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Explore the captivating regions of Southeast Asia, from the Mainland to Insular sub-regions, rich in heritage and natural beauty. Discover ancient temples, rice paddies, floating markets, and more. Learn about the multi-cultural societies, Buddhism's influence, and unique characteristics of each country. From the historical depths of Myanmar to the vibrant city-state of Singapore, delve into the tapestry of traditions and modern developments. Immerse yourself in this vibrant mosaic of cultures and landscapes.
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Kaleidoscope of Cultures: Southeast Asia E. J. PALKA
Regions of Southeast Asia MAINLAND REGION • VIETNAM – Previously North & South Vietnam • CAMBODIA – Previously French Indo-China • LAOS – Previously French Indo-China • THAILAND – Previously the Kingdom of Siam • MYANMAR – Previously Burma
Mainland Southeast Asia Cultural Characteristics: • Buddhism dominates the cultural landscape • A multi-cultural and multi-ethnic region • One of the least urbanized realms in the world • Some countries have more than one core area (Vietnam, Myanmar)
Rice farming in Vietnam Ancient temple in Cambodia
Thailand • Leading state of the region • Bangkok (Venice of Asia) • Problems • Influx of refugees • Drugs
Thailand • POPULATION of 65 million has the slowest growth rate of the region. • PER CAPITA GDP is the same as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar combined.
Floating markets of Thailand typify the amphibious nature of life in Southeast Asia. Water transportation is vitally important in the river deltas and islands where most Southeast Asians live.
Myanmar (Burma) • One of world’s poorest countries • Independence: 1948 (from British) • Military government (1962) • World’s leading producer of OPIUM poppies
Insular Southeast Asia • A sub-region of PENINSULAS and ISLANDS • Comprised of 5 states, all of which have colonial histories: • MALAYSIA • INDONESIA • PHILIPPINES • SINGAPORE • BRUNEI
Insular Southeast Asia • Fragmented political entities • A multi-cultural and multi-ethnic region • Islam prevails
Malaysia • FRAGMENTED STATE- part on mainland and part on islands • A FORMER BRITISH COLONY • MALAYSIA came into being in 1963: the MALAY PENINSULA and parts of Borneo • POPULATION of 25.3 million with strong adherence to Islam
Singapore • A CITY-STATE • Seceded from Malaysia in 1965. • POPULATION of 4.3 million (77 % are CHINESE, 14% MALAY, 8% INDIAN) • PER CAPITA GDP: $48,900!!! (est. 2007)
Indonesia • A FRAGMENTED STATE of more than 13,000 island • A DUTCH COLONIAL creation • POPULATION OF 224 million • JAVA is the center of population with 125 million • Largest MUSLIM POPULATION in the world.
Vast and Diverse Indonesia Above: Rice paddies Left: Hinduism on the island of Bali Right: Tropical beach
Brunei • An anomaly in southeast Asia - an oil exporting Islamic Sultanate • A British protected remnant • Gained independence in 1984 • 340,000 people within 2,225 sq. mi • Oil discovered in 1929, natural gas in 1965 • Population is 64% Malay, 20% Chinese
Philippines • Archipelago of >7,000 islands, most of which are < 1 square mile • Former Spanish Colony-for 300+ years; US possession (1898-1946) • 83.9 million people; 83% CATHOLIC • AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY
The Philippines are a former colony of both Spain and the United States.