East Asian Countries Flashcards

South Korea

• Alternates between republic, dictatorship, and military rule.
• The Sixth Republic was established in 1987.
• Capital: Seoul.
• Tiger economy: Transitioned from poorest to riches.
• GDP: 37,900
• Key industries: electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, and steel.

North Korea

• Communist dictatorship established in 1945.
• Leaders: Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un.
• Referred to as the 'Most brutalized nation in the world'.
• Faces chronic food shortages and famine.
• Isolated on the world stage.
• Accusations of developing nuclear missiles.
• Capital: Pyongyang.
• GDP: 1,800

Japan

• Republic with universal suffrage, equality, and respect for human rights.
• Unconstitutional to wage an aggressive war (peaceful constitution).
• Heavily modernized with high technology.
• Key industries: motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel, ships, chemicals, textiles, and processed foods.
• GDP per capita: 38,900

Mongolia

• Leader: Gengis Khan.
• Landlocked country.
• Arid and semi-arid climate.
• Very little arable land.
• 40% of the population are nomadic pastoralists.
• 33% of the population lives in the capital, Ulan Bator.
• 53% of the population is Buddhist.
• GDP: 5,840

Taiwan

• Official name: Republic of China.
• Democratic Republic.
• Capital: Taipei.
• Tiger economy; 18th largest in the world.
• Focus on textiles, footwear, computers, semiconductors, electronics, and appliances.
• GDP per capita: 28,370
• Experiences tensions with China.
• Involves U.S.

China

• Capital: Beijing.
• GDP: 12,600
• Family is the basic foundation of society.
• First civilization built on the Yellow River.
• Characterized by long-lasting, stable dynasties.
• Patriarchal society.