Geography
E-cisco
ch10_southeast-asia.pptxChapter 10
Southeast Asia
This week we will be covering Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia contains Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, East Timor, and Brunei.
As you will see, Southeast Asia has had many colonial influences. It has been a realm in which various world powers have fought for power and control, often to the detriment of the local populations.
Southeast Asia is also a realm in which internal conflict occurs frequently. Terms like shatter belt describe this realm well as conflict has arisen in almost every country in this realm at one time or another.
Southeast Asia also has a unique relative location as it sits between two large and powerful states – China and India – making this realm a buffer zone.
Upon emergence from colonialism, the countries in this realm faced many centrifugal forces. Despite these forces, outside intervention (in Vietnam) and local insurgency (Thailand), this realm’s countries have remained intact (except for East Timor). This is a developing realm whose governments are becoming more representative (except Myanmar) and whose economies are maturing.
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The Basics
Southeast Asia includes the peninsular MAINLAND (Vietnam, Laos, Thailand etc.) and the INSULAR archipelagos (Indonesia, Philippines etc.).
It also includes part of the Pacific realm in Papua New Guinea.
Notice what countries are part of the mainland region and what countries are part of the insular region.
Believe it or not, the land area in the insular region (930,000 sq. miles) is greater than the land area of the mainland region (800,000 sq. miles).
In addition, notice that Malaysia is part of the insular region, and not the mainland region (even though a large portion of the country resides in the main land).
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Southeast Asia’s physiography is characterized by:
mountainous areas
unstable crust (frequent tectonic movements) volcanoes and earthquakes
Tropical (A) climates
The Basics cont.
Notice the two orange circle on the images above. These circles roughly represent the Southeast Asian realm. Here are some things to notice:
A large number of volcanoes and earthquakes have occurred in this realm.
This realm has numerous plates underlying it: Philippine plate, Australian plate, Pacific plate, and the Eurasian plate. Any movement of these FOUR plates can trigger mountains to form, volcanoes to form, and earthquakes.
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Southeast Asia can be described as a shatterbelt.
Majority of realm’s inhabitants reside on two islands: Indonesia and Philippines.
Population in insular region (islands) growing much faster than mainland region population.
Southeast Asians’ ancestry is similar, but cultural differences abound.
Politically, Southeast Asia contains many different types of political borders and many types of state shapes.
The Basics cont.
Southeast Asia is a shatterbelt because number political entities have fought over and within the countries of this realm. This foreign intervention has led to a cultural geography that is fractured.
In terms of population, Indonesia is the giant of the realm. In fact, this country has the world’s fourth largest population!
Southeast Asians are very similar in terms of where their ancestors came from, BUT much cultural pluralism exists. This cultural pluralism is fostered, in part, by the unusual physiography of this realm (mountains, islands, etc.).
As you will see, Southeast Asia exhibits many different types of boundaries between countries and many different shapes of countries.
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The Mekong River is the most important river of the realm.
Singapore is the leading country (city) in the Southeast Asian realm.
Economically, the realm is growing quickly, BUT this has increased economic disparity and contributed to uneven development.
The Basics cont.
Image obtained from schillerinstitute.org
Although the Mekong River originates in China, it flows through five Southeast Asian countries and contributes to the livelihood of millions of fishermen, farmers, and people in general.
We cannot underestimate the importance of Singapore. You will be learning more about this country (it is the size of a large city), but suffice it to say that Singapore functions as an entrepot and is a world leader in trade and business.
And while the realm is economically growing at a quick pace, this growth is contributing to an ever widening gap between the rich and the poor.
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Physical Geography General
Image obtained from oook.info
This realm lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire – a ring of volcanoes and earthquakes occurrences that surround the edges of the Pacific tectonics plate.
Needless to say, this realm is a realm of high relief (mountains – see image above), crustal instability, and the occurrence of volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and shallow seas. Let’s take a look at some of these:
Tsunami, 2004
Tsunami – seismic sea wave.
Occurred in December, 2004 when the Indian plate subducted (dipped) underneath the Burma plate, causing an undersea earthquake.
Displaced water from earthquake formed huge tsunami (wave) that killed 300,000+ people.
Krakatau Volcanic Eruption, 1883
Eruption produced “loudest sound ever heard.”
Killed more than 30,000 people, unleashed hundreds of tsunamis, and decimated 2/3 of the island the volcano sat upon.
Tambora Volcanic Eruption, 1815
Ejected millions of tons of ash etc. into atmosphere and cooled temperatures worldwide.
Contributed to the “Year without a Summer.” (look it up)
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Unusual island:
Stable/ancient crust – no earthquakes
Mountains, but no volcanoes
Covered by equatorial rainforest
Current situation:
Human encroachment
Logging
Palm oil plantations
Threatened forests and threatened species of flora and fauna
Physical Geography Borneo
Borneo is a fascinating island.
In the midst of the tectonic-related chaos that constantly surrounds it, Borneo is literally an island adrift in a sea of chaos, a stable, mini-continent’ that is formed from ancient crust. There are no earthquakes or volcanoes on this island, which has contributed to the large flora and fauna diversity seen here.
As with all things, however, things change. Human encroachment, logging, and palm oil plantations are threatening the physical geography of this island.
All of these combined are contributing to the loss of forests and the loss of plant and animal species. Among the threatened species are: orangutans pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinos, and tigers.
Of course, all of this deforestation leads to a vicious cycle of deforestation. As we learned in Middle America and South America, soils under tropical rainforests are relatively infertile. Cutting the trees only yields a couple of years growth until new, more fertile soil, is needed…and the cycle continues.
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Physical Geography Borneo
In particular, palm oil plantations are springing up like crazy. In fact, as of 2010, palm oil plantations were estimated to cover the size the country of Austria.
Why palm oil, you say? Good question!
Apparently, palm oil is used in an array of foods, to the point that more than half the foods within supermarkets contain palm oil (it’s kind of like corn syrup here). Yum!!
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Plant and animal species migrated to realm during cooler times.
Biodiversity Hot Spot – a much higher than usual concentration of plant and animal species, usually found within tropical rainforest ecosystems.
Physical Geography Relative Location and Biodiversity
Image obtained from worldwildlife.org
Image obtained from borneotree-house.com
Image obtained from borneoproject.org
Image obtained from worldwildlife.org
Scientists believe that plants and animals migrated to the land in this realm when climate was colder.
During a colder climate, more water would be locked up as ice.
This would lead to a larger proportion of land being available.
In fact, because the seas are so shallow and the land areas are so close, lower sea level would lead to land bridges (which became pathways for life to walk across).
Because of the incredible migration of species, this realm is a biodiversity hot spot.
Biodiversity
It is estimated that this realm contains ~10% of the world’s plant and animal species. That is a lot for such a small area, in case you were wondering!
This biodiversity is also tied intricately together with the colonization of this realm. The incredible biodiversity in this realm led to the evolution of specialized plants. Many of these specialized plants make spices we use today. It was the desire for these spices that, in part, contributed to colonization.
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Physical Geography Four Major Rivers
This realm consist of four, highly important, rivers: the Mekong, the Red River, the Irrawaddy, and the Chao Phraya. Notice where these four rivers are located in the image above.
Of these four rivers, the Mekong is the most vital.
Forms in China’s Tibetan Plateau
Flows 2600mi to its delta in southern Vietnam
Supports tens of millions of people – lifeline
Enter Damming China
China is building dams to supply Yunnan Province with electricity.
Fears exists amongst Southeast Asian countries that China will take water in times of drought etc.
The Mekong River Commission was formed to coordinate development along Mekong River.
Are these fears founded? Time will tell…..
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Population Geography
Look at the image above. Some things to note:
Check out the very red island at the bottom of this image. It is Jawa, an island that belongs to Indonesia. It contains 150 million people. In fact, this one island contains more people than any other country in the realm. Why Jawa? I am so glad you asked!
Jawa contains fertile soil, lots of water, and warm temperatures.
Even though it is the most highly urbanized island of the country, a large proportion of its population still practice subsistence farming and live in rural areas. Combine that with fantastic farming conditions, and voila, you have a populated island.
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Ancestral peoples stemmed from China, BUT Cultural Pluralism exists.
Population Geography cont.
In this map, I want you to notice where most Southeast Asians came from.
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Population Geography cont.
Check out the cultural pluralism. Because a map of every culture is impossible to reproduce at this scale, we deal with the major cultural identities here.
What I really want you to understand, though, is that the people in this realm essentially came from the same place (China). They differ now, however, due to the environmental challenges they faced, and the way they met these challenges. These differences are reflected in food, clothing, housing, and beliefs. A Vietnamese person is now very different than a Thai person etc.
With that said….
There ARE communities of people who came from India. These would be shown in red on the Malay Peninsula and denoted as the Indo-Aryan ethnicity.
In addition, there are also many Oversees Chinese.
Oversees Chinese – the more than 50 million ethnic Chinese who live outside China. The majority of them live in Southeast Asia, and have contributed a tremendous amount economically to their localities.
Although Chinese have been migrating to this realm as early as dynastic rule in China, the largest number came between 1870-1940 during colonial rule (estimates say about 20 million migrated).
During this migration, the Chinese formed Chinatowns and came to control much of the commerce.
This pattern continues today.
Southeast Asia contains about 32 million oversees Chinese which constitutes 75% of the world’s total.
In Singapore, most of the population (74%) is Chinese.
With that said, Anti-Chinese sentiment has grown, and flare-ups between these oversees Chinese and the ‘native’ Southeast Asia’s inhabitants occur. This seems ironic to me considering the fact that most Southeast Asians can trace their lineage back to China!
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Historic Crossroads of Religions
Hinduism
Buddhism
Islam
Images to right: Vishnu (Hindu god) and Buddha in Angkor Wat.
Cultural Geography Religions
Many religions have an anchor in this realm.
Hinduism was brought by the Indo-Aryans from India. Hinduism is predominant wherever the Indo-Aryan ethnicity resides.
Buddhism was brought by the Chinese. Buddhism reigns supreme in Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Islam was brought by Arab traders. Islam dominates in Malaysia and Indonesia. IN FACT, did you know that Indonesia is THE largest Muslim country in the world?!
Many times in this realm, you will also see a mixture of these religions.
For example, Angor Wat (Cambodia) is a temple that honors both the Hindu and the Buddhism religions.
In Vietnam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism have been blended together with ancestor worship for a unique belief and value system.
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Originally, conglomeration of kingdoms, principalities, sultanates, etc., BUT lacked a dominant center.
Colonization
Major entities:
Dutch
Dutch East Indies
Colonized Maluku Islands (Spice Islands): black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, etc.
Colonized other islands; primarily responsible for uniting Indonesia’s 17,000 islands
British
Foothold in Burma (now Myanmar), Malaya, parts of Borneo, and islands in South China Sea
French
French Indochina
Five entities: Tonkin, Cochin China, and Annam (Vietnam), Cambodia, Laos
Spanish (later Americans)
Philippines
Historical Geography How Political Map Evolved
Before colonization, Southeast Asia was a patchwork of many different political entities. Unlike the Chinese, however, no culture or political entity dominated, which made colonization so much easier.
Colonization
European colonial powers came in, divided up the landscape, and ruled over their spheres of influence (much like in Africa).
The Europeans formed empires here, and often played colonial power against the other in their quest for ultimate control. In turn, colonization influenced the modern-day political map.
Europeans united many entities:
17,000 islands within Indonesia
9 sultanates within Malaysia
Major players: Dutch, British, French, and Spanish (later replaced by Americans after Spanish-American War).
Dutch
The Dutch were the first colonizers (after the Portuguese) to make a foothold in Southeast Asia.
They were primarily interested in the many unusual spices the islands extracted from specialized plants.
Islands in Indonesia were initially colonized by the Dutch East India Company. This company made it headquarters in Jawa, and it fought to gain control of the 17,000 islands that now comprise the country of Indonesia. Later, the Dutch East India company transferred power to the Netherlands government.
Of particular interest were the Spice Islands (Maluku Islands), in which various spices were used, found, extracted, and sold in Europe. Spices were a hot commodity at the time because they preserved food and gave flavor to an otherwise bland diet. And spices were in such demand that people fought over them.
British
The British gained a foothold in Burma (now Myanmar), Malaya, parts of Borneo, and islands in South China Sea.
Burma was part of the British Indian Empire until 1948, when it gained independence.
Malaya (Malaysian Peninsula and Sarawak/Sabah on Borneo) were ruled together and later became Malaysia. Notice how Malaysia today continues to consist of land on the Malaysian Peninsula as well as land on Borneo.
Singapore gained its independence from Malaysia in 1965.
French Indochina
The French called their colonies Indochina – Indo for the South Asian cultural influence and China for the role of the Chinese in this region.
The French divided their land into five entities on the east coast of the Indochina Peninsula. Present day Vietnam consisted of three entities during colonial times: Tonkin in the north, Cochin China in the south, and Annam in the middle. Is it any wonder that Vietnam had SO many issues upon independence?
The other two entities became countries of the same name: Cambodia and Laos.
Spanish (Americans)
The Spanish essentially controlled the islands now know as the Philippines (named after Spain’s King Philip II).
As in its other colonies, Spain awarded the best land to Spaniards, leaving little to no land for the indigenous people.
An uprising in the colony began around the time of the Spanish-American War in 1898. After America won the war, the Philippines became a colony of the U.S. Unrest continued until 1905, however, and by 11946 the country was independent.
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Historical Geography How Political Map Evolved
Notice the areas each of these colonial powers controlled.
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Emerging Markets – the world’s fastest growing national market economies. Measured by 1) economic growth rates, 2) foreign direct investment, etc.
Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia lead the realm in economic growth, BUT the richest countries are:
Brunei (oil-rich)
Singapore (comparable with Switzerland and the U.S.)
Population of ~5 million people on 240 sq. miles of land!
Ideal relative location largest container port in the world
Realmwide Economic Integration
ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Goal: political stability and increased integration
AFTA – ASEAN Free Trade Agreement
Economic agreement that has succeeded in lowering tariffs and encouraging trade amongst Southeast Asian countries
Economic Geography Emerging Markets
Many countries in Southeast Asia are showing incredible growth and are becoming emerging markets. It is important to note, however, that just because a country is growing economically, it does not mean that country is well-off. For example, Vietnam is one of the emerging markets, but it continues to be a very poor country with a high population growth rate.
Of all the countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore is the economic giant.
Of note, it is not a territorial giant. In fact, Singapore is tiny!
BUT, Singapore is a leading node due to its relative location of centrality.
Tip of Malay Peninsula
Along a major shipping lane – Strait of Malacca
Large and deep natural harbor that accommodates large ships
Singapore has become the largest container port in the world. It is also THE destination of millions for its: shopping, international flights, business transactions, real estate investment, and universities.
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Economic Geography Emerging Markets
Singapore’s (container) port.
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The creation of boundaries follow a step-by-step process:
Definition – written treaties that describe boundary
Delineation – transfer of boundary to a map that shows the lines of the boundary and the details of the landscape on which the boundary lies.
Demarcation - the physical marking of boundaries (through fences, signs, walls) on the physical landscape.
Political Geography States and Boundaries
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Categories of Boundaries
Physiographic – boundaries that are associated with a physical feature (river, mountain, etc.)
Ethnocultural – boundaries that are associated with historical or cultural breaks in the landscape.
Geometric – boundaries that are associated with straight lines and coordinates, with no reference to physical or cultural features.
Political Geography Classifying Boundaries
Image obtained from cia.gov
Image obtained from rfa.org
There are three main categories of boundaries. Going from left to right, look at the images of the three categories of boundaries and read their description below.
Image of the Mekong River. The Mekong River separates Laos from Thailand physiographic boundary.
Image of Myanmar and Thailand Border. Notice the colored provinces. These represent different ethnicities and belong to Myanmar ethnocultural boundary.
Image of Libya and Chad Border. Notice the straight line tat separates Libya from Chad. This boundary is known as the Aozou Strip and has been a major source of contention between these two countries. Straight lines often indicate a geometric boundary, and cause issues between countries.
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Four types of evolutionary boundaries:
Antecedent Boundary – a boundary that existed before the cultural landscape emerged and stayed in place after people settled. Example: Malaysia and Indonesia.
Subsequent Boundary – a boundary that developed in conjunction with the cultural landscape and human settlement. Example: Boundary between Vietnam and China.
Superimposed Boundary – a boundary forced on a developed cultural landscape by more powerful outsiders. Example: Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Relict Boundary – a boundary that has ceased to function but still remains (in whole or part) on the landscape. Example: North and South Vietnam.
Political Geography Types of Boundaries
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Political Geography Types of Boundaries
SO let’s take a look at each of these examples.
The antecedent boundary between Malaysia and Indonesia is dense rainforest. This boundary was put into place well before the human settlement of this area. In fact, if you look at population geography map (shown previously), you can see that this boundary line does not have much settlement around it.
The subsequent boundary between China and Vietnam has actually changed over time. The boundary line has been changed and modified over time, and may not be done changing yet.
The superimposed boundary between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea is a classic example of a geometric boundary as well, notice the straight line. Upon independence from the Dutch, Indonesia demanded the eastern portion of New Guinea. When the Netherlands refused to give it to Indonesia, Indonesia invaded, and the eastern portion of the island of New Guinea became Indonesia.
The relict boundary between North and South Korea can still be seen on the landscape. It was a boundary that separated the two entities during the Vietnam War.
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State Shapes
Compact State – a country with a rounded or rectangular shape, and without major indentations. This is the most efficient state shape because it has the most land contained within the least amount of boundary. Example: Cambodia
Protruded State - a country that has a compact territory, BUT also has an extension (protrusion) of land from the center. Example: Thailand and Myanmar
Elongated State – a country whose length is at least six times its average width. This is the least efficient state shape because it has the least land contained within the most amount of boundary (lots of boundary to defend). It also lies along many climatic and cultural transitions. Example: Vietnam
Fragmented State – a country that consists of two or more territorial units separated by foreign territory or a large body of water. Example: Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines
Perforated State – a country that is completely surrounded by the territory of another country. Example: South Africa (Lesotho perforates it).
Political Geography Territorial Morphology (Shape)
When boundaries are formed, they not only delineate the separation between countries, but they also create interesting shaped of countries. There are five main state shapes.
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Political Geography Territorial Morphology (Shape)
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Includes Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar
Basics
Multicultural and multiethnic region
Buddhism dominates
One of the least urbanized regions of the world
Significantly affected by Indochina War (Vietnam War), 1964
Regions of the Realm Mainland Southeast Asia
And now onto the regions in this realm…..
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Vietnam
Major Influencer: elongation
Japanese invasion, WWII and ouster, 1954
Severely affected by Indochina War
North vs. South Unification, 1976
Communist ideologies poverty, famine
Opened up, 1980’s
NOW, reconnecting to outside world
Emerging Market
World Trade Organization member, 2007
Emerging middle class, and reduction in poverty
Regions of the Realm Mainland Southeast Asia
Vietnam is the first country we will discuss in this region.
Although Vietnam was severely impacted by the Indochina war (Vietnam War to us), it has recently begun to reconnect to the outside world.
Poverty has declined dramatically over the past decade.
Vietnam is now one of the hot spots for assembly plants.
Unification
As most of us probably know, a war was fought in Vietnam for a long time. The war was basically fought between the Communist North and the Democratic (U.S. backed) South. Let’s take a little look at the history.
Japan invaded Vietnam in WWII, and were ousted in 1954. After this ouster, two regimes took control: communist regime in Hanoi (north) and non-communist regime in Saigon (south).
It’s elongated shape made this possible, and made unification difficult. Remember what was said about elongated states; they are the least efficient state shapes and they cross over many environmental/cultural boundaries.
This elongated shape enables these two regimes to function separately.
The U.S. supported the south, and sent troops to Vietnam to aid in this endeavor. In 1975, the war ended. In 1976, the country was unified under the communist regime.
Vietnam in Transition
The first few decades of communist rule saw the abolition of private enterprise, the collectivization of farmland, extreme poverty, and frequent famines.
Following China in the 1980’s, Vietnam began opening up its country to foreign investment.
BY the 1990’s, free enterprise was actually encouraged.
Due to this opening of the country, the country began to grow, and is now considered an emerging market.
The government provides adequate social services to its citizens.
Attendance in secondary schools has risen.
A middle class has emerged, and poverty has decreased dramatically.
Ho Chi Minh City is an SEZ (special economic zone), modeled after China’s SEZ’s.
Vietnam became a member of the World Trade Organization, 2007.
As of 201, Vietnam was the second largest supplier of clothing to the U.S.
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Regions of the Realm Mainland Southeast Asia
Notice the statue of the Communist leader, Ho Chi Minh in Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam on the upper left (Vietnam is still communist), and the juxtaposition of the Louis Vuitton store in the same city (indicative of the rising middle class).
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Cambodia
Contains remnants of Buddhist Khmer Empire
Compact state shape, BUT abundant centrifugal forces
Khner Rouge, 1970’s
Political infighting, 1990’s
Relatively stable, 2012
Laos
Landlocked with five neighbors
Communist regime slow to follow China/Vietnam examples
Lacks infrastructure
Little to no industry
Less than 5% land suitable for agriculture
27% urbanized rural, subsistence farmers on poor land
BUT….
Limited return to private enterprise and liberalization of foreign investment…
ASEAN member, 1997
WTO member, 2013
Regions of the Realm Mainland Southeast Asia
Cambodia
Cambodia used to be the site of the Khmer Empire.
Buddhist empire.
Remnants = landscape filled with Buddhist monuments.
Most famous Angkor Wat
While Cambodia is a compact state (the most efficient, remember), it’s shape did not help it stave off unrest.
Khmer Rouge
Communist regime responsible for killing 2+ million Cambodian dissenters, 1970’s.
Today
Reliant on food imports (used to be self-sufficient)
Dislocation of farmlands (collectivization) set food production back.
Supply lines continuously disrupted
Hope: oil discovery in 2012
Laos
Laos is a landlocked country that is surrounded by five other countries. It is a weak country surrounded by much more powerful countries.
With that said, although Laos lacks economically, it has JUST recently opened itself up to foreign investment and private enterprise. We will see what happens in the future.
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Thailand
Leading mainland state
Contains a Primate City – Bangkok
Slowest population growth rate in realm – 0.35%
Chao Phraya River – “Rhine of Thailand”
River Highway for transportation
Inhibitors to Growth
Political turmoil
Catastrophic flood, 2011
Southern insurgency
Restive Peninsular South
Protrusion (south) has led to southern insurgency
Regions of the Realm Mainland Southeast Asia
Thailand is the dominant country in the mainland region, for a variety of reasons.
It’s central, primate, city is a tourist destination.
It has the slowest population growth in the realm (slower than the U.S. and some European countries!).
It contains the Chao Phraya river, on which Bangkok depends.
The importance of this river cannot be overestimated.
Barge trains, ferry boats, and freighters dominate the river, carrying all sorts of peoples and goods.
Incredible development has occurred beside the river (skyscrapers, pagodas, factories, ferry landings, luxury hotels, etc.).
Despite its dominance, Thailand’s economy is not growing as fast as it could be.
Political turmoil has gotten in the way. The prime minister was ousted in 2006, and his sister took over. Constant infighting has plagued this country.
A catastrophic flood occurred in 2011.
Inundated 2/3 of the country.
Caused massive damage to agriculture and industry.
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Regions of the Realm Mainland Southeast Asia
Really take a look at this map of Thailand.
As stated before, Thailand is a protruded country.
The southern portion of Thailand is almost split apart from the rest of Thailand at Prachuap Khiri Khan. At this location, Thailand is only 8.1 miles wide. Talk about an extreme separation between the compact portion of Thailand and the southern provinces! So let’s take a look at the southern provinces.
Notice that they are much closer to Myanmar and Malaysia than they are to Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok. This creates very porous (easy to cross) borders.
In the five southernmost provinces of Thailand, 85% of the population is Muslim, and a majority of the population is Malay. That the population in the southern provinces associates more with Malaysia than with Thailand is no surprise.
Southern Insurgency
Due to these differences, southern insurgent groups have formed.
Area is characterized by Islamic militancy and violence.
5,000+ Thais killed by insurgent attacks since 2004.
In Yala (see the south), 100+ people were killed by terrorist bombs, 2012.
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Regions of the Realm Mainland Southeast Asia
Thailand’s unique cultural landscapes.
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Myanmar
Also known as Burma
Military dictatorship for decades ‘democratically’ (kind of) elected government
Dramatic political and economic reforms ensued
Country is chair of ASEAN!
Development Projects in Works
Dawei Development Project
Make Dawei prominent port
Build massive industrial complex
Regions of the Realm Mainland Southeast Asia
Under British colonialism, this country was known as Burma. Interestingly enough, the CIA Factbook still refers to this country as Burma, even though it has changed its name to Myanmar.
Military Dictatorship Democracy
For decades, Myanmar was ruled by a brutal and corrupt military dictatorship. Sanctions had been placed upon the country, and economic/diplomatic relations were suspended.
Just recently (2010), however, the country held parliamentary elections in 2010.
Despite election of former prime minister as president and appointment of military officials in national positions, political and economic reforms have abounded:
Release of political dissident – Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Reinstatement of free press
Release of hundreds of political prisoners
World sanctions lifted in 2011
Foreign investment/tourism flooded country
Enacted laws to protect human rights
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Regions of the Realm Mainland Southeast Asia
Even though Myanmar seems like it is on a road to recovery, there are still centrifugal forces at play. One of these is the cultural pluralism the country exhibits. On the map above, notice the following cultures:
Burmans – 68% of population
Shan – 9% of population
Kayin – 7% of population (desire autonomous state)
Mon – 2.2% of population (introduced Buddhism to area)
As a sidenote, Myanmar has a long way to go. The image on the right shows the CBD of Myanmar’s capital city!
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Includes Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and East Timor
Basics:
Diverse set of countries
Fragmented and sprawling state – Indonesia
Former U.S. colony – the Philippines
City-state – Singapore
Sultanate – Brunei
New country – East Timor, 2002
Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
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Malaysia
Ethnic components create tension
Two Parts: Mainland (West Malaysia) and Insular (East Malaysia)
West Malaysia
Contains 75% of country’s population
Tight control by government on economic/social policies
Skilled and hard-working labor high-technology manufacturing
Located on major choke point, Strait of Malacca
East Malaysia
Contains 60% of territory, but only 20% of population
Provide Malaysia proper with energy resources and timber
Contentious politics
Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Malaysia is actually divided into two parts: one part resides on the Malay Peninsula while the other part resides on the island of Borneo. Crazy? I know, but that is colonialism for you!
Ethnic components cause tension
There are a number of ethnic groups that have gained a foothold in this country. Of all the groups, the Malays are the most vociferous. The Malays (a Muslim culture) want Islamic rules to be followed, and often claim ‘majority rights’ over the Chinese. This may cause problems in the future.
Malays – 50%
Chinese – 26%
Hindu South Asians – 7%
Two Parts
West Malaysia
West Malaysia is definitely the dominant portion of the country. It contains most of the country’s population and 11 of its 13 states.
West Malaysia has also followed a path like India, promoting itself as a high-tech country.
In the 1990’s, the capital boasted the world’s tallest building.
A space-age airport was created.
A high-tech administrative capital was built.
A multi-media Super Corridor was founded, centered on Cyberjaya.
Focused on high-tech manufacturing complex in northwest.
In addition, West Malaysia is located next to one of the world’s most important waterways. The Strait of Malacca. As a choke point, the Strait of Malacca is one of the world’s busiest and most strategic waterways.
East Malaysia
East Malaysia provides mainland Malaysia with many resources.
East Malaysia also houses dozens of indigenous groups. These indigenous groups complain that the government on mainland Malaysia treats them more like a colony. Unrest is common in the east.
T
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Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Check out the location of the Multimedia Corridor. Where does it reside?
Also check out the different states and their corresponding ethnic compositions.
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Brunei
Located on Borneo
Islamic sultanate
Sultanate - a state or country that is ruled by a Sultan
Southeast Asia’s richest country – oil exporter
History
Islamic Kingdom
British Colony
Independence, 1984
Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Image obtained from excellentworlds.com
Image obtained from teachaway.com
Brunei is fascinating.
First and foremost, it is an Islamic sultanate
The sultan of this country rules as an absolute monarch.
His palace is said to be the world’s largest palace.
Second, it is Southeast Asia’s richest country
This was made possible by the discovery of oil in 1929 and natural gas in 1965.
More oil discoveries may yet be made.
Opulent palaces, mosques, and hotels mark the landscape
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Singapore
Seceded from Malaysia (peacefully), 1965
Economic Geography
Functions as an entrepot
New focus technologically-advanced industrial base
Growth Triangle
Quasi authoritarian government rules
Jurong Reclamation Project
Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Singapore is one of those countries that we call a “lesson in human geography.” It is tiny (239 sq. miles) and lacks raw materials, yet it has become an economic powerhouse. The GNI is on par with the U.S. at $48,000, after all.
Economic Geography
Singapore has and continues to function as an entrepot. Remember, an entrepot is a place where goods are shipped, stored, and then re-shipped to other places. In this sense…
Crude oil from southeast Asia gets unloaded and refined in Singapore. It then gets re-shipped to East Asia.
Raw rubber from Indonesia gets shipped to China, Japan, and the U.S.
Timber, rice, spices, etc. are also shipped to Singapore, and then re-shipped out.
In return, cars, machinery, and equipment are imported to Singapore, and exported from Singapore to the other Southeast Asian countries.
Now, however, Singapore is focusing more on the technological side of industry.
Towards this endeavor, Singapore has created a growth triangle.
Growth Triangle – an economic development concept in which three+ countries are linked in terms of production of goods, and all benefit.
For example, in many areas, Indonesia and Malaysia supply the raw materials and cheap labor, while Singapore provides the capital (money) and technical expertise. IN the end, a technologically advanced finished product is made, and it occurred between three proximate countries.
In terms of governance, Singapore is governed by a slightly authoritarian government and leader. This government tightly controls business and many other aspects of life (newspapers, whether you flush your toilet, wearing your hair too long, etc.).
With that said, Singapore is a relatively homogenous society, with more than ¾ of its population being Chinese.
Notice on the map above the Jurong Reclamation Project.
This project is now finished, and in its place is the new Jurong island.
Many low-lying countries (Netherlands for example), conduct such reclamation projects.
In this project, seven islands were basically sanded together to make this one big artificial island.
Now, Jurong is a huge location for industry etc.
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Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Image obtained from http://www.edb.gov.sg/content/edb/en/news-and-events/news/
news-archives/2011/energised-and-primed.html
Image obtained from alkispapadopoulos.com
Jurong Island.
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Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Indonesia
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Indonesia
Fragmented, archipelago, underlain by tectonic plates, overlain with volcanoes
Major Islands
Jawa
Indonesia’s economic, population, cultural, political core
Jabotabek – a conglomeration of several large cities (anchored on Jakarta)
Contains 57% of Indonesia’s total population
Sumatera
Westernmost island on Strait of Malacca
Location of large palm oil plantations
Northern section of island site of rebel movement for independence by Acehnese
Contains 20% of Indonesia’s total population
Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Remember, an archipelago is a series of islands. Indonesia is one such example. In fact, it happens to be the world’s most expansive archipelago.
There are 17,000 islands that comprise the country of Indonesia.
Jawa
Jawa is the country’s core area.
It contains 12% of Indonesia’s entire population with 150 million people, making it one of the most densely populated areas on earth.
Jakarta, as the capital city, has flowed into several other cities (Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi) to create a huge conurbation. You will learn more about conurbations on the North America presentation (we have a lot in this country!)
Jawa is where political power lies as well.
Jawa is also home to thousands of factories etc.
Sumatera
Sumatera has a strategic location on the Strait of Malacca, and Singapore right across the way.
As in the past, palm oil plantations are a huge, ever-expanding economic mainstay/environmental issue.
So, this is a pretty fascinating story about the north and the Acehnese people who live there.
The Acehnese people fought the Dutch, and after independence, fought Indonesia for independence.
The Acehnese continuously fought the Indonesian government, until a stalemate occurred.
However, the 2004 earthquake that created the tsunami that same year originated just offshore of the northern part of Sumatera (where the Acehnese live). The tsunami waves that occurred hit the Acehnese region hard, destroying whole towns, and killing tens of thousands of people.
Along with outside government aid and aid workers, Indonesia helped lead the relief effort for the tsunami victims.
In the aftermath, Acehnese rebels agreed to relinquish their demand for independence and the Indonesian army withdrew its forces.
Kalimatan
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Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Image obtained from newgeography.com
Above: Jabotabek and Jakarta’s CBD
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Indonesia cont.
Major Islands cont.
Kalimatan
Portion of Borneo belonging to Indonesia
Densely rainforested, with poor tropical soils and dwindling numbers of orangutans, pygmy elephants, rhinoceroses, and tigers.
Major human activity deforestation
Contains 6% of Indonesia’s total population
Sulawesi
Volcanic
Ethnically diverse with frequent clashes between Muslims and Christians
Contains 7% of Indonesia's total population
Papua
Indonesian controlled side of New Guinea de facto colony
Populated predominantly by Papuans – Free Papua Movement
Contains world’s richest gold mine and world’s third largest open-pit copper mine
Contains 1.3% of Indonesia’s total population
Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
I do not have much more to add to these other islands, except what has been written above. The only thing I want to mention is the Free Papuan Movement. As you can guess, the Papuans are joining together to demand autonomy and independence from Indonesia.
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Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Vast tracts of rainforests razed (above, left) for the creation of large palm oil plantations (bottom, right).
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Indonesia cont.
Diversity in Unity (Indonesia’s national motto)
Powerful centrifugal forces
But, mostly Muslim (88%)
Transmigration and Outer Islands
Transmigration – the (now-ended) policy of the Indonesian government to induce people on Jawa to move to other islands.
Instigated cultural conflict, environmental destruction, and deforestation
Ended, 2001 impacts still felt today
Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
Indonesia has powerful centrifugal forces at play within the country on a daily basis.
300+ ethnicities
250+ languages
Almost every religion practiced on earth
As an example. look at the map of Indonesia, and find the following islands.
Bali – Hindu rice-growers
Lombok – Muslim with some Hindu
Sumbawa – Muslim
Flores – Roman Catholic
Western Timor – Protestant
But, Indonesia is mostly Muslim with 88% of the population adhering to Islam.
Fundamental and militant Islam is on the rise.
Terrorist attacks have occurred on Bali and in Jakarta.
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East Timor
Officially known as Timor-Leste
Newest country in realm, 2002
Dutch colony
Indonesia annexed, 1976
Vote for independence, 1999
Independence gained, 2002
Mainly agricultural
Rapid population growth
Fragmented geography
Main country in eastern portion of Timor
Exclave (a piece of territory that lies outside of the country to which it belongs) in Ocussi
Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
East Timor has had quite the history in the pas half century.
It was originally a Dutch colony, but was overrun by Indonesia.
Indonesia annexed this land in 1976, and thus began a huge battle between the locals inhabitants and the Indonesians.
The UN stepped in, and officiated an independence referendum in 1999 (East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia).
Indonesia failed to accept this vote, and proceeded on a military campaign of occupation.
Finally, in 2002, East Timor got its full independence.
On a different note, East Timor is a predominantly agricultural society with a high population growth and large percentage of people living below poverty, but it has oil revenues coming into the country as well.
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Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
And speaking of oil….
Look at the image above and notice:
The boundary line
The joint petroleum development area
Oil and gas fields
Australia originally supported Indonesia's annexation of East Timor.
Australia wanted more oil for itself.
After the 1999 referendum, however, Australia switched to supporting East Timor.
Since then, East Timor and Australia have brokered an oil-sharing agreement.
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The Philippines
Three main island sections:
North – Luzon and Mindoro
Center – Visayan group
South – Mindanao
Sulu Archipelago
Predominantly Muslim
Site of Muslim-based insurgencies
Amalgamation of cultures
Economic Geography
Agriculture dominates
Remittances major source of money in economy
Regions of the Realm Insular Southeast Asia
So, let’s take a look at our last country: the Philippines.
As you can see, there are three main sections of islands.
One more section I want you to know is the Sulu Archipelago.
Mainly Muslim
Site of Muslim-based insurgencies
Muslim population feels marginalized by majority Christian-Filipinos
Another interesting aspect I want you to know about the Philippines is the incredible cultural diversity the country displays.
People are of Malay and Indonesian descent and Hindu religion
China invaded and Chinese affected Luzon most
Islam arrive later and gained a foothold in the south
Spanish invaded and colonized in the 16th century
American took over colony after Spanish-American war
All in all, people of the Philippines are:
Malay, Arab, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and American with….
81% of the population being Roman Catholic, 9% Protestant, and 5% Muslim
Talk about feeling outnumbered!
Economic Geography
In terms of economic geography, the Philippines are not that well off.
Poverty is high
Infrastructure is lacking
Land reform is needed
Social restructuring would help
Remittances – money earner by emigrants that is sent back to their friends and family in their home country.
Remittances are the major source of cash flow in the economy.
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