World Geography / Unit 10: East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania
10.2 East Asian Countries and Cultures
Notes
- China: Beijing; the most populous country in East Asia, with the Great Wall. Japan: Tokyo. South Korea: Seoul. North Korea: Pyongyang. Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar (landlocked). Taiwan: Taipei; it is governed separately from mainland China, while China claims it, so its status is disputed.
- Languages: Mandarin (China), Japanese, Korean (written in Hangul). Chinese characters are used in Chinese and in Japanese writing.
- Cultural influences: Confucianism (respect for family and education), Buddhism, and in Japan Shinto.
- Most Chinese live in the eastern third of the country. Western China (Tibet, Xinjiang) is sparsely populated.
Practice
What is the capital of South Korea?
Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea.
Which philosophy emphasizing family loyalty and education has shaped East Asian culture?
Confucian ideas influenced China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam.
Why do most people in China live in the eastern part of the country?
The Huang He and Yangtze plains support dense settlement.
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