Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia refers to the 10 nations including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Tourism has become a significant source of revenue for all these nations.

Area: 1,900,000 square miles

Major Biomes: rainforest

Major cities: Jakarta, Indonesia Bangkok, Thailand Singapore Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Bandung, Indonesia Surabaya, Indonesia Medan, Indonesia Palembang, Indonesia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Hanoi, Vietnam

Southeast Asia is composed of mainland Asian coastal nations (known as Indochina) and island nations (known as Maritime Southeast Asia or Nusantara). The area includes many of the world's finest beaches, and the mainland nations include diverse geography with mountains, rivers and plains.

Geography

Southeast Asia is located, just like it sounds, in the southeast portion of the continent of Asia. It is south of China and to the east of India. Much of Southeast Asia is islands in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Two major Seas are the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea.

Southeast Asia is rich in wildlife with animals such as orangutans, leopards, elephants, water buffalo and rhinos. There is also significant diversity in culture, language, and religion. Much of Southeast Asia is rainforest and the climate is very wet. The wet weather makes the area prime for rice patty agriculture making rice the main staple in the Southeast Asian diet.

Southeast Asia is a tropical area that is hot year-round, with wet and dry seasons caused by shifts in wind or monsoons. It is predominately rain forest, with the exception of high-altitude northern regions with milder temperatures.

Climate

The most popular travel destinations (Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia) are easy to enter and do not require visas from American or European visitors. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia and Laos offer visas on arrival and are generally easy to enter. Only Vietnam and Myanmar require advance paperwork.

Entry Requirements

The nations of Southeast Asia offer outstanding beaches, every conceivable water sport, rain forest wildlife and flora. The northern areas include temperate areas for mountain climbing and mountain biking. Cultural and religious sites, tours, and health and spa facilities also abound.

Travel Activities

The remote areas of Southeast Asia are often pristine and untouched by development. It is one of the favorite destinations of low-impact travelers interested in ecological and social consciousness.

Ecotourism

As of 2009, Indonesia had the largest population, with more than 240 million residents. The Philippines was a distant second, with a population of close to 98 million. Singapore had the fewest residents, approximately 14.5 million.

Population: 593,415,000 (Source: 2010 United Nations)

Population

The farming of rice is prevalent throughout the region, and houses built on stilts can be found across Southeast Asia. Folk dances and traditional music provide entertainment for many people in the region.

Culture

Islam is the predominant religion in Southeast Asia, with approximately 240 million followers. Other commonly practiced religions include Christianity, Taoism, indigenous religions and various sects of Buddhism.

Religion

Cooks strive for a balance of sweet, salty, sour and bitter flavors. China and India have greatly influenced the cuisine of Southeast Asia, with various noodle dishes and curries.

Cuisine

The region popularly known as Southeast Asia comprises mainland Asian coastal nations, as well as several island nations. Mostly tropics, that are hot all year round, there are also wet and dry seasons caused by changes in wind or monsoons. A few regions have mild temperatures, but most of Southeast Asia is predominantly rain forests. There are several interesting facts about many areas located within Southeast Asia.

Interesting Facts About Southeast Asia

CambodiaThe Angkor Wat is found in Cambodia. It is the largest religious temple in the world and it's estimated that it took some 30 years to build. In this temple, people can even ride an elephant from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to the Bayon temple. Another interesting place is Oudong, where the golden urn containing the remains of Buddha is placed. It is only 30 miles north of the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh

Thailand Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation that was not

under colonial rule. They have some uncommon beliefs that are still practiced today. Barber shops are usually closed on Wednesday because many think it will bring bad luck to cut their hair that day of the week. All Thai men are expected to be a monk—at least temporarily. Traditionally, it was for a period of 3 months, but it is now reduced to a week or two.

Philippines The country has 12,000 species of sea shells.

The Conus gloriamaris—the rarest and most expensive seashell in the world—is found in the Philippines. About 488 coral species, out of the 500 coral species known worldwide, are also found in the waters of the Philippine archipelago.

Indonesia As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia

is comprised of more than 12,000 islands, out of which only about 6,000 are inhabited. It is also home to some of the rarest animals in the world. This include the miniature deer, a fish that can climb trees and catch insects; and spiders that make giant webs to lure small birds.

Islam in Southeast Asia There are more than 240 million Muslims in

Southeast Asia, which translates to 40 percent of its population. Islam spread through Southeast Asia as a result of the expansion of trade, since Muslim traders brought Islam to the area. It is also believed by historians that Sufi missionaries spread the Islam faith by merging Islamic beliefs with existing local traditions.

Brunei

About the size of Delaware, Brunei is an independent sultanate on the northwest coast of the island of Borneo in the South China Sea, wedged between the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

The Geography of Brunei

Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan

Population: 408,786

Type of Government: constitutional sultanate

Languages Spoken: Malay (official), English, Chinese

Independence: 1 January 1984 (from UK)

National Holiday: National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection

Nationality: Bruneian(s)

Religions: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs and other 10%

National Symbol:

National Anthem or Song: Allah Peliharakan Sultan (God Bless His Majesty)

The People of Brunei

Major Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction

Agricultural Products: rice, vegetables, fruits; chickens, water buffalo, eggs

Natural Resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber

Major Exports: crude oil, natural gas, refined products

Major Imports: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals

Currency: Bruneian dollar (BND)

National GDP: $21,030,000,000

Economy of Brunei

Most of what we know about Brunei's history starts with the rule of the Brunei Sultanate and the Brunei empire. The empire was especially powerful during the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. Two powerful Sultans came to power during that time. First was Bolkiah who expanded the empire and second was Hassan who developed much of how the government and country still works today.

Brief History of Brunei:

In the 1800's the English began to have an impact on the workings of the country. First came adventurer James Brooke. In 1839 he helped the Sultan put down an uprising. As a reward he became a leader and governor in the northwest. Later the British North Borneo Company would start to gain control over the area. In 1888 the British made Brunie a protectorate. Brunie would remain a British territory until January 1, 1984 when it became an independent country.

Today Brunei is a small but very wealthy country due to oil and natural gas exports.

Cambodia

Situated on the Indochinese peninsula, Cambodia is bordered by Thailand and Laos on the north and Vietnam on the east and south. The Gulf of Thailand is off the western coast. The size of Missouri, the country consists chiefly of a large alluvial plain ringed by mountains with the Mekong River to the east. The plain is centered around Lake Tonle Sap, which is a natural storage basin of the Mekong.

The Geography of Cambodia

Capital: Phnom Penh

Population: 14,952,665

Type of Government: multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Languages Spoken: Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

Independence: 9 November 1953 (from France)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 9 November (1953)

Nationality: Cambodian(s)

Religions: Theravada Buddhist 95%, other 5%

National Symbol: Angkor Wat temple; kouprey (wild ox)

National Anthem or Song: Nokoreach (Royal Kingdom)

The People of Cambodia

Major Industries: tourism, garments, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles

Agricultural Products: rice, rubber, corn, vegetables, cashews, tapioca

Natural Resources: oil and gas, timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential

Major Exports: clothing, timber, rubber, rice, fish, tobacco, footwear

Major Imports: petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction materials, machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products

Currency: riel (KHR)

National GDP: $33,820,000,000

Economy of Cambodia

The most famous period in Cambodia's history came from 900 to 1400 AD during the rule of the Khmer Kingdom. The Khmer Kingdom ruled the area and was Southeast Asia's largest empire for part of its history. Their capital city was Angkor where its possible more than 1 million people lived at the height of its power. There are many famous temples build here including the most famous Angkor Wat. In the 15th century the Khmer Kingdom collapsed and never regained its former glory.

In 1863 Cambodia became a protectorate of France. This continued for nearly 100 years until it gained full independence on November 9, 1953.

In the early 1970's Cambodia became embroiled into the Vietnam War. However, things got even worse after the war. A group called the Khmer Rouge took over led by a man named Pol Pot. They forced people into horrible work conditions and around 1 million Cambodians, around 12% of the total population, were killed.

Brief History of Cambodia:

Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of 17,000 islands (6,000 inhabited) and straddling the equator. The largest islands are Sumatra, Java (the most populous), Bali, Kalimantan (Indonesia's part of Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), the Nusa Tenggara islands, the Moluccas Islands, and Irian Jaya (also called West Papua), the western part of New Guinea. Its neighbor to the north is Malaysia and to the east is Papua New Guinea.

Indonesia, part of the “ring of fire,” has the largest number of active volcanoes in the world. Earthquakes are frequent. Wallace's line, a zoological demarcation between Asian and Australian flora and fauna, divides Indonesia.

Read more: Indonesia: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107634.html#ixzz2HLhgLUWj

The Geography of Indonesia

Capital: Jakarta

Population: 248,645,008

Type of Government: republic

Languages Spoken: Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects, the most widely spoken of which is Javanese

Independence: 17 August 1945 (independence proclaimed); 27 December 1949 (Netherlands recognizes Indonesian independence)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

Nationality: Indonesian(s)

Religions: Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other 1% (1998)

National Symbol: garuda (mythical bird)

National Anthem or Song: Indonesia Raya (Great Indonesia)

The People of Indonesia

Major Industries: petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism

Agricultural Products: rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra; poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Natural Resources: petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver

Major Exports: oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber

Major Imports: machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

National GDP: $1,125,000,000,000

Economy of Indonesia

One of the first major kingdoms to emerge in Indonesia was the Srivajay naval kingdom in the 7th century. The religious influences of Buddhism and Hinduism arrived with the Srivajay kingdom. Next, the Buddhist Sailendra and the Hindo Mataram dynasties arose as the major powers in the land. Many great monuments were left by these dynasties. In the 13th century the Hindo Majapahit kingdom was founded and under its great leader, Gajah Mada, the kingdom spread over much of today's Indonesia.

Brief History of Indonesia:

The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese in 1512. They were followed by the Dutch and the British. The Dutch East India Company soon became the dominant power and began to colonize the area taking control for the next several hundred years. In 1942, during World War II, Japan occupied the islands of Indonesia. After Japan lost the war, Indonesia asked for its independence. It took several years of struggle, but in 1949 the Netherlands gave Indonesia its independence. Indonesia has had its problems developing, including repressive military rule up until 1999, widespread poverty, and overpopulation.

Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Over 140 million people live on the island of Java which is one of the most densely populated areas of the world. It is also home to the world's largest Muslim population.

Laos

A landlocked nation in Southeast Asia occupying the northwest portion of the Indochinese peninsula, Laos is surrounded by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Burma. It is twice the size of Pennsylvania. Laos is a mountainous country, especially in the north, where peaks rise above 9,000 ft (2,800 m). Dense forests cover the northern and eastern areas. The Mekong River, which forms the boundary with Burma and Thailand, flows through the country for 932 mi (1,500 km) of its course. Read more: Laos: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107702.html#ixzz2HLjG3TiD

The Geography of Laos

Capital: Vientiane

Population: 6,586,266

Type of Government: Communist state

Languages Spoken: Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Independence: 19 July 1949 (from France)

National Holiday: Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Nationality: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

Religions: Buddhist 60%, animist and other 40% (including various Christian denominations 1.5%)

National Symbol: elephant

National Anthem or Song: Pheng Xat Lao (Hymn of the Lao People)

The People of Laos

Major Industries: copper, tin, and gypsum mining; timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, tourism, cement

Agricultural Products: sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Natural Resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Major Exports: garments, wood products, coffee, electricity, tin

Major Imports: machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Currency: kip (LAK)

National GDP: $17,410,000,000

Economy of Laos

The country of Laos first began to form in 1353 when the Kingdom of Lan Xang took power. The name Lan Xang means ?million elephants?. The ruler was King Fa Ngum and his empire ruled much of Laos as well as Thailand. During this time Buddhism became the primary religion.

In the late 18th century the Lan Xang had collapsed and the Siamese took control of Laos. Then, in the 1800s the French arrived. In 1907 the Franco-Siamese treaty defined the boundaries of current day Laos.

Brief History of Laos:

Laos was occupied by the Japanese during World War II. At the end of the war, in 1945, Laos declared independence from France. However, French troops soon reoccupied the country and took control.

In 1954 Laos became an independent country from France. However, war broke out internally. After many years of fighting and intervention from both the United States and the Soviet Union, Laos was ruled by an authoritarian communist party. Many people have fled Laos over the years including the Hmong minority.

Malaysia

Malaysia is on the Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia. The nation also includes Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo to the east. Its area slightly exceeds that of New Mexico.

Most of Malaysia is covered by forest, with a mountain range running the length of the peninsula. Extensive forests provide ebony, sandalwood, teak, and other wood.

Read more: Malaysia: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107751.html#ixzz2HLkI1BVv

The Geography of Malaysia

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Population: 29,179,952

Type of Government: constitutional monarchy

Languages Spoken: Bahasa Melayu (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai

Independence: 31 August 1957 (from UK)

National Holiday: Independence Day/Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)

Nationality: Malaysian(s)

Religions: Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, Christian, Sikh; note - in addition, Shamanism is practiced in East Malaysia

National Symbol: tiger

National Anthem or Song: Negaraku (My Country)

The People of Malaysia

Major Industries: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging

Agricultural Products: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah - subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconuts, rice; Sarawak - rubber, pepper, timber

Natural Resources: tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite

Major Exports: electronic equipment, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals

Major Imports: electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals

Currency: ringgit (MYR)

National GDP: $463,700,000,000

Economy of Malaysia

One of the early civilizations that ruled Malaysia was the Buddhist kingdom of Srivijaya which ruled from the 9th to the 13th centuries. After the Srivijaya, the Hindu kingdom of Majapahit took control. Next to arrive was the state of Malacca which was ruled by a Muslim prince and began the spread of Islam in the area.

The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese. They conquered Malacca in 1511 and would control the area for over 100 years. The area would change hands to the Dutch in 1641 and then to the British in 1795. While the British were in control, they developed the industries of rubber and tin production.

Malaysia was occupied by Japan during World War II. Soon after the war the country began to move toward independence. In 1957 several of the British territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya. Malaysia was formed and became a separate independent country in 1963.

Brief History of Malaysia:

Myanmar

Slightly smaller than Texas, Myanmar occupies the Thailand/Cambodia portion of the Indochinese peninsula. India lies to the northwest and China to the northeast. Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand are also neighbors. The Bay of Bengal touches the southwest coast. The fertile delta of the Irrawaddy River in the south contains a network of interconnecting canals and nine principal river mouths.

Read more: Myanmar: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107808.html#ixzz2HLkvaNWi

Geography

Population (2012 est.): 54,584,650

Capital and largest city (2009 est.): Rangoon (Yangon), 4,259,000

Type of Government: military junta

Languages Spoken: Burmese, minority ethnic groups have their own languages

Independence: 4 January 1948 (from UK)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 4 January (1948); Union Day, 12 February (1947)

Nationality: Burmese (singular and plural)

Religions: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2%

National Symbol: chinthe (mythical lion)

National Anthem or Song: Kaba Ma Kyei (Till the End of the World, Myanmar)

The People of Myanmar

Major Industries: agricultural processing; knit and woven apparel; wood and wood products; copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer; cement; natural gas

Agricultural Products: rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane; hardwood; fish and fish products

Natural Resources: petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, hydropower

Major Exports: clothing, gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish, rice

Major Imports: fabric, petroleum products, plastics, machinery, transport equipment, construction materials, crude oil; food products

Currency: kyat (MMK)

National GDP: $82,680,000,000

Economy of Myanmar

The area that is today the country of Burma has been ruled by major dynasties in the past. In 1044AD the Bagan Dynasty came into power. This time is often called the Golden Age of Burma. It was during this time at Buddhism became a major religion in Burma. The kings of the Bagan Dynasty built many Buddhist shrines and pagodas. This time lasted for around 150 years until the Mongol invaders arrived.

The next major dynasty formed in region was the Taungoo Dynasty in 1486. This dynasty expanded the empire and ruled for over 250 years. It was followed by the Konbaung Dynasty. The first king of the Konbaung was King Alaungpaya. This was a warring dynasty which fought the Chinese, the Siamese, and later the British. They fell to the British Empire in 1885. At this time Burma became a part of British India.

History

After WWII the Burmese wanted their independence from Britain. Their leader was General Aung San. Burma gained independence in January of 1948. Burma initially had a constitutional government, but there was much fighting for power within the country. Military leaders took over. In 1990, when the military group lost the elections, they refused to accept the results and imprisoned many political figures who opposed them. Even today political leaders such as Augn San Suu Kyi are held in prison because they do not agree with the military government.

Today Burma is country with much unrest and few political freedoms.

Philippines

The Philippine islands are an archipelago of over 7,000 islands lying about 500 mi (805 km) off the southeast coast of Asia. The overall land area is comparable to that of Arizona. Only about 7% of the islands are larger than one square mile, and only one-third have names. The largest are Luzon in the north (40,420 sq mi; 104,687 sq km), Mindanao in the south (36,537 sq mi; 94,631 sq km), and Visayas (23,582 sq mi; 61,077 sq km). The islands are of volcanic origin, with the larger ones crossed by mountain ranges. The highest peak is Mount Apo (9,690 ft; 2,954 m) on Mindanao. Read more: Philippines: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107887.html#ixzz2HLnlvoy9

The Geography of Philippines

Capital: Manila

Population: 103,775,002

Type of Government: republic

Languages Spoken: two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English; eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Independence: 12 June 1898 (from Spain)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from US

Nationality: Filipino(s)

Religions: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, Muslim 5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

National Symbol: Philippine eagle

National Anthem or Song: Lupang Hinirang (Chosen Land)

The People of Philippines

Major Industries: electronics assembly, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, fishing

Agricultural Products: sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassavas, pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish

Natural Resources: timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

Major Exports: electronic equipment, machinery and transport equipment, garments, optical instruments, coconut products, fruits and nuts, copper products, chemicals

Major Imports: raw materials, machinery and equipment, fuels, vehicles and vehicle parts, plastic, chemicals, grains

Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)

National GDP: $391,100,000,000

Economy of Philippines

The Philippines was originally settled by a people called the Negritos. They arrived at the islands thousands of years ago. The Polynesians arrived next and the island became populated with tribal peoples led by chieftains called datus. Later in the history of the Philippines, Chinese and Arab traders arrived.

In 1521 the first European to arrive was Ferdinand Magellan from Portugal. He claimed the land for Spain, but was killed on the island when trying to resolve an argument between two local tribes. Spain would colonize the country over the coming years and would rule until the Spanish-American War in 1898 when the United States defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. That same year revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines' independence from Spain.

Brief History of Philippines:

The United States officially gained control of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War and the Treaty of Paris. War broke out between the Philippines and the United States, but soon subsided. In 1935, the US made the Philippines a self-governing territory under President Manuel Quezon. During World War II the Philippines was occupied by Japan. With the help of American forces, the Japanese were driven out. In 1946, the country became a fully independent nation.

Singapore

The Republic of Singapore consists of the main island of Singapore, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and 58 nearby islands. Read more: Singapore: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107963.html#ixzz2HLpRsTyN

The Geography of Singapore

Capital: Singapore

Population: 5,353,494

Type of Government: parliamentary republic

Languages Spoken: Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census)

Independence: 9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

National Holiday: National Day, 9 August (1965)

Nationality: Singaporean(s)

Religions: Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000 census)

National Symbol: lion

National Anthem or Song: Majulah Singapura (Onward Singapore)

The People of Singapore

Major Industries: electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade

Agricultural Products: rubber, copra, fruit, orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs; fish, ornamental fish

Natural Resources: fish, deepwater ports

Major Exports: machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods, chemicals, mineral fuels

Major Imports: machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs

Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD)

National GDP: $314,900,000,000

Economy of Singapore

Singapore is a small, but important island nation located just south of Malaysia. In the 2nd century AD the first settlement was established at Singapore by the Sumatran Srivijaya Empire. Later between the 16th and the 19th centuries the area was controlled by the Sultanate of Johor.

In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived to the islands. He was an agent of the British East India Company. Great Britain then bought the island and turned it into a major port for trading in Southeast Asia. During World War II, the island was occupied by the Japanese, however, the Japanese were defeated and in 1946 Singapore became a British Crown Colony.

In 1963, Singapore separated from Britain and joined the independent country of Malaysia. However, this did not work and in 1965, Singapore became a fully independent country.

Brief History of Singapore:

Thailand

Thailand occupies the western half of the Indochinese peninsula and the northern two-thirds of the Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia. Its neighbors are Burma (Myanmar) on the north and west, Laos on the north and northeast, Cambodia on the east, and Malaysia on the south. Thailand is about the size of France. Read more: Thailand: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108034.html#ixzz2HLr2SHK2

The Geography of Thailand

Capital: Bangkok

Population: 67,091,089

Type of Government: constitutional monarchy

Languages Spoken: Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects

Independence: 1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

National Holiday: Birthday of King PHUMIPHON, 5 December (1927)

Nationality: Thai (singular and plural)

Religions: Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1% (2000 census)

National Symbol: garuda (mythical half-man, half-bird figure); elephant

National Anthem or Song: Phleng Chat Thai (National Anthem of Thailand)

The People of Thailand

Major Industries: tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer

Agricultural Products: rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans

Natural Resources: tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

Major Exports: textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice, rubber, jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances

Major Imports: capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials, consumer goods, fuels

Currency: baht (THB)

National GDP: $602,200,000,000

Economy of Thailand

The Khmer Empire ruled Thailand for many years starting the 800s until the 13th century. In the 13th century the local Thai Chiefs united and expelled the Khmer Empire. They established the Thai Kingdom in 1238.

In 1350 the Thai Kingdom of Ayutthaya emerged. Its first King was Rama Thibodi. King Thibodi made Theravada Bhuddhism the official religion and established the Dharamshastra rule of law.

Brief History of Thailand:

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya ruled the land for over 400 years. In 1767, Burmese armies invaded and burned its capital. In 1782 the Chakri dynasty emerged at the city of Chao Phraya, which is where Bangkok is today. Rama I was the first king of the Chakri dynasty. The Chakri dynasty still rules Thailand and current the current ruler, King Adulyadej, has ruled since 1946. Thailand was called Siam and the people the Siamese by European explorers. Thailand avoided being colonized by any European country during the colonization period.

Thailand allied with Japan in World War II, but became an ally of the United States in 1954. Thailand fought along side the US in the Korean War. In recent years Thailand has seen some unrest in its government, including a military coup in 2006.

Vietnam

Vietnam occupies the eastern and southern part of the Indochinese peninsula in Southeast Asia, with the South China Sea along its entire coast. China is to the north and Laos and Cambodia are to the west. Long and narrow on a north-south axis, Vietnam is about twice the size of Arizona. The Mekong River delta lies in the south.

The Geography of Vietnam

Capital: Hanoi

Population: 91,519,289

Capital: Hanoi

Population: 91,519,289

Capital: Hanoi

Population: 91,519,289

Type of Government: Communist state

Languages Spoken: Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Independence: 2 September 1945 (from France)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 2 September (1945)

Nationality: Vietnamese (singular and plural)

Religions: Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census)

National Symbol: yellow, five-pointed star on red field

National Anthem or Song: Tien quan ca (The Song of the Marching Troops)

The People of Vietnam

Major Industries: food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining, coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, paper

Agricultural Products: paddy rice, coffee, rubber, cotton, tea, pepper, soybeans, cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas; poultry; fish, seafood

Natural Resources: phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits, forests, hydropower

Major Exports: crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, garments, shoes

Major Imports: machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles

Currency: dong (VND)

National GDP: $300,000,000,000

Economy of Vietnam

Vietnam has a history of tribes uniting to form strong dynasties. The first dynasty that many consider to be the start of the Vietnamese state was the Hong Bang Dynasty which was ruled by the legendary Hung kings.

In 111 BC, the Han Dynasty from China absorbed Vietnam into their empire. Vietnam would remain a part of the Chinese empire for over 1000 years. It was in 938 AD that Ngo Quyen defeated the Chinese and gained independence for Vietnam. Vietnam was then ruled by a succession of dynasties including the Ly, Tran, and the Le dynasty. Under the Le dynasty the kingdom of Vietnam reached its peak, expanding to the south and conquering a portion of the Khmer Empire.

Brief History of Vietnam:

In 1858 the French came to Vietnam. They conquered the land in 1884. In 1887 the French incorporated Vietnam in to French Indochina. France continued to rule until it was defeated by communist forces led by Ho Chi Minh in 1954. The country became divided into Communist North Vietnam and the anti-Communist South. The Vietnam War raged for years between the two countries with the US supporting the South and communist countries supporting the north. The North eventually won uniting the country under communist rule in 1973.

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