East and Southeast Asia

Objectives: I know I am successful when … I can list the physical attributes for this region. I can list the seas and rivers for this region. I can place each country in its part of the region. I can describe the current governmental system I can define the regions’ religions.

China Physical Attributes Himalayas run along the border between China and India. – The tallest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is in the Himalayas. It is the world’s tallest mountain range. The Plateau of Tibet is the world’s highest plateau is called the Roof of the World. Himalayas Plateau of Tibet Taklamakan Plain

China Physical Attributes Gobi is the world’s coldest desert. Temperatures can drop down below -40. The terrain is harsh and consists of gravel and rock. Why is the Gobi considered a desert? How does it qualify to be a desert? How is a desert cold? One hump or two? This camel is an Asian camel found in China and Mongolia. It has two humps and shorter legs than its Middle Eastern counterpart.

China North China Plain holds China’s main population centers and farmlands. Huang He is also called the Yellow River. Loess is fertile, yellowish soil. The loess colors the river yellow. Chang Jiang or Yangzi River is Asia’s longest river and a major transportation route.

China GOVERNMENT The Chinese civilization is over 4000 years old. China was once ruled by dynasties which were led by emperors. In 1911 a republican governmental system forced out the last emperor. The new government was unstable due to it being new and WWII and it finally fell. Qing Dynasty Flag

CHINA China’s civil war ended 1949 with a new government in control. The new government is called the Peoples Republic of China. This government is still in control today. The type of government used by the Peoples Republic of China is communist.

CHINA China’s current leaders are: President HU Jintao Premier WEN Jiabao What is the difference between the president and the Premier? President HU Jintao Premier WEN Jiabao

CHINA ECONOMY Until 1976, the government controlled the economy and China had a command economy. After 1976, the new leader, Deng Xiaoping, modernized China and allowed private businesses and encouraged other countries to invest in China. China now has a mixed economy and how has the world’s second largest economy.

CHINA RELIGION Even though the Chinese government discourages religion, there are two belief systems in place in China. – Daoism – stresses a simple life and harmony with nature – Buddhism – stresses moral behavior, kindness and meditation. Various depictions of the Buddha

CHINA Miscellaneous China’s largest city is Shanghai with about 13 million people. Second largest city is Beijing – the capital of China. Shanghai at night Beijing at night

CHINA Miscellaneous Pollution in China is a major problem – Burns coal for electricity – Lots of cars and factories pollute the environment – Loss of farmland and forestland – Rapid Urbanization Used to happen in centuries but now happens in just a few years.