Southeast Asia

The seven countries that make up mainland Southeast Asia are primarily hilly and extend from the Himalayas in the north practically all the way down to the Equator in the south. These mountains can be found anywhere in mainland Southeast Asia. A bit less than half of the land is covered by trees and other types of vegetation. The river valleys that can be found winding their way through the beautiful countryside are where the vast majority of the people choose to build their homes. Myanmar is a country that is not only isolated but also underdeveloped and destitute. Rich countries include those with booming contemporary industrial economies, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and most famously the island republic of Singapore. Other wealthy nations include the Republic of the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. In Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, reconstruction has become essential after several years of war in each country. This area has a monsoon climate, with the dry season lasting from November to March and the wet season extending from May to October. The dry season begins in November and ends in March. November marks the beginning of the dry season, which lasts through March. \n

The inhabitants of northeastern Thailand and Laos commemorate the start of the wet season with a festival called bun bang fai, also known as the skyrocket festival. Massive rockets up to 13 feet (4 meters) in length and able to contain up to 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) of gunpowder are constructed out of steel or plastic pipes. Fireworks are launched into the sky in the hopes of attracting the attention of the rain god Vassakarn and prompting him to deliver the annual showers.

THE RIVER VALLEYS

Since ancient times, people have chosen to make their homes in the valleys of major rivers like the Irrawaddy, Mekong, and Salween because of the favorable conditions for rice farming that can be found there. Rivers can be found on all sides of the region's major urban centers. Farmers make use of every available square inch of land in the valleys, and they frequently construct terraces on the slopes of the hills in order to cultivate rice and other crops. They use the water from the river to irrigate (water) their crops.

THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA

To a considerable extent, Vietnam's rise to the position of world's second-largest rice exporter can be attributed to the Mekong River delta, widely recognized as one of the world's finest rice-growing zones. Delta residents make a living cultivating fruit and fishing for the many fish species that make their home in the murky river water.

Farmers in the uplands use a method known as "slash-and-burn," which involves clearing land by cutting it up and setting it on fire. There is an abundance of land in these areas, but not enough people to cultivate it. A farmer first clears away a section of forest and then farms the land for a number of years after doing so. After that, he lets nature take its course in regenerating the land before moving on to another. Because of this, we will never run out of space for farming, and we won't have to cut down any trees in the process. \n

THE HIGHLANDS

In contrast to the intensively populated river valleys, the uplands have a low population density and a significant amount of forest cover all over them. The hill peoples make their homes in these communities, where they cultivate very small plots of land and forage for fruit and other edibles in the surrounding forest. This traditional way of life is currently in jeopardy as a result of the region's growing population as well as the actions of forestry companies who are cutting down the surrounding forest.

The locals believe that the bay of Ha Long was created when a massive dragon smashed through the coastline, fracturing the limestone into thousands of islets and jagged outcroppings, and plunging the ocean below. Ha Long Bay, which literally translates to "where the dragon drops into the sea," is now home to some of the most stunning vistas in all of Southeast Asia. It has been a source of inspiration for a great number of creative people, including authors and artists. \n

Pineapples

Even though pineapples are grown in many parts of Southeast Asia, Thailand is the biggest producer in the world. A lot of the crop is shipped abroad and put in jars.

On the cave roofs of Southeast Asia, the brown-rumped swift builds its nest. Local men risk their lives by mounting rickety ladders to collect these nests, which are the major ingredient in a soup made from bird's nests. The nests are formed from the birds' saliva, yet they resemble noodles when submerged in boiling water.

THAILAND

The KINGDOM OF THAILAND was founded in the 13th century, and for most of its history, it has been an independent country. It was the only country in mainland Southeast Asia that had never been ruled by Britain or France. Thailand is now a wealthy country with a strong economy and a booming tourism industry. Most of the north, west, and south are rocky and empty. About one-third of the people live in the middle of the country, which is rich and full of people. Thailand used to have a lot of forests, but so much of it has been cut down for wood that it is now illegal to cut down trees.

The reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand began in 1946, making him the monarch with the longest continuous term as head of state in the world. The King is a powerful unifying force in the kingdom, and he frequently steps into political affairs to bring order back to the realm. The people of Thailand hold him in very high respect, and they frown upon anyone who criticizes him or his family.

BANGKOK

Although the city of Bangkok is recorded as having a population of 6 million residents, experts estimate that the actual number is probably closer to 10 million. The city, which was initially constructed on a system of canals, continues to have a limited public transportation infrastructure in addition to a small number of major highways. As a direct consequence of this, Bangkok is home to some of the most severe traffic jams in the world. In July of 1992, a monsoon storm caused a backlog that had to be cleared, which took 11 hours. Some people who commute have converted their cars into mobile offices, complete with chemical toilets, so that they can continue to work during their commute. This allows them to get more done.

\n In addition to being a major exporter of rubber and rice, Thailand is also the world's leading grower of pineapples, making it the world's number one pineapple producer. On the other hand, manufacturing has just lately eclipsed agriculture in terms of its significance to the economy. Thailand has developed as a major producer of electronic goods such as integrated circuits for computers as a result of the establishment of factories in Thailand by American and Japanese multinational firms. In many of these brand-new factories, the majority of the labor force is women.

BUDDHISM

Theravada Buddhism was brought to this area by monks from Sri Lanka in the 12th century. It quickly became Thailand's main religion. Theravada Buddhism, which is also called the "Way of the Elders," tells its followers to follow the Law of Karma and do everything they can to make the world less painful for everyone. Young men have always been required to become monks for a time, and many still do so today.

TOURISM

The stunning architecture of Thailand's numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries draws visitors from all over the world to the country. Even though there was a tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004, people continue to visit in order to relax on the unspoiled beaches, go hiking in the hills of the north, or play golf on one of the new courses that were built in order to attract Japanese businessmen.

MYANMAR

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a country in Southeast Asia that is often overshadowed by its more powerful neighbors, India, China, and Thailand. Myanmar was originally known as Burma. This once prosperous nation is now considered to be one of the poorest on the entire planet as a result of the country's decision to pursue a policy of political and economic isolation after it gained its independence in 1948. Practically all outside influences have been kept at bay thanks to uprisings led by the people who live in the mountains, as well as political repression carried out in recent years by a military administration. On the other hand, Myanmar is abundant in natural resources, receives ample water from the massive Irrawaddy River, and possesses soil that is fertile enough to support considerable agricultural production.

The hill tribes of Myanmar can be found in the elevated regions of the country's east, north, and west. Over a quarter of the population belongs to one of these minority groups, which include the Shan, Akha, Karen, and Kachin. Most hill people rely on slash-and-burn agriculture as their primary source of income. They have an intense need for independence and resent any interference from without. Over 200 thousand people, mostly Karen but also others, have been killed in these attempts to topple the government of Myanmar.

TEAK

Teak is a highly sought-after wood for furniture, flooring, and other building applications because it is tough, easily carved, and contains an oil that resists water and prevents iron from rusting. The highlands of Myanmar are home to around 70% of the world's teak trees, but due to extensive felling, there may soon be very few trees left standing unless steps are done to replant the woods.

WEALTH OF NATURE

The northern region of Myanmar is responsible for the production of a wide variety of gemstones, such as rubies and sapphires. These rubies are known for having a dark red color, which is one of the reasons why many people believe they are the best in the world. Additionally rich in oil and natural gas reserves, silver, copper, jade, lead, zinc, and tin can be found in Myanmar in significant quantities.

Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos all meet at the same point in the Golden Triangle. As one of their few ways to make money, the hill people here grow opium poppies. Opium can be used to treat pain, but it can also be turned into opioids. This area makes two-thirds of the heroin in the world. To stop this dangerous trade, the government is telling people to grow other crops, like tobacco or flowers, to export.

RANGOON

The British established Yangon as the capital of Myanmar in 1852 and laid out the city's streets in a grid pattern. Yangon is located in the Irrawaddy River delta, which is one of the largest deltas in the world. Since that time, Rangoon has grown to become the most important port and industrial city in the country. A Buddhist pagoda known as the Shwe Dagon Pagoda dominates the skyline of the city. On a hill located immediately to the north of the city center sits the pagoda that is clad in gold and towers 325 feet (99 meters) above the city streets below.