Cultural Geography

Asia stuff

Asia as the “Land of Extremes”

Asia contains the world’s highest and lowest points (Mt. Everest and Dead Sea), hottest and coldest regions, richest and poorest economies, and most diverse cultures, earning it the title “land of extremes.”

Buddhism

Teaches the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path to end suffering and reach enlightenment (nirvana) through meditation and moral living.

Hinduism

Believes in reincarnation, karma, dharma, and moksha (freedom from rebirth); stresses duty and moral living.

Islam

Monotheistic religion based on belief in Allah and following the Five Pillars: faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Caste System

A rigid Indian social structure dividing people by birth; limits mobility and enforces inequality.

Effect of Caste System

Causes discrimination and slows India’s social progress and unity.

Challenges India Faces

Overpopulation, poverty, pollution, inequality, and religious tension.

Conflict in the Middle East

Arises from religious and political tensions, territorial disputes, and control of oil resources.

Physical Geography of Central Asia

Harsh mountains, deserts, and steppes isolate groups, shaping nomadic life and trade routes.

Influence of the Silk Road

Connected Asia to Europe; spread goods, religions, and cultures across Central Asia.

South Asia (Subcontinent)

Called a subcontinent because it’s a large, distinct landmass separated from Asia by the Himalayas.

Larger Landmass Asia Belongs To

Eurasia, Earth, Milky Way, Universe.

Record

World’s highest Point (Mountain, Mt. Everest) World’s lowest point (The Dead Sea), Deepest freshwater lake (Lake Baikal), among some others

Asian Architecture

Includes pagodas, temples, arches, and domes; reflects religion and harmony with nature.

Spread of Major Religions

Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism shaped art, values, and daily life across Asia through trade and conquest.

Geography Shaping Central Asia

Mountains and deserts isolate people, creating nomadic lifestyles and dependence on trade.

Silk Road’s Impact

Spread culture, religion, and goods; built cities and wealth in Central Asia.

Caste System & Hinduism in India

Reinforced inequality and slowed modernization by restricting social movement.

China

Beijing

Myanmar

Yangon

Laos

Vientiane

Thailand

Bangkok

Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Vietnam

Hanoi

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan

Indonesia

Jakarta

Philippines

Manila

South Korea

Seoul

North Korea

Pyongyang

Japan

Tokyo

Taiwan

Taipei

Hong Kong

Major global trade and finance hub, former British colony.

Tibet

Plateau region under Chinese control; center of Tibetan Buddhism.

Ho Chi Minh City

Major city in southern Vietnam, formerly Saigon.

Singapore

Island city

Okinawa

Japanese island with U.S. military presence.

Shanghai

China’s largest city and financial capital.

Yellow River (Huang He)

Cradle of Chinese civilization, also known as “China’s sorrow” for its floods.

Yangtze River

Longest river in Asia; vital for transportation and agriculture.

Yellow Sea

Between China and Korea; key fishing and shipping area.

Sea of Japan

Separates Japan from mainland Asia.

East China Sea

Major trade route between China, Japan, and Taiwan.

South China Sea

Strategic sea with disputed territories; vital shipping route.

Philippine Sea

Large Pacific region east of the Philippines.

Gulf of Thailand

Shallow gulf bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Sea of Okhotsk

Cold northern sea off Siberia and Japan.

Amur River

Forms border between China and Russia.

Lake Baikal

Deepest freshwater lake in the world, located in Siberia.

Mekong River

Flows through Southeast Asia, supporting agriculture and trade.

Irrawaddy River

Main river of Myanmar; used for transport and farming.

Pacific Ocean

Largest ocean, bordering East and Southeast Asia.

Gobi Desert

Cold desert spanning Mongolia and China.

Takla Makan Desert

Harsh desert in western China.

Plateau of Tibet

Known as the “Roof of the World”; source of major Asian rivers.

Mt. Fuji

Japan’s tallest peak and sacred volcanic mountain.