule, nearly 2 million Koreans fled to the south.

The Korean War In 1950, North Korea attacked South Korea trying to unite the peninsula under Communist rule. The United Nations sent forces from 15 different countries (U.S.) The fighting between North Korea supported by China, and South Korea supported by the United Nations lasted for 3 years. During that time, 4 million people were killed. A cease fire was agreed to in 1953 and a demilitarized zone (DMZ) was established at the 38 th parallel. DMZ – A piece of land where troops and weapons are not allowed. There are more hostel forces in the DMZ than any other place on the planet.

Environment – North Korea Low population density Only about 23 million people and the capital (Pyongyang) is the only city with a population higher than 1 million. More continental climate since it is located closer to the mainland. Short, cool summers, and VERY cold winters. Mountain rivers are used for Hydro-electric power. Lots of natural resources such as: Coal, copper, iron ore, zinc, lead and more.

Environment – South Korea Has a population of about 47 million people 25% live in the capital city Seoul. Parts of South Korea are sub-tropical More flat than North Korea Better suited for agriculture.

Planning for the future Since 1953, North and South Korea have discussed reuinification The north only wants it if they are communist The south doesn’t want to lose it’s free system of government. South Korea has developed a lot of industry with help from the United States and Japan. There is a large middle class In 1993, North Korea withdrew from the Nuclear non- proliferation treaty. Proliferation – an increase in the number of nuclear weapons. North Korea agreed to shut down it’s nuclear facilities if the U.S. would send economic assistance. In 2002, North Korea resumed its nuclear program.