1. Used with permission from Mr. Remmell
South Asia Notes
Physical Geography
Cultural Geography
South Asia Today
Used with permission from Mr. Remmell

2. The Land Climate and Vegetation
Physical Geography
The Land
Climate and Vegetation

3. The Land
South Asia consists of a large peninsula with an island near its southern tips. The peninsula is also know as a subcontinent, a large landmass smaller than a continent
South Asia is bordered by the Himalayas in the north, the Arabian Sea on the west, the Indian Ocean on the south, and the Bay of Bengal on the east

4. The Land
Most of the region’s people live on the northern plains, an agriculturally rich area
South Asia has three great river systems and the world’s largest alluvial plain

5. The Land
South Asia has few significant oil reserves, but some natural gas, coal, and uranium. The region also has a number of substantial mineral deposits, including iron ore and mica

6. Climate and Vegetation
South Asia has highland, desert, steppe, and tropical climates
The monsoon is a seasonal change in wind directions that brings heavy rains to much of South Asia

7. Climate and Vegetation
South Asia’s vegetation is affected by altitude, rainfall, and human activity
South Asia was once largely covered by forests. Today only a small portion of the land is forested

8. Population Patterns History and Government Culture and Lifestyles
Cultural Geography
Population Patterns
History and Government
Culture and Lifestyles

9. Population Patterns South Asia is an ethnically diverse area
Population density is greatest on the Indo-Gangetic Plain
Although most South Asians live in rural areas, an increasing number are migrating to the cities in search of work

10. History and Government
The Indus Valley was home to one of the world’s first great civilizations
Many people have conquered South Asia, from the Aryans to the British
Two of the world’s great religions – Hinduism and Buddhism originated in South Asia

11. History and Government
After WWII, the region achieved independence from the British empire
Today most of the people of South Asia elect their leaders

12. Culture and Lifestyles
South Asians speak many different languages. India alone has 14 major languages and 100s of dialects
The main religions of South Asia are Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism. People also practice Christianity, Jainism, and Sikhism

13. Culture and Lifestyles
In most of South Asia the standard of living is low and life expectancy is short. There have been improvements, however, in health care and education in recent years

14. Living in South Asia People and Their Environment
South Asia Today
Living in South Asia
People and Their Environment

15. Living in South Asia
Agricultural advances are helping South Asia produce enough food for its expanding population
Main food crops include rice and wheat; main cash crops include jute and tea

16. Living in South Asia
Mining, fishing, and tourism are significant sources of income in the region
Industry – both light and heavy – is expanding in the region

17. People and Their Environment
Much of South Asia has been deforested by human beings seeking wood for fuel and shelter, and land for farming and grazing
Deforestation can lead to flooding, landslides, loss of valuable topsoil, loss of habitat for animals, and climate change

18. People and Their Environment
Governments and individuals throughout South Asia are attempting to conserve and replant forests
Despite the loss of many animals due to over hunting and habitat loss, South Asians are working to maintain existing species in wildlife preserves and elsewhere

19. People and Their Environment
Water usage is controversial in South Asia for many reasons; dams are needed to control flooding and provide water for irrigation, but they also cause environmental problems