AP Geography Reviewer

Geography Overview

• Geography encompasses the study of location, distribution, interaction, and frequency of human and physical elements on Earth’s surface.
• Divided into two branches:
  • Physical Geography: Natural features like cities, migration, and resources.
  • Human Geography: Man-made aspects including culture, traditions, practices, and religions.

Father of Geography

• Eratosthenes known as the "Father of Geography."

Continents

• Asia: Largest continent, diverse geography.
• Other continents include Europe, Antarctica, Africa, South America, Australia, and North America.

Southeast Asia Geography

• Located in the easternmost part of Asia, near the Equator (0 degrees).
• Borders:
  • East: Pacific Ocean
  • South: Australia and Indian Ocean
  • West: Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean
• Experiences two main seasons: wet and dry.

Physical Characteristics Influence

• Mountains have shaped ethnolinguistic groups.
• Monsoon rains are vital for agriculture, enhancing irrigation and hydroelectric power.
• Predominant crop: Rice; also corn, taro, vegetables, coconuts, and pineapples.

Economy of Southeast Asia

• Key sectors: manufacturing, export, and services.
• Richest country: Singapore.

Key Geographic Terms

• Archipelago: Cluster of small islands.
• Strait: Narrow waterway connecting two larger bodies of water.
• Ring of Fire: Area with 900 volcanoes, where 90% of earthquakes occur.
• Biodiversity: Variety of life forms in an environment.
• Sustainable Development: Meeting people's needs without harming the natural environment.

Countries in Southeast Asia

• Total: 11 countries including Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor (Timor Leste).
• Mainland: 5 countries (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam).
• Insular: 6 countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Timor-Leste).

Human Geography in Southeast Asia

• Religion:

  • Animism: Spiritual beliefs in natural elements.
  • Spirit houses: Gifts for spirits.
  • Theravada Buddhism, prominent due to accessible teachings.
  • Hinduism features deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

• Social Structures:

  • Kinship practices lean towards bilateral and matrilocal traditions.
  • Families often live near one another to maintain ancestral ties.
  • Women's roles have evolved, gaining more freedom over time.

• Historical Empires:

  • Flourishing kingdoms from 900 to 1400 CE influenced by Chinese and Indian cultures.

• Power Dynamics:

  • Deva raja concept emphasized divine kingship.
  • Mandala structure focused on a single leader's influence over subjects.

Population Insights

• Java: Largest island population globally.
• Southeast Asia population around 668 million (8.54% of the world).
• Philippines population recorded at 115.6 million (2022).

Cultural Elements

• Language and ethnicity are primary means of group categorization.
• Factors influencing ethnolinguistic group spread:
  • Resource migration
  • Political changes
  • Cultural assimilation

Ethnolinguistic Groups

• Defined by shared language, culture, and ethnicity.
• Geographic features, particularly rivers, play a significant role in the development of groups in the mainland region.

This quiz covers key concepts in Geography, including both physical and human aspects. Topics include location, migration, culture, and the contributions of historical figures like Eratosthenes. Test your understanding of how human and physical environments interact on Earth.