Exploring Geography
South Asia
- theodora.com
Number of Countries within Region: 8
Afghanistan,Bangladesh,Bhutan,India,Maldives,Nepal,Pakistan,Sri Lanka.
Physical Features
The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas started to form nearly 40 – 50 million years ago caused by tectonic plate movement colliding in India and Eurasia. Stretching between India and Tibet, the Himalayas are nearly 2,900 km long, covering 230,000 sq. km. of land. The mountain range includes more than 110 peaks, with elevations as high as 24,000 feet. Himalayas are considered the greatest and highest mountain range in the world, with Mt. Everest as the tallest mountain in the world.
The Himalayas started to form nearly 40 – 50 million years ago caused by tectonic plate movement colliding in India and Eurasia. Stretching between India and Tibet, the Himalayas are nearly 2,900 km long, covering 230,000 sq. km. of land. The mountain range includes more than 110 peaks, with elevations as high as 24,000 feet. Himalayas are considered the greatest and highest mountain range in the world, with Mt. Everest as the tallest mountain in the world.
- geography.howstuffworks.com
Thar Desert
The Thar Desert is the 7th largest desert in the world. It is located to the west of the Aravalli Mountains in northwestern India. The climate is very extreme with temperatures varying from greatly throughout the year. In the winter the temperatures drop very low to near freezing. The summers experience a fair amount of rain during the “monsoon” season, and a very warm temperature causing humid conditions. Approximately 10% of the desert’s terrain is made up of sand dunes, and the other area is a form of rock. The lakes that are in this area have compacted salt-lake bottoms. Vegetation is lacking due to the extreme climate conditions. Few animals have learned to adapt to this harsh environment, including the endangered black buck and the desert fox (41 species in all.)
The Thar Desert is the 7th largest desert in the world. It is located to the west of the Aravalli Mountains in northwestern India. The climate is very extreme with temperatures varying from greatly throughout the year. In the winter the temperatures drop very low to near freezing. The summers experience a fair amount of rain during the “monsoon” season, and a very warm temperature causing humid conditions. Approximately 10% of the desert’s terrain is made up of sand dunes, and the other area is a form of rock. The lakes that are in this area have compacted salt-lake bottoms. Vegetation is lacking due to the extreme climate conditions. Few animals have learned to adapt to this harsh environment, including the endangered black buck and the desert fox (41 species in all.)
- bbc.co.uk
Indus River
The Indus River is one of the major rivers in South Asia. Beginning in the Himalayas, the river flows approximately 1,900 miles throughout India and Pakistan eventually pouring into the Arabian Sea. Its drainage basin stretches over 332,000 square miles, with most of the basin laying in Pakistan. The water originates from melting snow and runoff from the rains during the monsoon season. The heavy flow of water and gravity cause a strong current of rushing water until it enters the Punjab Plain in Pakistan. The river’s current slows drastically and it winds throughout the plains traveling into the Thal and Thar deserts. The water from the Indus River provides for one of the largest irrigated areas in the world. Without the river this area would be nearly inhabitable due to the extremely arid climate in this region.
The Indus River is one of the major rivers in South Asia. Beginning in the Himalayas, the river flows approximately 1,900 miles throughout India and Pakistan eventually pouring into the Arabian Sea. Its drainage basin stretches over 332,000 square miles, with most of the basin laying in Pakistan. The water originates from melting snow and runoff from the rains during the monsoon season. The heavy flow of water and gravity cause a strong current of rushing water until it enters the Punjab Plain in Pakistan. The river’s current slows drastically and it winds throughout the plains traveling into the Thal and Thar deserts. The water from the Indus River provides for one of the largest irrigated areas in the world. Without the river this area would be nearly inhabitable due to the extremely arid climate in this region.
- awesomestories.com
Nilgiri Hills
The Nilgiri Hills contains the little bit of forest left in this region. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary was created to give a safe home to the rare animals that habitat within the hills and forest. These animals include the last living Bengal Tigers, along with leopards, panthers, sloth bears, pythons, flying squirrels and barking deer. Within the Nilgiri Hills there is also a small patch of land that contains the 283 acre tropical evergreen forest which is protected by the Longwood Shola Reserve. This area is home to 13 mammal species, 52 bird species and 118 rare plant species, many of which are only found in Nilgiri. There are three protected perennial streams supplying fresh water to the villages downstream. Reforestation projects have been initiated to try and sustain or save this land from further deprivation. They have been planting seedlings from the local native plants within and around the area.
The Nilgiri Hills contains the little bit of forest left in this region. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary was created to give a safe home to the rare animals that habitat within the hills and forest. These animals include the last living Bengal Tigers, along with leopards, panthers, sloth bears, pythons, flying squirrels and barking deer. Within the Nilgiri Hills there is also a small patch of land that contains the 283 acre tropical evergreen forest which is protected by the Longwood Shola Reserve. This area is home to 13 mammal species, 52 bird species and 118 rare plant species, many of which are only found in Nilgiri. There are three protected perennial streams supplying fresh water to the villages downstream. Reforestation projects have been initiated to try and sustain or save this land from further deprivation. They have been planting seedlings from the local native plants within and around the area.
- animals.nationalgeographic.com
Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta
The Delta is approximately 220 miles wide, spreading along the Bay of Bengal with many streams flowing through to form the mouth of the Ganges (Ganga) and Brahmaputra rivers. Much of the area is “swampy” from the small streams traveling through. The Ganga and Brahmaputra Rivers carry silt to the area every year making the delta larger each year. When a cyclone hits, the entire area is in danger of being completely washed out. The people living in this area have come to understand that the land is not permanent, and they have to flee their homes when danger approaches. They accommodate for the seasonal changes by building houses on high stilts. They fish when the tide is high, and farm when it is low. In 1970, the Delta was struck by one of history’s most devastating cyclones.
Ganga Fishing Arial View of the Delta Cyclone Distruction
- indianetzone.com - earthobservatory.nasa.gov -aidindia.org
Climate
The winters in South Asia are very dry. The spring (April and May) is dry and very hot with temps over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. Everything is very dusty and the roads are covered with inches of loose dirt. Tornados are very common and can be severe. The residents suffer with famine because last year’s crop is depleted and new crops cannot be planted yet because of the dry conditions. The summer season brings very heavy rains (Monsoon.) The rivers soon reach their capacity and begin to flood. In order to save valuables, boats are filled tied off to the roofs. They often also put livestock up in high grounds or on the roofs in effort to save them. The Himalayas reach record rainfall numbers totaling up to 35 feet in only 6 months. The monsoon or rainy season lasts nearly 3 months. The air is very humid, and there are issues with moss growing in homes and trees. The fall months are always welcomed with cooler temperatures and much less rain. Moisture hovers over the Himalayas and soon snow and ice cover the area.
Resources
The development of resources is staggered throughout the region. Some areas have an abundance of resources while others are lacking. India holds nearly 70% of South Asia’s natural resources alone, with coal as their major resource. The Himalayas may be a great asset to this region, but there has been little exploration into what might be waiting there in the mountains.
Coal mining in India - planetark.org
Environmental Issues
Deforestation
Deforestation is a large threat to this region. The major threats are commercial logging and landslides from the rainy/monsoon season. As the population rapidly increases the need for more land is encroaching on the forest walls. Mores space is needed for homes and land for cultivation.
Water Issues
There is not enough freshwater to support the population. South Asia houses 20% of the world’s population, but it is home to only 4% of the world’s freshwater. Water rations are put into effect often, limiting the use of water.
The water quality is also a cause for concern. The monsoon season and heavy population take a large toll on the sewers causing them to function inadequately. The sewage seeps into the rivers in raw form and causes hazardous conditions for the water. The excessive rain also causes problems with industrial waste. This region has a cremation ritual, where they spread the ashes of their loved ones in the Ganga River. With such a heavy population, there is not enough wood to properly cremate the bodies and the remains are put in the river.
Deforestation is a large threat to this region. The major threats are commercial logging and landslides from the rainy/monsoon season. As the population rapidly increases the need for more land is encroaching on the forest walls. Mores space is needed for homes and land for cultivation.
Water Issues
There is not enough freshwater to support the population. South Asia houses 20% of the world’s population, but it is home to only 4% of the world’s freshwater. Water rations are put into effect often, limiting the use of water.
The water quality is also a cause for concern. The monsoon season and heavy population take a large toll on the sewers causing them to function inadequately. The sewage seeps into the rivers in raw form and causes hazardous conditions for the water. The excessive rain also causes problems with industrial waste. This region has a cremation ritual, where they spread the ashes of their loved ones in the Ganga River. With such a heavy population, there is not enough wood to properly cremate the bodies and the remains are put in the river.
Population Patterns
South Asia is one of the most heavily populated regions in the world. (pulsipher, pulsipher, 2008.) Several of the world’s largest cities are located in this area including; Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Dhaka. Nearly 30% of the population resides in the urban areas. The population is high in these areas because of better job, business and education opportunities. The population growth rate is very high in this are at 1.7%. There is a lot of concern over improving population control. Infant mortality rates are very high, so families choose to birth more children in hopes that few make it to maturity. There is a preference on male children, as they believe the sons will contribute to family wealth. Selective abortion has been banned in many of the states, but it is very difficult to control.
Role of Gender
The status of women is lower than men in most of this region. Women living in the urban areas hold more freedom than rural women. The upper and middle caste rural women are the most restricted. Some of these higher restricted areas include: Northwest Afghanistan through Pakistan, Western India, the Ganga Plain and Bangladesh among other areas. As time goes on, the younger generation women have more freedoms and opportunities than their mothers and grandmothers did. Purdah, a practice that conceals young women from un-related men is practiced across the region. Arranged marriages are still very common. If a man should die, his widow may be blamed for his death and banished from the home.
The women of Afghanistan have the most difficult lives throughout the region. The Taliban has very strict rules. These rules state that women shall live in seclusion (unable to leave the home), if they do leave they must be concealed with a “burqa”, and they are only allowed to whisper and walk very softly.
The women of Afghanistan have the most difficult lives throughout the region. The Taliban has very strict rules. These rules state that women shall live in seclusion (unable to leave the home), if they do leave they must be concealed with a “burqa”, and they are only allowed to whisper and walk very softly.
Religion
The main religions in this region are Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity. A few of these are described below.
Hinduism
The Ganga Plain is thought to be the birth place of the Hindu religion.
Hinduism is the belief of nearly 900 million people throughout the world. The majority of these people live in India. Hinduism is a belief based on the amalgam of Harappan and Aryan belief systems. They worship multiple gods and goddesses who live in their local region or village. These gods are described as "illusionary." Some Hindus meditate and use other spiritual practices, but do not worship a god. All Hindus believe in reincarnation.
Buddhism
This religion was developed in northern India, and is considered to be a "reinterpretation" of Hinduism. Practiced in Bhutan and Sri Lanka it is said that only 1 percent of the population practice Buddhism.
Islam
There is few Muslims in this region. Most reside in the northwestern and central Ganga Plain. As with their culture, these people practice the Islam.
Sikhism
This religion was developed by both the Hindu and Islamic beliefs. They believe in one God and use meditation in their practices. They also believe in reincarnation. Most of the Sikhs live in Punjab, located in northwestern India.
Jainism
Nearly 2000 years ago Jainism was also developed from Hinduism. This belief system is found in western India, generally in urban areas. They are known for their academic achievements, being nonviolent and practice strict vegitarism. (Pulsipher, Pulsipher, 2008.)
Hinduism
The Ganga Plain is thought to be the birth place of the Hindu religion.
Hinduism is the belief of nearly 900 million people throughout the world. The majority of these people live in India. Hinduism is a belief based on the amalgam of Harappan and Aryan belief systems. They worship multiple gods and goddesses who live in their local region or village. These gods are described as "illusionary." Some Hindus meditate and use other spiritual practices, but do not worship a god. All Hindus believe in reincarnation.
Buddhism
This religion was developed in northern India, and is considered to be a "reinterpretation" of Hinduism. Practiced in Bhutan and Sri Lanka it is said that only 1 percent of the population practice Buddhism.
Islam
There is few Muslims in this region. Most reside in the northwestern and central Ganga Plain. As with their culture, these people practice the Islam.
Sikhism
This religion was developed by both the Hindu and Islamic beliefs. They believe in one God and use meditation in their practices. They also believe in reincarnation. Most of the Sikhs live in Punjab, located in northwestern India.
Jainism
Nearly 2000 years ago Jainism was also developed from Hinduism. This belief system is found in western India, generally in urban areas. They are known for their academic achievements, being nonviolent and practice strict vegitarism. (Pulsipher, Pulsipher, 2008.)
Transportation
This region uses roads, railroads, waterways and airways as transportation. In 1947 they started to develop new roads across the region. Many of these roads and railways have deteriorated or destroyed from the attacks from the Taliban and the War. The development of the bus systems is very poor, due to very long commutes between bus stops making access very inconvenient for travelers. Most people do not have the means to own a vehicle so transportation by foot or bicycle is very common as is public transportation.
The railway system in this region is the largest and most utilized system in the world. Railways in this region are very extensive, running on electric or steam. Most of the railways in India function by electricity.
Shipping by water is the most energy and financially efficient form of transportation. Most of the ports are run by the state or government, and these ports are mainly used for commercial uses.
The airways are crucial for tourism and the economic wealth it brings. The government has very tight restrictions on air routes for foreign carriers and domestic airlines.
The railway system in this region is the largest and most utilized system in the world. Railways in this region are very extensive, running on electric or steam. Most of the railways in India function by electricity.
Shipping by water is the most energy and financially efficient form of transportation. Most of the ports are run by the state or government, and these ports are mainly used for commercial uses.
The airways are crucial for tourism and the economic wealth it brings. The government has very tight restrictions on air routes for foreign carriers and domestic airlines.
Destroyed bridge and road - captainsjournal.com
Country of Focus
Afghanistan
Afghanistan was founded in 1747, when the Pashtun tribes were unified. It received independence from British control in 1919. The Soviet Union invaded the country in 1979 to support the Afghan Communist Regime. The USSR withdrew in 1989 from pressure from the anti-Communist mujahedin rebels. In 2001 after the terrorist attacks on the U.S. Military action invaded and worked at taking down the Taliban. New process was being considered for political reconstruction. A new constitution was adopted, and a presidential election took place in 2004 naming Hamid Karzai the first democratically elected president. He was re-elected in 2009. The Taliban continues to cause instability, especially in the south and the east. Located in Southern Asia, Afghanistan is both to the north and west of Pakistan, and east of Iran.
The total landmass is 652,230 sq. km; comparably Afghanistan is slightly smallerthan Texas.
The total population is 29,835,392 (July 2011 est.), with a median age of 18.2 years old. The life expectancy for men is 44.8 yrs. And for women is 45.3 years old.
Afghanistan was founded in 1747, when the Pashtun tribes were unified. It received independence from British control in 1919. The Soviet Union invaded the country in 1979 to support the Afghan Communist Regime. The USSR withdrew in 1989 from pressure from the anti-Communist mujahedin rebels. In 2001 after the terrorist attacks on the U.S. Military action invaded and worked at taking down the Taliban. New process was being considered for political reconstruction. A new constitution was adopted, and a presidential election took place in 2004 naming Hamid Karzai the first democratically elected president. He was re-elected in 2009. The Taliban continues to cause instability, especially in the south and the east. Located in Southern Asia, Afghanistan is both to the north and west of Pakistan, and east of Iran.
The total landmass is 652,230 sq. km; comparably Afghanistan is slightly smallerthan Texas.
The total population is 29,835,392 (July 2011 est.), with a median age of 18.2 years old. The life expectancy for men is 44.8 yrs. And for women is 45.3 years old.
- afghana.com
Agriculture
“Double cropping” is practiced throughout the region meaning that the crops that have adapted to a dry climate will be planted in the winter and those adapted to a wet climate are planted during the summer. During the monsoon season, rice is the main crop produced. 60% of the population participates in the agricultural labor, and most of the work is done by hand. The food that is produced is usually exported or sold. The production is not very efficient is, with little return on the investment, land and labor.
