The Monsoon Region

By Adam Giessel

Bangladesh

Population greater than Russia Monsoon rains flood 20-60% of the region Islam is dominate religion Non-governmental organizations are a life

line for the poverty stricken areas Political parties require alliances with

Islamic groups Villages yearn for dry soil Important trade route between India and

China The climate is part of the livelihood

Kolkata

Economy of subsistence agriculture Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal trading

networks overlapped which helped spread Islam Once considered the most abundant place

found for beggary English culture can be seen throughout the

region Growing economy has brought a rise in the

middle class The exploration of land has brought violent

protests Has a fresh water supply not found in most

cities in India

Sri Lanka

Important waterways connect the Middle East and East Asia

Construction of sea infrastructure is paid for by China and others in the region interested in claiming an investment in vital ports

While US aid has stopped due to human rights violations, China continues to increase support

The majority Buddhist Sinhalese live in fear of the minority Hindu Tamils

Trade between Sri Lanka and India is a vital connection between the two nations

Burma

Civil war has stricken Burma for many years Connects India and China as well as supplying

energy to both Has a large standing army but only the top

leadership is loyal China has supplied arms similar to what the US

has done to support the side they wish to win The Chinese are able to look past morals of the

leadership in order to do business in the region The regime is tearing up the landscape for their

own profits Peace in Burma is important to China, India and

others in the region