 Chapter 16 Section 3 Southeast Asia Today

 Southeast Asia’s culture was formed by geography and history. o The region’s location on international trade routes attracted merchants and immigrants, new customs, and new religions. o Southeast Asia’s unique culture astonished a famous Indian poet during his visit to Indonesia. “I see India everywhere, but I do not recognize it.” ~ Rabindranath Tagore ~

Religion  Over the centuries, Indian traders from the East brought Hinduism and Buddhism from India and Sri Lanka.  From China to the north, Mahayana Buddhism and Confucian thought entered Vietnam.  These religions and ideas mixed with the local beliefs in spirits.

Religion  Arab and Indian traders brought Islam, which took root in Malaysia and most of Indonesia.  As the region came under European influence, Christianity gained converts, especially in the Philippines and Vietnam.

Religion  Religious traditions are woven through Southeast Asian culture. o On most of the mainland, Buddhism is the main religion. o Islam dominates on most of the islands and on the Malay Peninsula. o In Malaysia, there are two systems of justice: Secular, or nonreligious Islamic o Some Malaysian Muslims prefer to seek justice in courts that use Islamic, or Sharia, law.

Religion  Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population. o Its mixed population of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians has created a tolerant society. o Throughout the region there is also much cultural blending, as customs and ideas from different religions are fused.

Reading Check What religion is most popular on the mainland of Southeast Asia? Buddhism

Types of Governments  Republics such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and East Timor have constitutions that provide citizens with some protections and freedoms. o Like the United States, these countries have legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. o In Indonesia, democracy has been growing stronger ever since the fall of the dictator Suharto in 1998.

Types of Governments  Malaysia, Cambodia, the kingdom of Thailand, and the sultanate of Brunei are all constitutional monarchies in which one person rules as head of state. o There is a considerable degree of democracy in some of these nations.

Types of Governments  In other nations governments allow much less democracy. o The Communist nations of Laos and Vietnam are one-party states ruled by an oligarchy, or a small group of people. o Myanmar is ruled by a brutal military junta, a committee of military leaders. Punishes its critics and has placed the political leader Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest. Blocked disaster relief intended for victims of a cyclone.

Political Tensions  In Myanmar, political frustration sometimes erupts into demonstrations. o Political tensions afflict every nation in the region.

Political Tensions  In the Philippines, the government is fighting an insurgency, or rebellion, from a Muslim separatist group on islands in the south and east. o A separatist group is a group of people who want to establish an independent state

Political Tensions  In Thailand, the Constitutional Court brought down the government in 2008, after months of anti-government protests.

Political Tensions  In more democratic countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, disputes range over economic issues, corruption, election fraud, and crime rates. o In this ethnically diverse region, there are also constant concerns over income inequalities between ethnic groups.

Reading Check Which nations are one-party states? Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar

Population Issues  Countries with higher rates of population growth must worry about feeding a growing population. o Countries with low population growth are also concerned about the future. If there are not enough younger people in the work force, who will pay the taxes that support social security and medical benefits for the elderly? To encourage growth, the government has offered citizens tax rebates of thousands of dollars for every child that is born.

Population Issues  Indonesia is dealing with overcrowding on the island of Java, where 60% of Indonesians live. o Overpopulation strains resources and damages the environment. The island of Java is feeling many of the effects of climate change, El Nino, volcanic eruptions, and natural events. What is compounding the flooding problem is high population density. There are 10,000 people per square kilometer of the city, and with this comes the effects of human encroachment on the surrounding environment.

Population Issues  The government of Indonesia encourages families to migrate to the outer islands such as Sulawesi by providing money and land. o There are no jobs or social services on the islands. o The land must be cleared and the soil is poor.

The Environment Today  Because of the global demand for wood products, Southeastern Asian forests are disappearing. o Countries such as Indonesia are having difficulty stopping this destruction. o A weak central government has been unable to enforce regulations.

Reading Check What are some environmental problems in Southeast Asia? Air and water pollution, deforestation, fires, from land clearing

Uneven Development  A successful economy depends on certain conditions. o Stable government o Natural resources o Skilled workers o Banks o Transportation o Communication

Uneven Development  Singapore and Brunei are the most successful countries economically. o More than half of Brunei's income comes from oil and natural gas production. o Singapore’s economy is based on exports of consumer electronics and information technology.

Uneven Development  The economies of Southeast Asia are as diverse as other aspects of the region. o International trade is bringing changes to countries such as Indonesia. o Myanmar and Cambodia resist globalization.

Uneven Development  Countries without transportation networks, stable government, or freedom for their citizens have difficulty in attracting foreign investments.  Nations with oil and natural gas such as Indonesia are more attractive to investors.

Southeast Asia and the World

Reading Check What are some environmental problems in Southeast Asia? Air and water pollution, deforestation, fires, from land clearing