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North Chevy Chase Elementary School

Geography Bee Packet

Africa and Asia

Geo Bee packets released electronically- Oct. 14, 2016

Geo Bee packets due Nov. 11, 2016

Geo Bee quiz- Nov. 11, 2016

Teams announced - on/by Nov. 15, 2016

Fall Geo Bee- Nov. 29, 2016

(Dates are subject to change.)

Special thanks to Ms. Borlase and Ms. Duggirala for updating this year’s packet!

Geo Bee 2016

Mrs. Mosley-Ramsey, NCC staff Ms. Breeding, NCC Staff Ms. Liu, NCC Staff

Name_____________________________________________________ Homeroom________________________________________

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The NCC Geography Bee

How it works?

Welcome Aboard! The Geography Bee has been an NCC tradition for many years.

Originally brought to NCC by parents, the NCC staff have continued this tradition

to help our students enjoy geography as much as we do!

These Geo Bee packets are updated periodically by

volunteers and every effort is made to ensure accuracy.

This year the Geography Bee packet will take students on

an exploration of much of Africa and Asia. (We studied

North Africa last year.) On these two continents, you will

explore fascinating countries, tropical islands, the highest

mountains on Earth, the home of ancient civilizations, wild rivers, dense jungles

and the more.

● Students in grades 3-6 should try to complete the Geo Bee packet.

● Completed packets may be turned into a basket on the circulation desk in

the Media Center.

● Students may receive a small prize or bookmark for completing the packet.

● After a few weeks of study in class and in Media, students will take a short

quiz based on facts from the packet

● The top five scorers in each homeroom will become that homeroom’s

Geography Bee team

● Teams are invited to a friendly competition on Geography Bee Day.

● There is a separate Bee for each grade.

● This is an optional activity for most students.

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Table of Contents

Page Title Page Number

How it works? 2

Table of Contents 3

Introduction to Africa 4-6

List of African Countries 7

Geography of Africa and more facts 8

Map of Africa 9

Tour of Ten Countries

Botswana 10

Ghana 11

Liberia 12-13

Kenya 14

Nigeria 15-16

Ethiopia 17-18

Congo 19

Madagascar 21-22

South Africa 23-24

Tanzania 25-26

Quick Africa Quiz 27

Geography Words to Know 27

Introduction to Asia 28

List of countries of Asia 29

Geography of Asia 30-37

Map of Asia 38

Tour of Ten Countries

Iran 39

UAE (United Arab Emirates) 40-41

Pakistan 42-43

Bangladesh 44

Malaysia 45-46

Indonesia 47

Philippines 48-49

Japan 50-51

Korean Peninsula 52-55

Quick Asia Quiz 55

Wrap Up 56

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Geography Bee Packet: Africa and Asia

An Introduction to Africa

Africa (ăf'riku) is the second largest continent with a land area of 11.6 million square miles

(30,244,050 sq km) including adjacent islands and the second most populous continent with

approximately 1.2 billion people (2016[Dl1] ). At its widest point, Africa is approximately

4,600 mi (7,400 km) wide. The continent straddles the equator and stretches approximately

5,000 mi (8,050 km) from Cape Blanc (Tunisia) in the north to Cape Agulhas (South Africa) in

the south. It is connected with Asia by the Sinai Peninsula, from which it is separated by the

Suez Canal, and is bounded on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the west and south by

the Atlantic Ocean, and on the east and south by the Indian Ocean. The largest offshore island

is Madagascar. Other islands include St. Helena and Ascension in the South Atlantic Ocean; São

Tomé, Príncipe, Annobón, and Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea; the Cape Verde, Canary, and

Madeira islands in the North Atlantic Ocean; and Mauritius, Réunion, Zanzibar, Pemba, and the

Comoros and Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.

Physical Geography

Most of Africa is made up of stable, ancient plateaus, low in the north and west and higher in

the south and east, rising to more than 6,000 ft (1,830 m). The African plateau is composed

mainly of metamorphic rock that has been overlaid in places by sedimentary rock. The

escarpment of the plateau is often close to the coast, generally forming a narrow coastal plain

as well as many waterfalls and rapids in rivers. The lowest point on the continent is 509 ft (155

m) below sea level in Lake Assal in Djibouti; the highest point is Mt. Uhuru (Kibo; 19,340

ft/5,895 m), a peak of Kilimanjaro in northeast Tanzania. From north to south the principal

mountain ranges of Africa are the Atlas Mts. rising to more than 13,000 ft (3,960 m), the

Ethiopian Highlands rising to more than 15,000 ft (4,570 m), the Ruwenzori Mts. rising to

more than 16,000 ft (4,880 m), and the Drakensberg Range rising to more than 11,000 ft

(3,350 m).

The continent's largest rivers are the Nile (the world's longest river), the Congo, the Niger, the

Zambezi, the Orange, the Limpopo and the Senegal. The largest lakes are Victoria (the world's

second largest freshwater lake), Tanganyika, Albert, Turkana, and Nyasa (or Malawi), all in

eastern Africa; shallow Lake Chad, the largest in western Africa, shrinks considerably during

dry periods. Large-scale earth movements, volcanoes and lava flows, are believed to be

responsible for the formation of one of Africa’s most spectacular land features - the Great Rift

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Valley. The Rift is a massive depression of the Earth’s crust extending from Syria in the Middle

East, through the Red Sea and into East Africa. From 40 to 100 mi (60–160 km) wide, it

extends 1,800 mi (2,900 km) from the northern end of the Jordan Rift Valley in southwest Asia

to near the mouth of the Zambezi River. The eastern branch of the rift valley is

occupied in sections by Lakes Nyasa and Turkana and the western branch, curving north from

Lake Nyasa, is occupied by Lakes Tanganyika, Kivu, Edward, and Albert. Elevations of the

Great Rift Valley vary from more than 500 ft below sea level in Djibouti to over 6,000 ft above

sea level in Kenya.

Climate

Africa's climatic zones are largely controlled by the continent's location straddling the equator

and its almost symmetrical extensions into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Except

where high altitude can affect temperature or precipitation (like some permanently

snowcapped mountain peaks found near the equator), Africa is generally divided into six

climatic regions.

1. Tropical rain forest climate: areas near the equator and on the shores of southeast

Madagascar that experience heavy rain and high temperatures throughout the year.

2. Tropical savanna climate: north and south of the rain forest are areas that experience

high temperatures year-round and seasonal rains during the summer season.

3. Semiarid steppe climate: north and south of the tropical savanna zone, the semiarid

steppe has limited summer rain.

4. Arid desert climate: the hot and dry Sahara (north) and the Kalahari (south) extend

from the semiarid steppe.

5. Semiarid steppe climate: additional zones with limited winter rain are located north of the

Sahara and south of the Kalahari.

6. Mediterranean-type climate with subtropical temperatures: narrow, coastal belts

located at the northern and southern extremities of the continent that experience a

concentration of rainfall mostly in the autumn and winter months.

People

African peoples, who account for approximately 16[Dl2] % of the world's population, are

distributed among 54 nations and are further distinguishable in terms of language and cultural

groups, which number around 1,000. Sub-Saharan Africa is occupied by a diverse variety of

peoples including, among others, the Amhara, Mossi, Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Kongo, Zulu, Akan,

Oromo, Masai, and Hausa. European descendents in Africa are concentrated in areas with

subtropical climates or tropical climates modified by altitude; in the south are persons of

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Dutch and British descent, and in the northwest are persons of French, Italian, and Spanish

descent. Lebanese descendents make up an important minority community throughout West

Africa, as do Indian descendents in many coastal towns of South and East Africa. There are also

significant Arab populations both in East Africa and more recently in West Africa. As a whole,

Africa is sparsely populated; the highest population densities are found in Nigeria, the

Ethiopian Highlands, the Nile Valley, and around the Great Lakes (which include Victoria and

Tanganyika). The principal cities of Africa are usually the national capitals and the major ports,

and they typically contain a disproportionately large percentage of the national populations.

Africa has the longest human history of any continent. Evidence of humans in Africa date from

at least 4 million years ago and anthropologists believe that modern humans may have first

developed in or near the Great Rift Valley. Scientists believe that agriculture and domesticated

livestock were brought to Africa from southwest Asia around the 6th or 5th millennium B.C.

Africa's first great civilization began in Egypt around 3400 B.C. and other ancient centers were

Kush and Aksum in what is now parts of Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Economy and Industry

Africa produces three quarters of the world's cocoa beans and about one third of its peanuts.

Rare and precious minerals (including much of the world's diamonds) are abundant in the

continent's ancient crystalline rocks, which are found mostly to the south and east of a line

from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sinai Peninsula. Extensive oil, gas and phosphate deposits occur

in the north and west of this general line. Manufacturing is concentrated in the Republic of

South Africa and in North Africa (especially Egypt and Algeria). Despite Africa's enormous

potential for hydroelectric power production, only a small percentage of it has been developed.

Africa's fairly regular coastline affords few natural harbors, and the shallowness of coastal

waters makes it difficult for large ships to navigate. However, some deep water ports that are

protected by manmade breakwaters, facilitate commerce and trade in primary cities. Major

fishing areas are located off the northwest and southwest coasts as well as off South Africa and

northwest Madagascar.

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List of African Countries

Algeria

Angola

Benin

Botswana

Burkina

Burundi

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Central African

Republic

Chad

Comoros

Congo

Congo, Democratic

Republic of

Djibouti

Egypt

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Gambia

Ghana

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Ivory Coast

Kenya

Lesotho

Liberia

Libya

Madagascar

Malawi

Mali

Mauritania

Mauritius

Morocco

Mozambique

Namibia

Niger

Nigeria

Rwanda

Sao Tome and

Principe

Senegal

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Somalia

South Africa

South Sudan

Sudan

Swaziland

Tanzania

Togo

Tunisia

Uganda

Zambia

Zimbabwe

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Geography of Africa more facts...

Did you know that?

• The African continent is the second largest in the world in terms of both

land mass and population. Which continent do you think is the largest both in

land mass and population? (hint: keep reading)

• The Nile River is the world’s longest river, at 4,160 miles (slightly longer

than the distance between Chevy Chase and Berlin, Germany).

• At 3.5 million square miles, the Sahara (which means

“wilderness” in the Arabic language) is the world's largest and hottest

desert.

• Africa is home to more than 50 independent countries,

representing more than 25% of the countries of the world.

Over 1,000 languages are spoken on the African continent.

• Mt. Kenya, which sits directly on the equator, and Mt.

Kilimanjaro, which is slightly south of the equator, are

volcanoes covered with snow year round due to their high

elevation. Glaciers (giant rivers of ice) are present on every

continent on Earth including these two African volcanic peaks.

• The Great Rift Valley is one of Africa’s most important

land features. It extends over 1,800 miles from north to south and contains

many of the most important anthropologic sites where remains of early humans

have been found.

• Africa is surrounded by bodies of water on all sides – the Atlantic Ocean

to the west and south, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Indian Ocean

on the east and south and Red Sea to the east.

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Map of Africa

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A Tour of Ten African Countries

Botswana

Twice the size of Arizona, Botswana is in south-central Africa,

bounded by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Most of the country is a near-desert climate, with the

Kalahari occupying the western part of the country. The

eastern part is hilly, with salt lakes in the north. The

population is approximately 2.2 million[Dl3] . The capital city

is Gaborone. Today, Botswana’s government is a

parliamentary republic. The earliest inhabitants of the region

were the San, who were followed by the Tswana. The term

for the country's people, Batswana, refers to national rather than ethnic origin. Encroachment

by the Zulu in the 1820s and by Boers from Transvaal in the 1870s and 1880s strained the

peace of the region. In 1885, Britain established the area as a protectorate, then known as

Bechuanaland. In 1961, Britain granted a constitution to the country. Self-government began in

1965, and on Sept. 30, 1966, the country became independent. Botswana is Africa's oldest

democracy. Botswana is rich in diamonds and has a strong tourism industry around its

national parks and wild game reserves. Nevertheless, the country has high unemployment and

stratified socioeconomic classes. In 1999, the nation suffered its first budget deficit in 16 years

because of a slump in the international diamond market which is the country’s most valuable

natural resource. Botswana remains one of the wealthiest and most stable countries in Africa.

1. Name three of Botswana’s national parks and wild game reserves?

____________________________ ____________________________ _________________________

2. _______________ is the capital of Botswana.

3. What are four countries that border Botswana? ___________, ______________,

____________,________________________________

4. Botswana is Africa’s oldest ________________________________________.

5. What is Botswana’s most valuable natural resource? _____________________________.

6. Where is the Kalahari Desert located in Botswana? _____________________________.

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Ghana

Ghana is a West African country bordering on the Gulf of

Guinea; Ghana is bounded by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina

Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to

the south. It compares in size to Oregon, and its largest river is

the Volta. The population is about 27[Dl4] million. The present-

day government is a constitutional democracy. Several major

civilizations flourished in the general region of what is now

Ghana. The ancient empire of Ghana (located 500 mi northwest

of present-day Ghana) reigned until the 13th century. The Akan

peoples established the next major civilization, beginning in the 13th century. The Ashanti

Empire flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. Also called the Gold Coast, the area has been

under colonial rule of the Portuguese, English, Dutch, and the Swedes. Great Britain ruled over

the Gold Coast starting in 1820. Neighboring Togoland, a German and British colony, was

incorporated into Ghana by vote in 1956. Ghana became the first sub-Saharan country in

colonial Africa to gain its independence on March 6, 1957. It became a republic on July 1, 1960.

Ghana suffered from civil unrest under military rulers for over 30 years after its independence.

But since 1996, Ghana has been widely viewed as one of Africa's most stable democracies. In

2001, John Agyekum Kufuor was freely elected president and was reelected in 2004. English is

the official language of Ghana, but dozens of African languages are also spoken there. Accra, the

capital city of Ghana is a word from the Akan language that means “black ants.” The climate in

Ghana is tropical. The eastern coastal area is warm and comparatively dry; the southwest

corner, hot and humid; and the north, hot and dry. There are two distinct rainy seasons in the

south (May-June and August-September). In the north, the rainy seasons tend to merge. A dry,

northeasterly wind, the Harmattan, blows in January and February. Annual rainfall in the

coastal zone averages only 33 inches. The economy of Ghana is based in agriculture (60%),

manufacturing and mining. Major crops include cocoa, rice, coffee, cassava (tapioca), peanuts,

corn, shea nuts, bananas and timber. Industries include mining, lumber, aluminum smelting,

food processing, cement, small commercial ship building. Natural resources include gold,

timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver,

salt and limestone.

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1. The name of the capital of Ghana means “black ants” in Akan. Name the city.

_______________________

2. The ancient kingdom of Ghana controlled the mining and trade of gold in

Africa, so the

British called this area the “Gold Coast.” If you travel west from Ghana toward

Liberia, you

would pass through the country of ______________________, which is French for “ivory

coast.”

3. Ghana was the first European colony in sub-Saharan Africa to gain

_______________________________.

4. The largest river in Ghana is the __________________________________. 5. The dry, northwesterly wind during January and February is called

the__________________________________.

Liberia

Lying on the Atlantic in the southern part of West Africa, Liberia is

bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire. It is

comparable in size to Tennessee and has a population of 4[Dl5] .5

million. Most of the country is a plateau covered by dense tropical

forests, which thrive under in the tropical climate with an annual

rainfall of about 160 inches. The capital city of Monrovia, with a

metropolitan population of approximately 1.35 million, was named

after James Monroe, president of the United States when Liberia

was founded. The southeastern corner of Liberia, near Cote

D’Ivoire, is called Maryland County – after the State of Maryland in the U.S. Liberia, Africa's first

republic (modeled after that of the Unites States), was founded in 1822 as a result of the efforts

of the American Colonization Society to settle freed American slaves in West Africa. The society

contended that the immigration of blacks to Africa was an answer to the problem of slavery as

well as to what it felt was the incompatibility of the races. Over the course of forty years, about

12,000 slaves were voluntarily relocated to the colony. Originally called Monrovia, the colony

became the Free and Independent Republic of Liberia in 1847. Today, the English-speaking

Americo-Liberians, descendants of former American slaves, make up only 5% of the

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population but have historically dominated the country’s society. Liberia's indigenous

population is composed of 16 different ethnic groups. Between 1920 and 1971, the country

suffered decades of civil unrest that ended only recently. Liberians freely elected its first

woman president in 2006. The economy is dominated (70%) by agriculture. Liberia’s

agriculture crops include rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, sugarcane,

bananas, sheep, goats and timber. Chief industries include rubber processing, palm oil

processing, timber and diamond mining. Natural resources include iron ore, timber,

diamonds, gold and hydropower.

1. Liberia (which means “the free land”) was settled by the U.S. government in 1822, as a

home for freed African-American slaves. The capital was named after James Monroe, the

American president at that time. Name the capital city: _________________________________________

2. The southeastern tip of Liberia is called Maryland County, and is named after the U.S. state of

Maryland. It borders the _________________ Ocean and the country of ___________________________.

3. Liberia has over 130 inches of rain annually. It has a _______________________________ climate.

4. Liberia was Africa’s first __________________ (form of government) and elected its

first woman president in ___________________________ (year).

5. What countries border Liberia? _______________________ _________________________

_________________

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Kenya

Kenya lies across the equator in east central Africa, along the coast

of the Indian Ocean. It is twice the size of Nevada. Kenya borders

Somalia to the east, Ethiopia to the north, Tanzania to the south,

Uganda to the west, and Sudan to the northwest. In the north, the

land is arid; the southwest corner is in the fertile Lake Victoria

Basin; and a length of the eastern depression of the Great Rift

Valley separates western highlands from those that rise from the

lowland coastal strip. Kenya’s population is approximately 46

million[Dl6] . Nairobi, the capital and largest city, has a

metropolitan population of 3 million. Kenya’s form of government

is a republic. Scientists believe people may first have inhabited Kenya about 2 million years

ago. Presently, more than 40 ethnic groups live in Kenya. Its largest group is the Kikuyu. The

land became a British protectorate in 1890 and a colony in 1920, when it was called British

East Africa. Kenya achieved full independence in 1963. Jomo Kenyatta, a leader during the 20-

year struggle for independence struggle who had been jailed by the British, was Kenya’s first

president. Unfortunately, the country did not prosper under independence and it was ruled by

a series of dictators. A series of disasters plagued Kenya in 1997 and 1998: severe flooding,

epidemics, and ethnic clashes that erupted between the Kikuyu and Kalenjin groups in the Rift

Valley. Again in 2000, a devastating drought in east Africa brought risk of starvation to an

estimated three million Kenyans. Despite international efforts to end government corruption

and bring about a stable economy, Kenya continues to suffer from unrest today. Its people have

also had to overcome repeated drought and continual ethnic conflict. Agriculture dominates

the economy with major crops of tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables, dairy

products, beef, pork, poultry and eggs. Industries include small-scale consumer goods (plastic,

furniture, batteries, textiles, soap, cigarettes and flour), agricultural products, oil refining,

aluminum, steel and tourism. Major natural resources include limestone, soda ash, salt,

gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife and hydropower. Tourism is significant

in Kenya and is focused around wildlife parks and expeditions, mountain expeditions to

Kilimanjaro (in neighboring Tanzania) and Mt. Kenya, Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake) and

the Great Rift Valley. Some of the animals of this country include Lions, Leopards, Elephants,

Buffalos and Rhinos.

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1. Although Kenya lies across the equator, the country has a very diverse landscape and

climate including snowcapped mountains and tropical highlands. The arid (desert) region in

the north is called the ____________________________ Desert.

2. Name two large bodies of water along Kenya’s east and west boarders. _______ __________

3. Anthropologists believe that people have lived in Kenya for_______________years.

4. Kenya’s western region is dominated by this huge land form.____________

5. Use the box below to draw some of the animals that live in Kenya. Label the animals.

Nigeria

Nigeria is 30% larger in land area than Texas and it is the most

populous country in Africa with a population of 182[Dl7] million.

Situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, its neighbors are

Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. The lower course of the Niger

River flows south through the western part of the country into the

Gulf of Guinea. Swamps and mangrove forests border the southern

coast; inland are hardwood forests. The climate is tropical in the

southern half of the country with tropical highlands in the east and

limited tropical savanna in the northeast. The capital city is Abuja

but the largest city is Lagos (population 10 million).The first inhabitants of what is now Nigeria

were thought to have been the Nok people (500 B.C.– A.D. 200). The Kanuri, Hausa, and Fulani

peoples subsequently migrated there. Islam was introduced in the 13th century, and the

empire of Kanem controlled the area from the end of the 11th century to the 14th.The Fulani

Empire ruled the region from the beginning of the 19th century until the British annexed Lagos

in 1851 and seized control of the rest of the region by 1886. It formally became the Colony and

Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914. Nigeria gained independence in 1960, becoming a member of

the Commonwealth of Nations and joining the United Nations. Organized as a loose federation

of self-governing states, the independent nation faced the overwhelming task of unifying a

country with 250 ethnic and linguistic groups. Civil unrest dominated Nigeria from 1966 until

1971. After years of military rule, the return of civilian leadership was finally established with

the election of Alhaji Shehu Shagari as president in 1979. An oil boom in the 1970s buoyed the

economy and by the 1980s Nigeria was considered an exemplar of African democracy and

economic well-being. However, the military again seized power in 1984 and despite periods of

peace and prosperity the country has been challenged by military, ethnic, religious and civil

unrest to this day. Today, Nigeria is governed by a multiparty government transitioning from

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military to civilian control. Nigeria is one of the world's largest oil producers and is a major

supplier of oil to the United States. The economy is dominated by oil production but also has

significant agriculture. Main crops include cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet,

cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber, livestock, fish, cotton and timber. Industries include oil, coal

and tin production, animal hides and skins, textiles, cement and construction materials, food

products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel, small commercial ship

construction and repair. Natural resources include natural gas, petroleum, tin, columbite, iron

ore, coal, limestone, lead and zinc.

1. Using the map, name the three of Nigeria’s major rivers.

_______________________,____________________ and ____________________.

2. ____________ is Nigeria’s greatest natural resource, largest export and dominates

the

economy.

3. Nigeria coast is on this body of water (part of the Atlantic Ocean).

____________________

4. The __________________ people are thought to be the first inhabitants of present-

day Nigeria, dating to 500 B.C.

5. What countries border Nigeria? ____________ __________________ __________________

___________________

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Ethiopia

Ethiopia, in east-central Africa, is bordered on the west by the

Sudan, the east by Somalia and Djibouti, the south by Kenya, and

the northeast by Eritrea. It has several high mountains, the highest

of which is Ras Dashan at 15,158 ft (4,620 m). The Blue Nile, or

Abbai, rises in the northwest at Lake Tana and flows in a great

semicircle before entering the Sudan. Lake Tana, is also the

country’s chief reservoir. Ethiopia has a variety of climates

including arid desert, semi-arid steppe and tropical highlands. The

Great Rift Valley dominates the landscape and bisects the country

from southwest to northeast. The population is 99[Dl8] million

and the capital (and largest city) of Addis Ababa has a population of 3 million. Over 70

languages are spoken in Ethiopia including Amharic, Tigrigna, Orominga, Guaragigna, Somali,

Arabic and English. Archeologists have found the oldest known human ancestors in Ethiopia,

including Ardipithecus ramidus kadabba (ca. 5.8–5.2 million years old) and Australopithecus

anamensis (ca. 4.2 million years old). Originally called Abyssinia, Ethiopia is sub-Saharan

Africa's oldest state, and its Solomonic dynasty claims descent from King Menelik I,

traditionally believed to have been the son of the queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Ancient

Ethiopia was a trading capital with major ports along the Red Sea and trade routes with Asia

and the Middle East. Modern Ethiopia established its independence by defeating an Italian

invasion in 1896. In 1931, the Ethiopian emperor created a constitution that called for a

parliament with an appointed senate, an elected chamber of deputies, and a system of courts.

But basic power remained with the emperor. Today, Ethiopia has a federal republic

government. Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935 and Ethiopia was annexed to Eritrea, then

an Italian colony, and to Italian Somaliland, forming Italian East Africa. In 1941, British troops

defeated the Italians and the emperor returned to power. In 1952, Eritrea was incorporated

into Ethiopia. Since Eritrea's independence, Eritrea and Ethiopia had disagreed about the exact

demarcation of their borders, and despite a peace agreement, border conflict still occur. Like

many of its neighbors, Ethiopia has suffered from recent drought and the nation has struggled

to feed its people. Additionally, Ethiopia and Somalia have been in conflict along their border

for the last decade.

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The economy is dominated by agriculture including cereal grains, coffee, oilseed, cotton,

sugarcane, potatoes, flowers, hides, livestock and fish. Industries include food processing,

beverages, textiles, leather, chemicals, metals processing and cement. Natural resources

include small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas and hydropower. Ethiopia

is considered the birthplace of coffee which is one of the most important traded goods

(commodities) in the modern world.

1. Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and the only one to successfully defend

against European invasion. Its capital city is ____________________________.

2. Name Ethiopia’s three neighbors to the north and east _______________, _______________________,

and __________________. All of these countries are considered to be in the “Horn of

Africa” because of the shape they form, jutting out into the Gulf of Aden Indian Ocean.

3. Ethiopia is the birthplace of this important commodity. ________________________________

4. The country is bisected by this dominant land form where archaeologists have discovered

evidence of the oldest known human ancestors. Name this important land form.

_______________________________________________.

5. Draw several popular agricultural items produced in Ethiopia. Label the items.

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Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (sometimes called

Congo), in west central Africa, is bordered by the Republic of

Congo, the Central African Republic, the Sudan, Uganda (UG),

Rwanda (RW), Burundi (BI), Tanzania (TZ), Zambia, Angola,

and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one-quarter the size of the U.S.

The principal rivers are the Ubangi and Bomu in the north

and the Congo in the west, which flows into the Atlantic. The

Congo River Basin is one of the great tropical rain forest

climate zones in Africa. The entire length of Lake Tanganyika

lies along the eastern border with Tanzania and Burundi.

Congo’s population is approximately 77[Dl9] million. The capital and largest city is Kinshasa;

population about 8 million. Formerly known as Belgian Congo, this territory was inhabited by

ancient Negrito peoples (Pygmies), who were pushed into the mountains by Bantu and Nilotic

tribes. An American correspondent, Henry M. Stanley, navigated the Congo River in 1877 and

opened the interior to exploration. Commissioned by Belgian King Leopold II, Stanley made

treaties with native chiefs that enabled the king to obtain personal title to the territory in 1885.

Leopold accumulated a vast personal fortune from ivory and rubber through brutal treatment

of Congolese slave labor during Belgian colonial rule which ended when the country gained

independence in 1960. Unfortunately, like many African nations emerging from decades of

colonial rule, Belgian Congo entered into a long period of civil unrest, civil war and political

turmoil that continues today. The country was renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo

in 1997, which had been its name before it was changed to Zaire in 1971. Despite instability,

political progress has continued. In May 2005, a new constitution was adopted and in 2006,

the first democratic election in the country since 1970 took place. However, despite this slow

progress, Congo remains a nation in turmoil and many of its citizens suffer each year from civil

fighting. Currently, the country is under a transitional government. Economically, Congo relies

on agriculture and natural resources. Major crops include coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea,

quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits and wood products.

Industries include mining (diamonds, copper, and zinc), mineral processing, consumer

products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement, and

commercial ship repair. Natural resources include cobalt, copper, cadmium, petroleum,

industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, germanium, uranium, radium,

bauxite, iron ore, coal, hydropower and timber.

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1. The Democratic Republic of Congo was also once known as Zaire, and before that, it was a

colony of what European country?________________________________________

2. Name the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. _________________________

3. One of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s neighboring countries has a very similar name.

But they are two completely separate nations. This country just to the west of the

Democratic Republic of Congo is the Republic of Congo. Please name four other countries

that border Democratic Republic of Congo. _____________, ____________________,

_____________________, ________________________

4. At first glance, the Democratic Republic of Congo appears to be landlocked. But if you look

carefully at the map, you will discover the country’s small coastline. What ocean is this

coast on and what is the major river that flows throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo

that empties into this ocean? __________________________ Ocean and ___________________________ River

5. Several countries border the Congo. Name at least three.

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

6. Make up your own question and answer it below.

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Madagascar

Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of

Africa opposite the country of Mozambique. The world's

fourth-largest island, it is twice the size of Arizona. The

country's low-lying coastal area gives way to a central plateau

and the Ankaratra Mountains. The once densely wooded

interior has largely been deforested. Most of the island has a

tropical and sub-tropical climate heavily influenced by the

surrounding Indian Ocean and Mozambique Channel. The

island was once connected to mainland Africa but broke off

about 65 million years ago as the continental plates moved.

Because it is isolated from the rest of Africa, Madagascar is home to over 150,000 species of

plants and animals that are only found on the island. Madagascar’s population is about 22

million and the capital of Antananarivo is the largest city. The Malagasy (as island citizens are

known) are of mixed Malayo-Indonesian and African-Arab ancestry. Indonesians are believed

to have migrated to the island about 700 A.D. King Andrianampoinimerina (1787–1810) ruled

the major kingdom on the island, and his son, Radama I (1810–1828), unified much of the

island. The French made the island a protectorate in 1885, and then, in 1895, ended the

monarchy. A colonial administration was set up, to which the Comoro Islands were attached in

1908, and other territories later. As an autonomous republic within the French Community

since 1958, Madagascar gained full independence from France in 1960. However, starting in

1973, a series of military and socialist leaders have fought back and forth to lead the nation.

Since 2001 the nation has had relatively stable government despite some contested elections.

The Madagascar government is a multiparty republic. The island nation is still heavily

influenced by its French colonial era and French is still an official language along with

Malagasy. As with many African nations, the economy is dominated by agriculture. Main crops

include coffee, vanilla, cotton, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas,

peanuts and livestock. Industries include meat processing, fishing, soap, breweries, tanneries,

sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly, paper, petroleum and tourism.

Natural resources include graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands,

semiprecious stones, mica and hydropower. Madagascar is known for its vanilla, one of its

chief exports.

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1. Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island. It was once attached to the rest of Africa,

but broke off about 65 million years ago. Madagascar is located in which ocean?

______________________________

2. Many Malagasy (the people of Madagascar) call their capital city by its nickname, Tana.

What is the full name of the capital city? __________________________

3. The island of Madagascar is home to over 150,000 plant and animal species that are found

nowhere else in the world. Among them are mongooses, lemurs and giant jumping rats.

These unique animals evolved on the island because it was isolated from the rest of theAfrican

continent. What body of water separates Madagascar from mainland Africa?

__________________________________

4. Madagascar was once a French colony. Today, the country has two official languages.

Name them. ______________________ and _____________________

5. Draw a few of the animals that can be found there. Label the animals you include.

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South Africa

The Republic of South Africa, on the continent's southern

tip, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and by

the Indian Ocean on the south and east. Its neighbors are

Namibia in the northwest, Zimbabwe and Botswana in the

north, and Mozambique and Swaziland in the northeast.

The kingdom of Lesotho forms an enclave completely

surrounded by South Africa, which has a land area nearly

three times the size of California. The southernmost point

of Africa is Cape Agulhas, located in the Western Cape

Province about 100 mi (161 km) southeast of the Cape of

Good Hope. South Africa has three official capital cities:

Pretoria, Cape Town is the legislative center, and

Bloemfontein-is the judicial center. Today, the population of the country is approximately 54

million. Summers in South Africa are known to be quite hot, especially in the southern coastal

areas, while inland in the higher elevations, temperatures are more moderate. Winters are

generally mild countrywide, with some snow in the hills and mountains. Like its Southern

Hemisphere neighbors, South Africa seasons are the inverse or opposite of the Northern

Hemisphere: spring is September - October, summer is November - March, fall is April - May,

and winter is June - August. The San people were the first settlers of South Africa; the Khoikhoi

and Bantu-speaking tribes followed. The Dutch East India Company landed the first European

settlers on the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. Known as Boers or Afrikaners, and speaking a

Dutch dialect known as Afrikaans, the settlers tried to establish an independent republic as

early as 1795. After occupying the Cape Colony, Britain took permanent possession in 1815 at

the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Anglicization of government and the freeing of slaves in 1833

drove about 12,000 Afrikaners to make the “great trek” north and east into African tribal

territory, where they established the republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The

discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold in 1876 brought an influx of “outlanders” into the

republics and spurred the British controlled Cape Colony to attempt to annex the Boer

republics. The “inevitable” war with the Boers broke out in late 1899 and ended with defeat of

the Boers in 1902. The Union of South Africa, composed of four provinces, the two former

republics, and the old Cape and Natal colonies, formed in 1910. Organized political activity

among non-European Africans started with the establishment of the African National Congress

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in 1912. South Africa became a charter member of the United Nations in 1945, but refused to

sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Apartheid—racial separation—dominated

domestic politics as South African Nationalists gained power and imposed greater restrictions

on Bantus (black Africans), Asians, and nonwhite persons. The Group Areas Acts of 1950 and

1986 forced about 1.5 million non-white Africans to move from cities to rural townships,

where they lived in abject poverty under repressive laws. South Africa declared itself a

republic in 1961 and severed its ties with the British Commonwealth, which strongly objected

to the country's racist policies. The white supremacist National Party, which had first come to

power in 1948, would continue its rule for the next three decades. In 1960, the African

National Congress (ANC), the principal antiapartheid organization, was banned, and in 1964 its

leader, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned. Protests against apartheid grew stronger and more

violent. International pressure to end apartheid intensified. In 1989, the ban on the ANC was

lifted and Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years of imprisonment. In 1991, a multiracial

forum led by President F. W. de Klerk and Mandela, the Convention for a Democratic South

Africa (CODESA), began working on a new constitution. In 1993, an interim constitution was

passed, which dismantled apartheid and provided for a multiracial democracy with majority

rule. The peaceful transition of South Africa from one of the world's most repressive societies

into a democracy is one of the 20th century's most remarkable success stories. Mandela and de

Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. South Africa now has a growing and

diversified, industrialized economy. The chief agricultural products are corn, wheat, sugarcane,

fruits and vegetables, livestock, wool and dairy products. Industries include mining (world's

largest producer of platinum, gold and chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking,

machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs and commercial ship repair.

Natural resources include gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel,

phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt and natural gas.

1. Name South Africa’s three official capitals. ____________________________,

___________________________and ________________________________________

2. Cape Town is located on the Cape of Good Hope, which got its name from Portuguese

explorers because it symbolized the turning point in their long journey sailing around the

continent. If traveling East around the Cape of Good Hope past Cape Town, you would go

from the ____________________Ocean to the ____________________Ocean.

3. South Africa completely surrounds the small kingdom of ___________________________________.

4. The southern-most point of Africa is Cape __________________________________________

5. Draw a few of the chief agricultural products of South Africa. Label them.

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Tanzania

Tanzania is in East Africa on the Indian Ocean. To the north are

Uganda and Kenya; to the west, Burundi (BI),Rwanda (RW), and

Congo; and to the south, Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi. Its

area is three times that of New Mexico. Tanzania contains three

of Africa's best-known lakes—Victoria

in the north, Tanganyika in the west, and Nyasa in the south.

Mount Kilimanjaro in the north, 19,340 ft (5,895 m), is the

highest point on the continent. The island of Zanzibar is

separated from the mainland by a 22- mile channel. Arab

traders first began to colonize the area in 700 A.D. Portuguese

explorers reached the coastal regions in the 14th century and

held some control until the 17th century, when the sultan of Oman took power. With what are now

Burundi and Rwanda, Tanganyika became the colony of German East Africa in 1885. After World War I,

it was administered by Britain under a League of Nations and later as a United Nations trust territory.

Zanzibar was believed to have had connections with southern Arabia. The Portuguese made it one of

their tributaries in 1503 and later established a trading post, but they were driven from Oman by Arabs

in 1698. Zanzibar was declared independent of Oman in 1861 and, in 1890, it became a British

protectorate. Tanganyika became independent in 1961; Zanzibar in 1963. On April 26, 1964, the two

nations merged into the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The name was changed to

Tanzania six months later. Tanzania did not escape the same civil unrest of neighboring countries.

Between 1978 and 1985, the country experienced invasions by the army of neighboring Uganda and

civil fighting over control of the government. Finally in 1985, following a presidential election, plans

were announced to institute a multiparty democracy, and in 1995 the country's first multiparty

elections since independence took place. The Tanzania government is a multiparty republic.

The country has two official capitals: Dar es Salaam (the largest city with 2.5 million) and

Dodoma, where governmental offices are housed and which will eventually be the new

national capital. Like much of East Africa, Tanzania has two distinct warm (often hot) and

humid rainy seasons. Lighter rain falls (March - June), while heavy downpours and storms

occur (November - January). Tanzania is home to many of Africa’s best known and frequently

visited natural features and wild game preserves: the Serengeti Plain, Mt. Kilimanjaro and

Zanzibar. These famous places have captured the imagination of explorers and tourists for

decades and conjure up well known images of East African safaris and wildlife

expeditions.Tanzania’s economy is strongly based in agriculture and tourism. Agricultural

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products include coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, chrysanthemums, cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn,

wheat, cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits and vegetables and livestock. Industries include

tourism, sugar, sisal twine, diamond, gold, and iron mining, salt, soda ash, cement, oil refining,

shoes, apparel, wood products and fertilizer. Natural resources include hydropower, tin,

phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas and nickel.

1. The name of Tanzania’s capital city means “Haven of Peace” in the Arabic language. Name

the two capital cities: ____________________________, and _____________________

2. Tanzania is famous for wild animal safaris and dramatic land forms (mountains, deserts,

plains, etc.). Name two of Tanzania’s most famous wild places. ________________ and

_____________________________________.

3. Tanzania shares this lake (Africa’s largest), with several neighboring countries. Name this

lake: ____________________________________________.

4. The name “Tanzania” is a combination of Tanganyika and what island? _________________________

5. Draw a few of the chief agricultural products of Tanzania. Label them.

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Quick Africa Quiz

1. What ocean lies on Africa's western border? ______________________________

2. What ocean lies on Africa's eastern border? _______________________________

3. What sea forms Africa's northern border? _________________________________

4. What long, narrow sea forms Africa's northeastern border? _________________________

5. What is the name of the cape at the southern tip of Africa that separates the Atlantic and

Indian Oceans? __________________________________________

6. What is the name of the large island nation off the southeastern coast of southeastern

Africa? __________________________________________________________

7. What is the name of the large African lake that lies on the equator?________

8. What is the name of the very long African river that flows north into the Mediterranean?

_______________________________________

9. What is the name of the major central African river that crosses the equator and flows into

the Atlantic? _____________________________

10. What is the name of the huge desert in northern Africa? ___________________________________

11. What is the name of the smaller desert in southern Africa? ________________________________

12. Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point. What is its elevation?______________

A Few Geography Words to Know

1. Cape-a piece of land sticking out into a body of water

2. Capital -the seat (headquarters) of government

3. Colonize- to establish a colony of another country

4. Colony -a territory distant from the country controlling it

5. Continent- a main, large land area of the earth

6. Desert -a very arid or dry (either hot or cold) place with little rainfall

7. Equator- an imaginary line around the Earth that is the exact midpoint between the North

and South Poles and which separates the Northern and Southern Hemispheres of the planet.

8. Landlocked- entirely surrounded by land; cut off from oceans

9. Peninsula-a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides—often narrower than a cape

10. Strait-a narrow waterway connecting two large bodies of water tropical a climate

characterized by hot and humid air and a large amount of annual rainfall

11. Valley-a large depression in the landscape typically formed over Millions of year by a river

or movement of the Earth’s crust

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An Introduction to Asia

As the planet's largest continent, Asia covers about 30 percent of the world's

landmass and includes (44) independent

countries, assorted islands and territories.

Significant features of the continent of Asia

include the world's tallest mountain, Mt

Everest in Nepal (and China), rising to 29,035

ft (8,850m). It also includes the world's lowest

point, found in the Dead Sea, Israel/Jordan, at

1,286 ft (392m) below sea level. In addition,

the continent includes the world's most

populated countries, China and India; the

world's longest coastline, the world's deepest

lake; and some of the most important rivers

on Earth. Asia contains 17.2 million square

miles (44.6 million sq km) of land, which

accounts for 30% of Earth’s land area. With

approximately 3.5 billion people, Asia is home

to nearly 60% of the world’s population. Asian

countries are generally categorized into four regions: the Middle East

(sometimes called the Near East or West Asia), South Asia (or the Indian

subcontinent), Southeast Asia and North Asia. Two countries, Russia and Turkey,

are trans-continental because they are officially part of both Asia and Europe.

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List of countries of Asia

o Afghanistan

o Azerbaijan

o Bahrain

o Bangladesh

o Bhutan

o Brunei

o Burma - Myanmar

o Cambodia

o China - People's Republic of

o East Timor

o India

o Indonesia

o Iran

o Iraq

o Israel

o Japan

o Jordan

o Kazakhstan

o Korea (North)

o Korea (South)

o Kuwait

o Kyrgyzstan

o Laos

o Lebanon

o Malaysia

o Maldives

o Mongolia

o Myanmar - Burma

o Nepal

o Oman

o Pakistan

o Philippines

o Qatar

o Saudi Arabia

o Singapore

o Sri Lanka

o Syria

o Taiwan- Republic of China

o Tajikistan

o Thailand

o Timor-Leste

o Turkey

o Turkmenistan

o United Arab Emirates

o Uzbekistan

o Vietnam

o Yemen

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Geography of Asia

Major Landforms of the Middle East

The SYRIAN DESERT is approximately 200,000 sq, miles (518,000 sq, km) and covers parts

of Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia and western Iraq. Very little rain falls in this arid wasteland;

however, Arab nomads inhabit the desert and successfully raise cattle and camels. Oil pipelines

are commonplace, as well as scattered oases. AN NAFUD DESERT (part of the Arabian Desert)

of northwestern Saudi Arabia is famous for gigantic sand dunes, some reaching over 100 ft. in

height. The AR RUB' AL KHALI DESERT (the “Empty Quarter”) also (the Arabian Desert) is the

largest (only sand) desert in the world and famed for huge sand dunes that can extend for over

25 miles. It covers most of southernSaudi Arabia, and is nearly moisture-less. The Ad Dahna' is

the northern expanse that connects to the An Nafud Desert. The entire Arabian Desert is about

1,000,000 sq miles in total size. The ASIR & HEJAZ MOUNTAINS are found along Saudi Arabia's

border with the Red Sea; this range of lower mountains averages 6,000 - 7,000 ft. in height

(1,829 - 2,130m). The HADRAMAWT mountain range (and region) of Yemen averages about

3,500 ft. (1,067m) in height, with the highest peak estimated at 8,000 ft., (2,440m).

The ANATOLIAN PLATEAU is a generally barren and arid plateau of central Turkey that

averages about 500 meters in elevation. Farming and livestock raising (the major industries),

are difficult here as extreme temperatures during both summer and winter are common.

Scattered towns and villages cover this landscape. The CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS are located

between the Black and Caspian Seas. These mountains dominate the landscape of Armenia,

Azerbaijan and Georgia (all part of southeastern Europe,) where the Middle East (Asia)

borders Europe. Many of the volcanic peaks in these mountains exceed 15,000 ft. in height,

with the highest point being Mt. Elbrus at 18,481 ft. (5,633m). The TAURUS MOUNTAINS are a

rugged chain extending across southern Turkey to its borders with Iraq and Iran. The highest

point (Mt. Ararat) is located in the Eastern Taurus range. This extinct volcano is 16,583 ft.

(5,137m) high. It is believed by biblical scholars that Noah's Ark landed here. The ELBURZ

MOUNTAINS (or Alborz) extend for almost 620 miles along Iran's northern border with the

Caspian Sea, these jagged mountains average over 9,000 ft, with the highest point being Mt.

Damavand, a dormant volcano, at 18,602 ft. (5,670m) high. The ZAGROS MOUNTAINS are

comprised of many ranges of the extending along southern and western Iran and into northern

Iraq. Many of these peaks exceed 9,000 ft., with the highest point being Zard Kuh at 14,921 ft.

(4,548m).

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The KARA KUM DESERT is a desert of south-central Turkmenistan; a large mass of sand

known for its towering sand dunes extending in all directions. It is about 115,000 sq. miles in

size. DASH E LUT (Lout Desert) is a region of eastern Iran and is an arid, wind-blown desert,

completely surrounded by mountains. In the summer months, it can be one of the hottest and

driest spots on the planet. In some areas here, measurable rainfall does not exist. DASHT-E

KAVIR (Kavir Desert) is a plateau of north-central Iran and is often referred to as the "Great

Salt Desert." It's the largest desert in Iran and is mostly uninhabited wasteland covered with

crusty salt ridges. The HINDU KUSH includes dramatic mountains that form a natural border

between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with many snow-capped peaks reaching over 22,000 ft.

The highest point is Tirich Mir at 25,282 ft. (7,706m). The PAMIR region and its namesake

mountains stretch across much of Tajikistan and parts of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan.

Similar to the Hindu Kush, numerous peaks in the Pamir region exceed 22,000 ft, with the

highest point being Pik Samani at 24,590 ft. (7,495m). Stretching almost 1,500 miles across

Kyrgyzstan and well into China, the TIEN SHAN (also Tian) is composed of multiple mountain

ranges commonly exceed 19,000 ft. The highest point is Pik Pobeda at 24,407 ft. (7,439m).

Major Rivers of the Middle East

Dozens of rivers are found in the Middle East, but four (4) major rivers dominate the region.

The AMU DARYA flows from a high plateau in the Pamir Mtns. of central Asia, across southern

Tajikistan, forming its border with Afghanistan, continues northwest, forming parts of the

borders between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and on into the Aral Sea. It is (1,578 miles)

(2,539 km) in length. In ancient times the Amu Darya was called the Oxus. It was part of Persia,

and played a significant role in the military campaigns of Alexander the Great. The

EUPHRATES begins in the Caucasus Mtns. Of Armenia. It flows southwesterly across West-

central Turkey, then southeast through Syria and Iraq, ending in the waters of the Persian Gulf.

The Euphrates joins with the Tigris in southern Iraq. Overall it is 2,235 miles long (3,596 km),

making it the longest river in the Middle East. Historically important in ancient times, the once

great city of Babylon stood on its banks.

The TIGRIS rises in the mountains of southern Turkey and flows southeast through Iraq, where

in the southern part of that country it merges with the Euphrates to become the Shatt al Arab,

which then flows to the Persian Gulf. The river has numerous small tributaries running from

its eastern bank, and is 1,180 miles long (1,899 km). The area bounded by these two great

rivers

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forms an area known as the Fertile Crescent and throughout history has been home to many

great civilizations. The INDUS begins in the high mountains of Tibet in southwestern China and

flows northwest through the Jammu & Kashmir region of India and Pakistan. It then flows

generally south through Pakistan to the Arabian Sea near Pakistan’s border with India. The

Indus, through a series of dams and canals, provides much of the irrigation and power for

central Pakistan. It is 1,800 miles long (2,896 km).

The Indian Subcontinent (South Asia)

The land referred to as the Indian subcontinent is a tectonic plate that began to separate itself

from surrounding slabs of rock (or plates) millions of years ago. The movement of that plate

changed the landscape, and formed the Himalayas, the world's most elevated mountain range

and home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. The subcontinent land is a peninsula

that extends south into the Indian Ocean. Geographers call it as a subcontinent because

although it is quit large, it's not big enough to be considered an individual continent. It includes

the countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and parts of Pakistan.

Major Landforms of South Asia

The Himalayas form the highest mountain range in the world, and slope southward into a large

fertile plain that covers much of the Indian Subcontinent. Three mountain ranges, the Himadri,

Himachal and Shivaliks, extend from the Indus River in the northwest, to the Brahmaputra

River in the east. They all have deep canyons gorged by fastflowing rivers fed by extensive

snowfall. The land rises slightly into two plateaus, bordered in the central and south by lower

mountains (the Eastern and Western Ghats), that gently slope into narrow coastal plains. The

subcontinent has over 5,000 miles of coastline and is bordered by the Arabian Sea, the Bay of

Bengal, the Laccadive Sea and the Indian Ocean. While numerous rivers drain the land, without

question, the Ganges River is the most important and significant rivers on Earth. The name

Ganges is known all throughout the region. This river runs for 1,560 miles from the Himalayas

all the way to the Bay of Bengal, and is more than just flowing water. It is the lifeblood to the

people who live nearby. While the Ganges is a crucial source of water and is considered holy by

many people, it is also, unfortunately, one of the most

polluted rivers in the world.

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Influence of India

With more than 1.2 billion people (yes, that’s BILLION!), India is one of the two most populated

countries in the world (the other being China) and lies at the center of this Asian region. The

ancient diamond-shaped country of India, the largest part of the Indian Subcontinent, extends

from the Himalayan Mountains in the north, south into the tropical reaches of the Indian

Ocean. This diverse and fertile country once included present-day Bangladesh and Pakistan.

India was colonized and controlled by Britain during much of the 19th and 20th centuries. In

1947, India declared independence. Shortly thereafter, Pakistan and then Bangladesh became

independent countries. Numerous major languages and hundreds of dialects are spoken in

India. Dozens of very large cities (over 1 million people each) and over 700,000 villages are

located throughout the country.

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia includes the countries of Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Laos,

Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and Philippines. Much of

Southeast Asia is comprised of large volcanic islands and island chains that straddle the

equator and divide the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Two of the largest of these island chains are

the Philippines and the Indonesian archipelago, which is the longest and largest island chain in

the world with over 18,000 counted islands. The large islands of Indonesia include Sumatra,

Java, Borneo and New Guinea. Other major land forms of Southeast Asia are the Malay and

Indochinese Peninsulas which jut south from China and the Indian Subcontinent

Indochina

Indochina is a geographical region of Southeast Asia. It occupies the easternmost region of the

Indochinese Peninsula, on land located directly east of Thailand, and south of China. It was

originally comprised of the French colony of Cochin, China, and the French protectorates of

Annam and Tonkin (later united with Cochin to form Vietnam); Cambodia (formerly

Kampuchea), Laos and Vietnam. Formed in 1887, its capital city was Hanoi, but this French

Indochina federation of countries only lasted into the mid-1950s. After the events of World

War II, and the end of Japanese influence in Southeast Asia, and after the defeat of the French

in 1954 by the Vietnamese, this area of the world changed dramatically. After agreements were

reached among China, France, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom, France

relinquished any claims on the area, and all three countries (Vietnam,

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Cambodia and Laos) went on to become independent nations.

North Asia

The largest land component of Asia is a vast stretch of land extending from the Caspian Sea in

the West to the North Pacific Ocean and Bearing Sea in the East, from Indochina in the South to

the Arctic Ocean in the North. Within this vast area of Asia are the countries of Kazakhstan,

Mongolia, China, Russian Federation (Russia), Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan

and include two of the three largest economic countries in the world (Japan and China are the

second and third largest economies – the U.S. is the largest).

Influence of Russia

Russia, like Turkey, is officially located both in Asia and Europe. The Ural Mountains, running

south to north from the Kazakhstan border to the Arctic Circle, form the divide between

European and Asian Russia. Russia (officially the Russian Federation) is the world's largest

country by land area. It covers 11 time zones, all climate zones except tropical and stretches

almost halfway around the Earth. Russia is approximately 5,592 miles across (9000km). In

fact, check the map: when travelling by jet from Moscow to Vladivostok, it takes about 8 hours.

If you were to take that trip on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, count on your journey taking at

least four days! Russia has over 1,000 major cities, with 16 having a metro population of more

than one million. The most populated cities are Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod,

Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg. The population of Russia today is about 143.5 million.

Moscow, the capital, with over 12 million (metro) residents, is the country's major economic

and political center – and the seat of the national and state governments.

The Russian landmass west of the Ural Mountains is referred to as European Russia by most

educational atlases and geography experts. It is not a separate country, but rather called that

because of its political, cultural and geographical blending with Europe. While most of Russia’s

population lives west of the Ural Mountains, the vast majority of land and natural resources

lies east of the Urals in Asian Russia. Historically, most of the land in Asian Russia was

occupied for centuries by tribes from Mongolia and China. In the early 17th century, the 300-

year reign of the Romanov family began, and it was Czar Peter I who really began the

transformation of the Russian Empire. Following the reign of Queen Catherine II in the late

18th century, it emerged as an influential and powerful European force. In 1991, the USSR

(Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) dissolved. When that union ended, Russia itself and its

former republics all became independent countries but many of them remained closely tied in

a federation. Because of its vastness and cultural influences from both Europe and Asia, Russia

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has a rich cultural diversity that includes a wide variety of languages, religions, cuisine and

arts. These cultural variations tend to tie closely to the neighboring regions. For example, Islam

tends to be the dominant religion in parts of Russia closest to the Middle East and Central Asia

while Russian Orthodox and Christianity tend to be more dominant in Northern and Western

Russia. The vast Russian Federation has a wide variety of weather conditions. Generally,

winters are somewhat mild along the Black Sea coastal areas, much colder inland and in the

northwest, and frigid in Siberia. Summers vary from mild to warm in the west and central, with

cooler conditions in the north, and along the Arctic coast.

Russia has more than 100,000 rivers that are 7 miles long, or greater. Significant rivers include

the Volga, Dnieper and Dvina (west), the Lena, Ob, and Yenisey (central) and the Amur in the

far-east. Lake Baykal in south-central Russia is the deepest lake in the world, at 5,310 ft.

(1,620m). The lowest point in Russia is -92 ft. (-28 m) below sea level at the Caspian Sea.

Russia is only about 60 miles from the US via the Bering Strait in the Pacific Ocean to Alaska

and it can often be walked in the winter! However if you are going from New York to Moscow

by jet, it is over 4600 miles. Russia is bordered by the Arctic and Pacific Oceans, a dozen seas

and 14 countries, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan,

North Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Norway, Poland and the Ukraine.

Russia contains 6,562,112 sq. miles (16,995,800sq km) of land area and has a coastline of

23,396 miles (37,653 km) along the Pacific and Arctic Oceans and numerous seas. The broad

European Plain or Volga River Plain extends from the Ural Mountains to its western borders

with Europe. In the far southwest the Caucasus Mountains slice across the land between the

Black and Caspian Seas. The country's highest point, Mt. Elbrus at 18,481 ft. (5,633 m), is

located there. The central and southern areas include large fertile areas, marsh, steppes (plains

without trees) and massive coniferous forests. Russia also has vast reserves of precious

minerals, oil and natural gas. Siberia is the largest region of Russia. It is a combination of

frozen tundra, with rolling hills rising to plateaus, and numerous rugged mountain ranges. The

northeast, south-central and southeast areas are covered by a wide variety of mountain ranges.

A few ranges on the Kamchatka Peninsula contain active volcanoes that are part of the Ring of

Fire.

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Influence of China (People’s Republic of China) Any meaningful discussion of Asian geography must include China. Much like the ancient

Roman and Egyptian empires, China led much of the world in the arts and sciences for

thousands of years. Then, in the 19th Century, China experienced debilitating civil unrest,

significant food shortages, military defeats, and foreign occupation.

With the end of World War II, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, the government

established a dictatorship that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict and harsh

controls over everyday life of citizens. Since 1978, China has gradually introduced market-

oriented and civil reforms. Those efforts were successful as the Chinese economy quadrupled

by the year 2000. Today, modern China is an economic and political powerhouse and a

dominant force in Asia.

Tourism, always popular in China, is a growth industry. The amazing variety of physical and

cultural resources of China makes it a truly unique destination.

China is the most populous country in the world with a current population of 1,306,313,800

(yes – BILLION!). The capital city is Beijing with a metro population of 12 million. Spoken

languages include Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua,) Yue (Cantonese), Wu

(Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan, Xiang, Gan and Hakka dialects. Officially, China is an

atheist nation. However the country has a long religious history tied to Daoist, Buddhist,

Muslim and Christian faiths.

A broad range of weather is common in the large country of China. There is mostly tropical

weather in the South and southeast, much cooler (and colder) temperatures in the far North,

and subarctic conditions in the far southwest in the Himalaya Mountain system. Rainfall is

heavy along the southern coastal areas, lighter in the western regions, while in the North (in

the Gobi Desert areas) participation is generally sparse.

China occupies a huge part of eastern and central (or North) Asia and is bordered by the

Yellow Sea, South China Sea, Pacific Ocean and by (14 countries) including North Korea, the

Russian Federation, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India,

Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Laos and Vietnam. China has 23 provinces, five autonomous regions and

four municipalities and two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

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China has 9,010 miles of coastline and 3,600,945 sq miles of land area. In the vast western

reaches of China, mountains, high plateaus and deserts dominate the landscape, while the land

slopes into broad plains and deltas in the center and East. The Himalayas, the world's highest

mountain range, forms its southwestern borders with India, Nepal and Bhutan. Mt. Everest, the

highest mountain on Earth at 29,025 ft. (8.850 m), sits on the border between China (Tibet)

and Nepal. In the far northeast, high mountains ring its border with the Russian Federation.

The Gobi Desert, one of the largest and driest on Earth, runs west to east along its border with

Mongolia. Here the topography varies from sand desert into the low mountain foothills and

plateaus that stretch into Mongolia. The lowest point in China isTurpan Pendi at -154 m below

sea level. From the higher elevations in the West, literally thousands of rivers drain the

country. The most significant rivers include the Yangtze (third longest river on the planet), as

well as the Heilong (Amur), Mekong, Pearl and Yellow. Nearly all of the major rivers of Central,

South and Southeast Asia originate in China.

Whew! That was a lot of information. Take some time here to draw a mountainous scene from

China’s Himalayan Mountains. Label the borders.

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Map of Asia

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A Tour of Ten Asian Countries

Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran)

Iran is the second largest country in the Middle East region of

Asia and has 5,000 years of fascinating history. Known as

Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979

after the ruling shah was forced into political exile. The

country is rich in natural gas and petroleum as well as natural

beauty and cultural resources such as ancient ruins, mosques

and museums that support tourism. Iran’s population is

79,000,000 and its largest and capital city is Tehran (metro

population of 11.7 million). The major languages spoken in

Iran are Persian and Turkic. Iran is an Islamic nation and the

main religions are Shi'a Muslim and Sunni Muslim The

country is bordered by the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf

of Oman, and by the countries of Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and

Pakistan. Its coastline is 1,516 miles (2,440 km) along the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The

country also borders the Caspian Sea in the North. Iran is a very rugged country of plateaus

and mountains, dominated by the Elburz Mountains in the north, and the Zagros Mountains

along its western borders. The Dasht-e Kavir is a sandstone and salty desert plateau that is one

of the hottest places on Earth in the summer.

The most significant river is the Karun, in the southwestern corner of the country. Lake Urmia

(in the far-northwest) is the country's largest body of water. The county’s highest point is Mt.

Damavand at 18,934 ft. (5,771m) while the lowest point is the Caspian Sea (-28 m).

1. Iran was previously known by this name. _______________________________________

2. Name three bodies of water bordering Iran. __________, __________________________,

_________________________

3. Iran is located on the continent of Asia. What Asian region is Iran part of?

____________________________

4. Name the salty desert plateau in Iran that is one of the hottest places on Earth during the

summer. ____________________________________________

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5. Find a picture of a mosque. Sketch it below.

U.A.E. (United Arab Emirates)

Formerly known as the Trucial States, the United Arab

Emirates are a federation of seven individual states, all

ruled by emirs. Founded between the 7th and 8th

centuries, the Trucial States granted the United Kingdom

control of their defense and foreign affairs in treaties

signed during 19th century. In 1971, six of these states -

Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and

Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab

Emirates. They were then joined in 1972 by Ra's al

Khaymah. The economy is based primarily on oil and the

U.A.E. plays an important role in the leadership of the

Middle East. Abu Dhabi, the country's capital, and Dubai

(the largest city), are the largest and most modern cities

famed for their high-rise buildings and stylish hotels. The

country’s population is about 5 million. The U.A.E. has a coastline of 819 miles (1,318 km)

along the Persian Gulf. Most of the federation is a desert wasteland, with large, rolling sand

dunes, as the outer reaches of the Rub'Al Khali Desert stretch into the country. The coastal

areas fronting the Persian Gulf are flat. The Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape in the

northeast, and the country's highest point is located there. Interestingly, there are no

significant rivers or lakes. The country also includes numerous small islands situated offshore

in the Persian Gulf. The highest point is Jabal Yibir at 5,666 ft. (1,727 m), and the lowest point

is the Persian Gulf - at sea level.

The U.A.E. is located on the Tropic of Cancer and bordered by Saudi Arabia, Oman and the

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Persian Gulf. The desert weather of the United Arab Emirate is hot and dry throughout the

year, with very little rainfall. The brief winter months (December - February) do bring some

mild cooling, especially in the hills and mountains of the northeast. Summer high temperatures

(July - August) reach the low 100s, while winter low temperatures seldom drop below 40º F.

1. Name the capital city and the largest city in the UAE. ______________ and

____________________________

2. The UAE is a federation of seven individual states each ruled by an

________________________________.

3. UAE was formerly known as the _________________________________ States.

4. The economy of the UAE is based primarily on what natural resource?

_____________________________

5. Draw a picture to show the lowest and highest points of UAE. Label them.

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Pakistan (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)

In 1947, as British rule came to an end in India, Pakistan was created when the Muslim-

dominated parts of India (to the west and east) of

Hindu India, were given autonomy. Those two areas

were called East and West Pakistan and they were

separated (right down the middle) by India. The city of

Islamabad became the capital city when it was officially

moved from Karachi (the largest city) in 1959. Then, in

1971, East Pakistan demanded independence, and is

now the country of Bangladesh. Today, West Pakistan is

simply known as Pakistan. As one of the most populous

but poor countries in the world with a population

of 190 million, Pakistan faces enormous economic and

social problems. Fortunately it possesses a

growing, diverse economy and immense natural

resources. Pakistanis speak many languages including Punjabi, Sindhi, Siraiki, Pashtu, Urdu

and English. Founded as an Islamic nation, the prominent religions are Sunni Muslim and Shi'a

Muslim. Pakistan is considered to be both part of the Indian subcontinent and positioned in the

Middle East. The country is bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, China, India and the Arabian Sea

with a coastline of 650 miles (1,046 km). At the heart of Pakistan is the Punjab Plain which is

bisected by the Indus River and fronts its border with India. In the southwest part of the

country is the arid and dry Baluchistan Plateau that extends to the border with Iran. Pakistan’s

most dramatic landscape is located in the North, at the western edges of the Himalayas,

including the Hindu Kush which is home to some of the tallest mountain peaks in the world.

The highest point in Pakistan is K2, or (Mount Godwin- Austen), is the second tallest mountain

on Earth at 28,250 ft. (8,611 m). The mountainous areas of west-central Pakistan, along the

border with Afghanistan, include the Ras Koh, Safed Koh and Toba Kakar ranges. The Indus

River and its numerous tributaries, one of the world's most significant waterways drain the

entire country. Pakistan has four provinces, including Balochistan, North-West Frontier

Province, Punjab and Sindh plus the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Islamabad

Capital Territory. From the Arabian Sea, to the high mountain of the north, Pakistan's climate

varies widely. Generally, south and east of the mountains, the country is hot and dry in the

summer months, with very little rain. Along the southern coastal areas humidity is very high.

In the northern and western mountains, summers are much cooler, and winter brings heavy

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snow. Throughout the Hindu Kush and the rugged peaks of the far north, Arctic-like conditions

in winter are normal. The heaviest rain (central and south), falls July through September, while

winters do bring some light rain. In the central Punjab region, May - July are the hottest

months, with daily high temperatures averaging near 90º F. High temperatures above 100º F

are common. Winter lows seldom fall below 40º F. The coastal areas enjoy milder, more

consistent temperatures, with

daily highs averaging near 85º F, and winter lows near 55º F. Some of the agricultural products

of Pakistan include cotton wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables, milk, beef, mutton and

eggs.

1. Pakistan is officially part of two different regions of Asia. Name the two regions.

_________________ and _____________________

2. Pakistan’s climate is widely varied with humid sub-tropical zones in the southeast near the

Arabian Sea and Arctic-like winters in the mountainous region to the North. What is the

name of this mountainous region at the western edge of the Himalayas? _______________

3. This important Asian river drains nearly all of Pakistan. __________________________

4. Pakistan was formed after 1947 when it became independent from what neighboring

country? __________________________

5. What countries border Pakistan? __________________________________________________________________

6. Draw some of the agricultural products of Pakistan. Label them.

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Bangladesh

For many thousands of years a long list of regional empires

and European nations fought for control of the waterlogged

land now called Bangladesh (official name is Peoples’

Republic of Bangladesh). Ruled by Britain in the 19th and

20th centuries, and once part of India, Bangladesh (formerly

called East Pakistan), was formed in 1971 when it officially

separated from its union with West Pakistan (now called

Pakistan). As one of the most crowded countries on Earth,

much of the lush, low-lying landscape is subject to yearly

flooding, and the subsequent devastation of cyclones. Those natural hazards have adversely

affected the nation's economy and its people, as they often cause great loss of life. Although not

a major tourism destination, Bangladesh is known for its natural beauty, the friendly people,

the capital city of Dhaka, and the easy-going beach resort of Cox's Bazar - home to the world's

longest beach. The population is 161 million. The capital city of Dhaka has about 14 million

residents. Major languages are Bengali (official) and English. Major religions are Muslim and

Hindu. Bangladesh is located on the Indian subcontinent in south-central Asia and is bordered

by the Bay of Bengal, India and Burma (Myanmar). It has a coastline of 360 miles (580 km). As

a nation of rivers, Bangladesh is in essence a large delta comprised of three significant rivers;

the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The Ganges is one of the most important rivers in the

world that begins in the Himalayas and drains much of northern India as well as Bangladesh,

two of the most densely populated nations on Earth. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is one of the

most flood-prone countries in the world, and when the spring snowmelt from the Himalayas

runs south to the Indian Ocean, the rivers often overflow. Replete with coastal mangrove

forests and tropical rain forests, the land is mostly flat, with a few hilly areas in the east and

southeast. The highest point is Keokradong - 4,035 ft. (1,230 m) and the lowest point is the

Indian Ocean at sea level. Bangladesh, one of the wettest places on the planet, is hot and rainy

in the summer months. Most of the annual rainfall (often over 60 inches per year) comes

during the monsoon season from June to September. In contrast, very little rain falls in the

cooler months (November - February). March, April and May are the warmest months with

high temps near 90º F. Winter lows seldom Fall below 55º F.

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1. Like Pakistan, Bangladesh was once part of what neighboring country?

______________________________

2. Due to immense rainfall during the summer monsoon season and low-lying river deltas,

Bangladesh is one of the ________________________________________ places on Earth that is subject to

repeated flooding.

3. Three major rivers drain Bangladesh, but the most famous and important is the_________

4. What resort area in southeast Bangladesh is home to world’s longest beach?________________

Malaysia

Archaeological evidence indicates that human

beings began inhabiting present-day Malaysia

over 40,000 years ago. Malaysia has been

controlled by outsiders for much of its modern

history. Europeans arrived on the Malay

Peninsula in the 17th century, as the Dutch

established trading posts along the coasts. It was

the British that recognized the strategic position

of the Malay states and their abundance of natural resources, subsequently colonizing

and controlling the region for over 150 years. During World War II, the Japanese invaded, and

occupied the area until 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula

(southern parts of Burma ((Myanmar)), Thailand and the Peninsular Malaysia) formed the

Federation of Malaya, and in 1957, gained independence from Britain. Malaysia itself was

formed in 1963 when Singapore

and the states of Sabah and Sarawak joined the Peninsular Malaysia Federation; the island,

city-nation of Singapore located at the very tip of the Malay Peninsula subsequently became

independent in 1965. Located in Southeast Asia, just north of the Equator, the exotic, tropical

islands and lands of Malaysia contain some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and a

collection of unrivaled rainforests and national parks. The country’s population is about 24

million. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur has a metro population of about 3.8 million.

Malaysians speak many different

languages including Bahasa Melayu (official), English, assorted Chinese dialects and other

indigenous languages. Religions in Malaysia included Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu and

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Christianity. Malaysia is immediately north of the Equator and located on both the southern tip

of the Malay Peninsula and on the northern edges of the island of Borneo. With an extensive

coastline of 2,905 miles (4,675 km), Malaysia borders by the South China Sea, Strait of Malacca,

assorted smaller seas, and the countries of Brunei, Burma (Myanmar),Thailand, Indonesia and

neighboring Singapore across the narrow Singapore Strait). Malaysia is comprised of

Peninsular Malaysia, which is part of mainland Southeast Asia, and the states of Sabah and

Sarawak on the northern edges of the island of Borneo. The coastal plains in Malaysia (in some

areas rather wide) rise gently into hills and mountains that are covered by dense rain forest.

Off its coastlines, Malaysia includes hundreds of very small islands. Over two dozen rivers flow

from the mountains, with the Pahang, Rajang and Sugut being the most significant. Malaysia’s

highest point is Mt. Gunung Kinabalu -13,451 ft. (4,100 m) on the island of Borneo. The lowest

point is sea level.

Due to its location near the Equator, Malaysia has a tropical climate with many sunny days.

Temperatures ranging from 70 to 90ºF (22 to 33ºC) are consistent throughout most of the

year. Two monsoon seasons (April to October) and (October to February) bring consistent, yet

moderate rainfall. Relative humidity is very high year-round.

The natural beauty of Malaysia is a major tourism draw, as few places on Earth are as pristine

and unspoiled. The country offers an incredible array of un-crowded beaches, rain forests and

hundreds of tropical islands. Malaysia has a world-renowned park system, including Taman

Negara National Park, with its gigantic trees, plants and colorful wildlife; Sabah's state parks

and stunning Mount Kinabalu; the world's largest orangutan sanctuary near the town of

Sandakan and Sarawak's collection of national parks, some of the most unique anywhere.

1. Malaysia is located on two different land masses in Asia, the Malay Peninsula and what

island? _______________________

2. Malaysia is famous for its natural beauty and parks including the world’s largest sanctuary

for what animals? ________________________

3. Name three foreign countries that have occupied, controlled or established trading posts in

Malaysia. ______________, _____________________ and _____________________

4. Much of Malaysia has a tropical climate due to its location just north of the _____________.

5. Draw an orangutan in the box below. See if you can find out what they like to eat and

include that in your drawing.

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Indonesia (Republic of Indonesia)

Indonesia is comprised of over 18,000 counted islands and

is by far the largest and most varied archipelago (island

chain) on Earth. It spans almost two million square

kilometers between Asia and Australia and is positioned

on the Equator across a region of immense volcanic

activity. Many of the smaller islands here are still

uninhabited with the larger islands of Java, Kalimantan

(Borneo), Irian Jaya (Papua), Sumatra and Sulawesi home

to most of the country’s 250 million people. The capital

(and largest) city of Jakarta is on the island of Java. This

tropical country and its many islands are one of the most stunning destinations on our planet

and tourism is a cornerstone of the Indonesian economy. Because Indonesia spans so many

islands and cultures many languages are spoken across the country including Bahasa

Indonesia (official), English, Dutch, Arabic and many local dialects. Although Indonesia is not

officially an Islamic nation, the majority religion is Muslim (88%), along with Protestant,

Catholic and others. Indonesia straddles the Equator and is therefore in both the northern and

southern hemispheres, as well as the eastern hemisphere. It's positioned just to the north of

Australia in far Southeast Asia and is bordered by the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, over a dozen

regional seas, and the countries of Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. Because of its

many islands, Indonesia’s has an amazing 33,999 miles (54,716 km) of coastline (one of the

longest in the world). The larger islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya

are quite mountainous, with some peaks reaching 12,000 ft. The highest elevations (over

16,000 ft) are found on Irian Jaya in the east with the highest point at Mt. Puncak Jaya at

16,502 ft. (5,030 m). Located along the “Ring of Fire” (a circle of active volcanoes circling the

Pacific Ocean), Indonesia has some 400 volcanoes within its borders, of which at least 90 still

active in some way. Significant rivers include the Barito, Digul, Hari, Kampar, Kapuas, Kayan

and Musi. Due to its location at the Equator, Indonesia is generally hot and humid throughout

the year, with moderate cooling in the higher elevations. Average temperatures (highs and

lows) vary little throughout the year. Brief, daily rainstorms are the norm, and the rainy season

runs from mid-December through March.

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1. Indonesia is the largest and most varied _________________________________________ on Earth.

2. With over 400 ____________________________________, Indonesia earns its place on the “Ring of

Fire.”

3. According to the map of Indonesia, the main islands that make up northern Indonesia are

also collectively named the____________________________________ Islands.

4. Indonesia shares the large island of Borneo with two other countries. Name them.

_______________________ and _________________________________________________

Philippines (Republic of Philippines)

Located on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean and along the Ring

of Fire, the Philippines is the second-largest archipelago on Earth

after Indonesia, with over 7,100 individual islands counted within its

borders. For hundreds of years the Philippines was a Spanish colony,

but then was ceded to the U.S. in1898, following the Spanish-

American War. At the end of World War II in 1946, the Philippines

attained total independence. Since gaining independence the

government has struggled with failed dictators and ineffective

elected leaders. The country has suffered from a number of natural

disasters and struggles economically with a largely poor population

nearly 88 million. Despite many natural resources, the Philippines also has one of the highest

rates of deforestation in the world. At the current rate of deforestation it has been estimated

that the country’s virgin forests are in danger of disappearing by 2010. The capital and largest

city of Manila is located on Luzon. Languages spoken include Filipino (official), English

(official), Tagalog and Spanish. Major religions are Catholic (81%), Muslim (5%) and

Protestant (5%). The Philippines is positioned off the southeastern coast of Asia, directly east

of Vietnam and northeast of Malaysia. This island nation is literally surrounded by the Pacific

Ocean, and many smaller bodies of water including the Philippine Sea, Celebes Sea, Sula Sea

and the South China Sea. Like Indonesia, the Philippines has a vast coastline of 22,549 miles

(36,289 km). The Philippine islands, positioned on the Ring of Fire, are subject to frequent

earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The Mayon Volcano is the most active in the Philippines,

and is considered one of the most dangerous on Earth. However, it does not stand alone. In

1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted and proved to be one of the most significant volcanic events in

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recorded history. Spanning about 1,100 miles (North to South), its many volcanic islands are

mostly mountainous, with narrow coastal plains. Many islands are covered by tropical rain

forest. Luzon is the largest island, followed by Mindanao, and both have numerous volcanoes.

The longest river is the Cagayan (Río Grande de Cagayan) on Luzon, 217 miles, (350 km) long.

Other significant rivers (on Luzon) include the Abra, Bicol, Chico, and Pampanga. On Mindanao,

important rivers include the Mindanao River and the Agusan. Laguna de Bay, just southeast of

Manila, is the largest lake of the Philippines. Lake Taal, also south of Manila, occupies a huge

volcanic crater and contains an island that is itself a volcano.

Lake Lanao is the largest lake of Mindanao and the source of the Agusan River. The highest

point in the country is Mt. Apo at 9,692 ft. (2,954 m) and the lowest point is sea level.

The Philippines is tropical, very warm and humid throughout the year, and are subject to

seasonal monsoon rains (May - October) and (November - February). Annual rainfall is heavy

but varies widely. The greatest amounts Fall along the mountainous east coasts of Luzon,

Samar, and the northern tip of Mindanao. The Philippines (especially the eastern coasts of

Luzon and Samar) are also subject to frequent typhoons (the same as hurricanes) (July -

October). On average, five may cause significant destruction each year. Between March and

May, hot, dry weather prevails across the islands, with high humidity levels. Temperatures in

Manila range from 70° F to 90° F, with an average annual temperature of 80° F.

1. Much of Philippine culture, including language, place names and food are influenced by the

past colonial rule by what European country? __________________________________________

2. Like Indonesia, the Philippines has many active volcanoes. Which active volcano located

on the island of Luzon had a major eruption in 1991? ___________________________________

3. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, name three of the small seas that border the Philippines.

______________________, _____________________, and _______________________________________

4. The Philippine archipelago is comprised of more than _______________ islands.

5. What is meant by the term ring of fire? _________________________________________________________

6. What is a tropical rainforest? Draw one below. What animals might you see there?

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Japan

Steeped in centuries of culture and history, Japan, an

archipelago of four major islands (Hokkaido, Honshu,

Shikoku and Kyushu) and over 4,000 smaller islands,

is a mostly mountainous country with only 15% of its

land cultivable. As a result, its largest cities ring the

coastline -18,486 miles (29,751 km) long. The

mammoth and dense metropolis (and capital city) of

Tokyo (metro population of 31.8 million), and the

other huge cities along the Pacific Ocean are home to

most of Japan’s 127.8 million people. Despite its

relatively small land area and moderate sized

population, Japan has the second largest

industrialized economy in the world behind the U.S.

Japan is a world leader in technology, electronics and

automobiles. Japan’s cities have a fast-paced culture

and excitement, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. However, the rural coastal villages and

wilderness areas, the winter wonderland of Sapporo, and remote islands exist as well. The

official language is Japanese and main religions include Buddhist and Shinto (85%). Positioned

off the eastern coast of Asia, east of the Korean Peninsula, this island country is bordered by

the Philippine Sea, East China Sea, Sea of Japan (East Sea), Sea of Okhotsk and the North Pacific

Ocean. A long ridge of rugged mountains runs through the heart of Japan, punctuated by steep

treelined slopes, and deep valleys on the Pacific Ocean side, and lower hills and mountains

along the Sea of Japan side. The main interior mountain ranges include the Akaishi, Hido and

Kiso, where elevations exceed 9,800 ft. (3,000 m). The country's highest point, Mt. Fuji,

southwest of Tokyo, is a dormant volcano with a height of 12,388 ft. (3,776 m). The lowest

point in Japan is Lake Hachirogata at -13 ft. (-4 m) below sea level. Like many other island

nations of eastern Asia, the islands of Japan are located on the Ring of Fire and as a result

suffer from frequent, violent earthquakes and some serious volcanic activity. A small series of

plains are situated along the coastal areas. A notable number of (very short) rivers flow briskly

down the mountains into the coastal areas. The largest river in Japan is the Shinano. The

weather in Japan varies dramatically north to south, and many travelers feel the ideal months

to visit are March through May. In the northern reaches of the country, the summers are warm

and comfortable, while winters are long and cold. In the central regions, summers are hot and

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humid, and winters short. In the southwestern areas, summer weather can be subtropical, very

hot and humid, with mild winters. The islands of Japan receive significant amounts of rain,

with the highest amounts occurring during summer and early fall.

1. Which of Japan’s four major islands is home to the capital city of Tokyo? _______________

2. Because major mountain chains cover most of Japan, only ___________% of the land is

cultivable (can be used to grow crops).

3. Japan has the second largest __________________________ in the world; only the United

States is larger.

4. Name the four seas surrounding the islands of Japan. ______________________,

________________________, _______________________ and _____________________

5. Draw a scene from any Japan location (urban, suburban, rural) and label.

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The Korean Peninsula (North and South Korea)

Archaeological evidence on the Korean Peninsula indicates that humans inhabited this

land some 500,000 years ago. In the last century much has happened on this

volatile land. In a land-grab, Japan annexed the entire peninsula in 1905, but at the end of

World War II in 1945, Korea was split into North and South, with the 38th parallel the general

demarcation line. In many cases, families were literally split in two by this action.

Five years later, in 1950, North Korea, with aid

from China and the former Soviet Union, tried to

conquer the southern region, but was defeated by

the army of the South Korean Republic which

was backed by the United States. Today, North and

South Korea are as different as black and white

when economies, living conditions and personal

freedoms are compared, but on the Korean

Peninsula today there are millions of people still

hoping for the eventual reunification of their

common culture and extended families.

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of

Korea)

~ Population approx. 25 million

~ Capital City Pyongyang (2.6 million) metro (3.4

million)

~ Languages: Korean

~ Religions: Buddhist, Confucianism, some

Christian

~ Coastline 1,550 miles (2,495 km)

North Korea occupies the northern half of the

Korean Peninsula, which extends southward from

the Asian continent and China. North Korea is

bordered by China, Russia and South Korea, and by

the Korean Bay, Yellow Sea and East Sea (Sea of

Japan). North Korea is an economically and socially isolated nation which is closed to

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foreigners. Its totalitarian government does not allow travel to and from the country and little

is known about life for average North Koreans. North Korea is composed of a series of

medium-sized mountain ranges and large hills, most separated by deep, narrow valleys. The

highest peak is located on its northern border with China at Paektu-san at 9,002 ft. (2,744 m).

Along the west coast there are wide coastal plains, while along the Sea of Japan coastline,

narrow plains rise into mountains. Similarly to South Korea, dozens of small islands dot the

western coastline. North Korea’s longest river is the Yulu (Yalu). Other large rivers include the

Tumen, Taedang and Imjin. The lowest point is sea level. North Korea experiences long, cold,

and somewhat dry winters.

Summers are brief; often hot (central and south) and quite humid. Winter temperatures

(November - February) seldom rise above 32º F, and temps below -10º F are not uncommon.

Summers (June - August) enjoy high temperatures in the 80s. Approximately 65% of North

Korea's annual rainfall occurs between June and September. South Korea (Republic of Korea)

Unlike North Korea, South Korea has a democratic government with elected leaders and an

open society. Despite its young age, the new South Korea has made great strides in becoming

an important, leading industrialized nation. Following years of on-going political rancor and

much-needed social policy changes, the modern, transformed country of South Korea, and its

dramatically expanded economy garnered the world's attention in a big way by successfully

staging the Summer Olympics of 1988, and the 2002 soccer World Cup. South Korea is a

growing and prosperous industrial economy focused on technology, consumer products, heavy

machinery and automobiles. Tourism is also now growing rapidly, especially in the Australian

and Asian markets.

~ Population approx. 49 million

~ Capital City Seoul (9.8 million) metro (20.5 million)

~ Languages: Korean, English

~ Religions: No affiliation (46%), Buddhist (26%) Christian (26%)

~ Coastline 1,499 miles (2,413 km)

South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, which extends southward

from the Asian continent. South Korea is bordered by North Korea, and by the Yellow Sea, East

Sea

(Sea of Japan) and the Korea Strait. South Korea shares much of the same geography and

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climate as North Korea. South Korea is very hilly and mountainous in the east, where the

Taebaek Mountains dominate the landscape. The hilly land (central) slopes toward the West

and becomes undulating coastal plains where most of the people live and useable agricultural

land is found. The country's highest point is Mt. Halla-san, an extinct volcano located on Cheju

Island at 6,398 ft. (1,950 m). The lowest point is sea level.The western and southern coastlines

are covered by thousands of islands and narrow channels. Significant rivers include the Kum,

Han and Naktong. The weather in South Korea is of the four-seasons variety: Spring is chilly

with frequent drizzle; summers are hot and often rainy, with the heaviest

rainfall during the monsoon season (June - July). The fall months are beautiful and pleasant as

dry cooler winds blow in from the North. Winters bring much colder conditions with snow or

rain. Milder winter temperatures are the norm along the southern coastal islands. Winter high

temperatures (November - February) seldom rise above 45º F, and in the higher elevations,

low temperatures below -10º F are common. Summers (June - August) enjoy high

temperatures in the 80s, and in the far south, conditions border on tropical.

1. Archeological evidence indicates that humans have lived on the Korean Peninsula over

_________________________________________ years ago.

2. In 1945, following decades of occupation by Japan, Korea was split into two countries at

what parallel (latitude) line? ____________________________________________

3. South Korea’s highest point is an extinct volcano Mt. Halla-san located on ______________island.

4. The capital city of North Korea is _____________________________________________.

5. In box #1, draw and label a scene from North Korea. In box #2, draw a scene from South

Korea and label.

1

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Quick Asia Quiz 1. Both the highest point and lowest point on the surface of the Earth are located in Asia.

What is the highest point? _________________ What is the lowest point? ________________

2. Asia is generally separated into four regions. Can you name all four?

_________________. __________________, ___________________, __________________

3. Two Asian countries are “trans-continental” because they span both Asia and Europe. One

such country is Russia. Can you name the other? _____________________________

4. The two highest mountains on Earth can be found in what Asian range? ________________

5. What is the name of the north-to-south mountain range that

separates European Russia

from Asian Russia? ____________________________________

6. Which Asian country has the largest population of any nation on

Earth: China or India?

___________________

7. The deepest lake on Earth is ____________________, located in

____________________.

8. The largest island chain or archipelago is also this Asian country?

____________________

9. Many Asian countries including Japan, the Philippines and

Indonesia have active volcanoes.

What is the name of the chain of volcanoes that connect all of these mountains along the Pacific

Ocean? ____________________________________________

10. Can you name the three countries that share the large island of Borneo?

___________________, _____________________, and _______________________

11. The second highest mountain on Earth is K2 located in what country?

______________________

12. Many Southeast Asian countries are affected by heavy late summer rains (June –

September) called ______________________.

13. The __________________ is one of Earth’s most important rivers because it drains two of

the most populous areas on the plant: northern India and Bangladesh.

14. Name the countries of Indochina. _____________, _____________, and _______________

15. Japan is very mountainous. How much land in Japan is cultivable? ___________________

16. North and South Korea are separated by a line that crosses which latitude? ____________

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Fill in the the continents!

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List of Asian Countries and Capitals - study them

Countries Capital Countries Capital Afghanistan Kabul Russia Moscow

Armenia Yerevan Saudi Arabia Riyadh

Azerbaijan Baku Singapore Singapore

Bahrain Al Manamah Sri Lanka Colombo

Bangladesh Dhaka Dha Syria Damascus

Bhutan Thimpu Taiwan Taipei

Brunei Bandar Seri Begawan Tajikistan Dushanbe

Cambodia Phnom Penh Thailand Bangkok China Beijing Turkey Ankara

East Timor Dili

Georgia Tbilisi Turkmenistan Ashgabat

India New Dehli United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi

Indonesia Jakarta Uzbekistan Tashkent

Iran Tehran Vietnam Ha Noi

Iraq Baghdad Yemen Sanaa

Israel Jerusalem Phillippines, Manila

Japan Tokyo Qatar, El Doha Pakistan, Islamad

Jordan Amman

Kazakhstan Astana

South Korea Seoul

North Korea Pyongyang

Kuwait Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan Bishkek

Laos Vientiane

Lebanon Beirut

Malaysia Kuala Lumpur

Maldives Male

Mongolia Ulaanbaatar

Myanmar Rangoon

Nepal Kathmandu

Oman Mascat

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Asia-Africa Word Search-Just for Fun

T B W K M A W A B U Y N L A Z O J U O M Q I O S K I A I I N Q G T R W M T N B I R T B N A Z X N V U S A D A F A S E D P E L E O W N U D X Z N I R O A J L T A C R D G A O N K I N J O B N Z X B F I R G P A A E Y Y A I P O I H T E A A P T S K S O U T H A F R I C A S Q I G A O I D F A Q S C W D C C A O G I B R N Q Y A N A H G K A W O S I I P A N I G E R I A D R R C H E L B I F K O R E A B Y A C H A V D J R E Y U A K L U U D M O V P E G L X B P Q T K

AFRICA ASIA BOTSWANA

BURUNDI CHINA CONGO

ETHIOPIA GHANA INDONESIA

IRAN JAPAN KOREA

LIBERIA MADAGASCAR MALAYSIA

NIGERIA PAKISTAN SOUTHAFRICA

TANZANIA

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More Geography Resources

Want to find out more information about your favorite continent or country?

Check out these websites:

www.nationalgeographic.com

Most maps were taken from the website

www.worldatlas.com. Other resources include:

www.geographia.com

www.factmonster.com

www.africaguide.com

www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

Don’t forget to also use your MCPS Online Resources!

Hey alright!

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Algeria Algiers Angola Luanda Benin Porto-Novo Botswana Gaborone Burkina Faso Ouagadougou Burundi Bujumbura Cameroon Yaounde' Cape Verde Islands Praia Central African Republic Bangui Chad N'Djamena Comoros Moroni Congo Brazzaville Cote d'Ivoire Abidjan Djibouti Djibouti Egypt Cairo Equitorial Guinea Malabo Eritrea Asmara Ethiopia Addis Ababa Gabon Libreville Gambia Banjul Ghana Accra Guinea Conakry Guinea-Bissau Bissau Kenya Nairobi Lesotho Maseru Liberia Monrovia Libya Tripoli Madagascar Antananarivo

Malawi Lilongwe Mali Bamako Mauritania Nouakchott Mauritius Port Louis Morocco Rabat Mozambique Maputo Namibia Windhoek Niger Niamey Nigeria Abuja Rwanda Kigali Sao Tome' and Principe Sao Tome' Senegal Dakar Seychelles Victoria Sierra Leone Freetown Somalia Mogadishu South Africa Pretoria Sudan Khartoum Swaziland Mbabane Tanzania Dar es Salaam & Dodoma Togo Lome' Tunisia Tunis Uganda Kampala Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) Kinshasa Zambia Lusaka Zimbabwe Harare

List of African Countries