GEOG 1303: World Geography Final Exam Study Guide

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts related to East and Southeast Asia, including geography, culture, agriculture, and social dynamics.

Most Populous Region

East and Southeast Asia, home to ~1.5 billion people.

Urbanization Rates

Japan (79%), Taiwan (78%), South Korea (82%) are among the world's most urbanized countries.

Cultural Heritage

Shared traditions in East Asia include Confucianism, character writing systems, and Buddhism.

Huang He

Also known as the Yellow River, a significant watershed in North China.

Yangtze River

The longest river in China, bisecting South China.

Mountainous Geography of Japan

Japan is 85% mountainous, with most population concentrated in coastal plains.

Volcanism in Japan

Geological activity due to its location near Eurasian, Philippine, and Pacific tectonic plates.

Taiwan's Geography

Features a rugged, mountainous east and a flat, alluvial west.

Tropics Influence

Taiwan experiences mild tropical conditions due to the Tropic of Cancer.

Typhoons

Tropical storms similar to hurricanes affecting Taiwan.

Loess Plain

Finely-grained, windblown sediment area in North China, fertile but vulnerable to erosion.

Chinese Agricultural Geography

Divided between Yangtze (rice) and Huang He (wheat, soybeans, corn) rivers.

Three Gorges Dam

The largest dam in the world, providing electricity, flood control, and irrigation.

Environmental Consequences of Industry

Low air quality and deforestation in Southeast China due to industrial growth.

Tonal Languages

Languages such as Mandarin where pitch affects meaning.

Mahayana Buddhism

A non-exclusive religion practiced widely in East Asia.

Ideographic Writing System

A writing system where symbols represent ideas, used in Chinese and adapted in Japan and Korea.

Chinese Linguistic Diversity

Primarily Mandarin-speaking but includes many other regional dialects.

Nation-State Example

Japan is a classic example, with a majority ethnic Japanese population.

Ainu People

Indigenous group from Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido.

Burakumin

A low caste in Japanese society facing historical discrimination.

Korean Peninsula

Includes both North and South Korea, primarily populated by ethnic Koreans.

Korean Diaspora

Mass migration and cultural exchange of Koreans across the globe.

Han Ethnicity

The dominant ethnic group in Eastern China.

Secularization

The trend of declining religious influence and practice across East Asia.

Himalayas

Mountain range influencing climate and geography of the region.

Japanese Alps

Mountainous regions in Japan contributing to its rugged terrain.

Economic Power in East Asia

Emerging global economic and industrial power with rapid urbanization.