1. Economic & Political Characteristics of Asia Francisci WG.4

2. Standards of Living Some countries in Asia are extremely poor and developing. Other areas are highly developed with strong infrastructures. – Industrialized nations in Asia have economies based on commercial farming and manufacturing whereas poor areas focus on subsistence farming.

3. Standards of Living Japan is an example of a highly industrialized country. – Has high tech manufacturing and is a major player in the global market. – Having little natural resources, Japan’s workforce is its most valuable resource. – Other industrialized areas include South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

4. Agricultural Activities Primary economic focus of Asia: to feed the enormous and fast growing population. 2/3 of the work force in China, Tibet and Indonesia work in the farming industry. Rice is the major crop in Asia. Other crops include wheat, millet, maize and barley. Fishing is a major economic activity in Asia. – Most of the fish that is caught is sold to other countries like the U.S.

5. Green Revolution: A movement following WWII when Asia started using technological advancements to increase crop production. – Fertilizers and modern machinery increased the production of food and saved people from starvation. Mountain areas of Asia use terraced farming: carving out steps on a mountainside and planting crops on each step.

6. Environmental Issues The desert areas in Asia are growing due to desertification; a dry area becoming increasingly dry with no water regions due to climate or human activities. The forests of Nepal and Malaysia are being cut down by humans causing deforestation; clearing of forests for human development.

7. Environmental Issues Beijing, China is experiencing major air pollution. – Major health problems are associated to this pollution. China is experiencing acid rain pollution. – This pollution is the result of air pollution mixing with precipitation. – It can kill vegetation and wildlife.

8. Politics China has a communist government: A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power. – Characteristics: 1 party system, classless society, all religions rejected, no ownership of property. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Economic alliance created in 1976 to reduce trade barriers between member countries.

9. Boundary Disputes China & Taiwan: 1949 Chinese revolution; communists claimed China and the Nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1950. – The U.S. is Taiwan’s most important friend and protector. – Taiwan has become one of Asia’s biggest traders of computer technology. India & Pakistan: Great conflict between the Hindus of India and the Muslims of Pakistan – both countries fight over Kashmir.

10. Boundary Disputes Korean War: Fought between 1950 and 1953, the North Korean Communists attacked the non-communist South Koreans. – The Russians helped the North Koreans (both communist). – The U.S. came to the aid of the South Koreans (democracy). – Resulted in the permanent split of North Korea and South Korea; have never signed a peace treaty. – 5 million people died; half of the casualties were citizens.

11. Site vs. Situation Situation: Relative location of a city. – Varanasi, India – point of pilgrimage for Hindus – Xi’an, China – trade route (Silk Road) – Singapore – maritime trade route Site: Actual location of a city. – Island sites: Hong Kong and Singapore.