Physical Features, Religions & Philosophies
What are Africa’s most common religions?
Christian (including Copts), Islam, and traditional African religions such as the Yoruba faith
When did most African nations gain independence?
During the 1950s and 1960s
How might a lack of water affect African stability?
More people and animals may die of thirst. More people and animals may drink dirty water and get sick. People may fight over the limited water. People may find it more difficult to grow crops.
What role does water play in African settlement choices?
Settlements exist next to reliable sources of water that people need for life and transportation of goods.
How are governments in Vietnam and Laos authoritarian?
The government owns all property and makes all economic decisions. One political party controls the government, and the government restricts free speech and other civil rights.
What cultural traits do ethnic groups share?
language, history, and traditions
What was at the heart of many of the conflicts after independence?
ethnic discord (tensions between two ethnic groups)
What will happen if there is less usable land in Africa?
There will be less food, and people may fight over it. A small group could control all of the good land and let the rest of the population starve.
What are the weaknesses of African economies?
lack of a unified currency and lack of investment in educating and training workforces
What actions have weakened democratic governments in some Southeast Asian nations?
In Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore, elections are held, but election laws and procedures keep the same party in power. In more democratic nations, like Indonesia, the Philippines, and East Timor, elections have been disrupted by violence and accusations of unfair practices.
What are the most widely practiced religions in East Asia?
The most widely practiced religions in East Asia are Buddhism, folk religions, Daoism, and Shinto.
Why is the goal the Nkrumah sets difficult to achieve?
He says that a newly independent country has to reach economic independence much, much faster than other countries have done, but that is difficult for a newly formed country.
How has a focus on exports both helped and hindered the economies of East Asian countries?
Export industries have brought in investment and helped the economies grow quickly. But growth has been limited because pay in these industries is low, so workers cannot afford to spend much money on consumer goods.
What makes entrepreneurship easier?
access to education, government assistance, and elimination of trade barriers
What role does the military play in government in Myanmar and Thailand?
People vote in elections, but the military has the right to overrule their vote.
Which ethnic group is the majority of the population of China? Where do most of them live?
The Han Chinese make up the majority, and they largely live in Eastern China.
How was land redistributed among European nationals after World War I?
Germany’s colonies were broken up between France, Britain, and South Africa.
How is demography a growing concern in parts of East Asia?
Japan’s population is shrinking and also aging. As a result, the workforce will be smaller but will have to support more older people.
What natural resources does Africa have? What tools do Africans need to use those resources more efficiently?
Africans have many natural resources such as gold, minerals, and oil. However, they need greater access to education, infrastructure, and machinery for mining and manufacturing to use those resources more efficiently.
Does having a written constitution ensure that a nation’s people are free and able to participate in their government?
Not necessarily. Brunei has a constitution, but it is also an absolute monarchy whose citizens have no say in their government
How has government affected religion in East Asia?
The region’s communist governments discourage religion. They also limit the number of churches and religious organizations in their countries.
Why has democracy had trouble establishing itself in Africa?
The quick exit of European powers left a “power vacuum,” in which the strongest party could easily take over and preserve power for themselves. Since no democratic concepts were ever in place before, it would be difficult to build a new nation based on democratic principles.
Why did East Asian nations impose trade barriers? and What effect have these barriers had?
East Asian nations imposed trade barriers to protect business in their countries and to ensure that they exported more than they imported. However, these barriers have blocked growth.
What steps are African nations taking to improve their economies?
African nations are encouraging foreign investment and the creation of new businesses.
Which areas of Southeast Asia tend to be the most densely populated? Which are the most sparsely?
The river valleys have larger populations because the rivers provide water for drinking, cleaning, farming, and other needs, such as food and transportation.