Southeast Asia TodaySection 3

Objective 1: Identify major cultural trends in Southeast Asia.Objective 2: Explain religion in the region.Objective 3: Summarize current issues or situations in the region.

Religion

• Hinduism and Buddhism from India and Sri Lanka.• Mahayana Buddhism and

Confucianism from China • Arab and Indian traders

brought Islam to Malaysia and Indonesia.• Indonesia has world’s

largest Muslim population • Secular (nonreligious) law

v. Sharia law in Malaysia

Government and Citizens

• Republics: Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore• 3 branches of government and constitutions providing rights to citizens.

• Fall of dictatorship in Indonesia has given rise to democracy.• Malaysia, Cambodia, Kingdom of Thailand and Sultanate of Brunei are

constitutional monarchies. • Laos and Vietnam are one party states.• Myanmar is ruled by military junta.• Collection of military leaders.

Political Tensions

• Insurgency in the Philippines• Muslim separatists (goal?)• Constitutional Court brought down government of Thailand in 2008.• Overall, concerns with corruption, economic issues, and inequality

between ethnic groups.

Population and Environment

• Population issues – rising population with decreasing resources• Indonesia – 60% of the country’s population live on the island of Java.• Result?

• Singapore – stagnant population growth. Why is this a concern?

Diverse Economies

• Brunei – economy based off of oil and natural gas production.• Singapore – electronic exports and

IT• Myanmar and Cambodia are

resisting globalization. Impact?• Countries without stable

infrastructure, transportation networks, and freedoms have much difficulty attracting foreign companies.

• Nations with oil and natural gas are more attractive options. (i.e. Indonesia)

Southeast Asia and the World

• Strait of Malacca is major global shipping lane.• Concerns?

• ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations.• Promote growth and social progress• Reduced regional tariffs • Created free-trade areas