World Geography / Unit 10: East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania
10.3 Southeast Asia
Notes
- Mainland countries: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam. Maritime (island) countries: Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia (partly on Borneo), Singapore and East Timor.
- Capitals: Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand), Hanoi (Vietnam), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Singapore (city-state), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Vientiane (Laos), Naypyidaw (Myanmar).
- Indonesia is the largest archipelago, with about 17,000 islands. Climate is mostly tropical with monsoons; rice is the main crop.
- The Strait of Malacca between Malaysia and Sumatra is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
- Religions: Buddhism (Thailand, Myanmar), Islam (Indonesia, Malaysia), Catholicism (Philippines). Most countries were colonies except Thailand.
- ASEAN promotes cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.
Practice
What is the capital of Vietnam?
Hanoi is in the north; Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city.
Which Southeast Asian country is made up of about 17,000 islands?
Indonesia is the world's largest island country.
Which Southeast Asian country was never colonized by a European power?
Thailand kept its independence.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 10 test.