Living Together SB Course 7, People and Places

Chapter Two: People and Places About the Chapter You live in a shrinking world. Technology and trade have narrowed the gap that once separated cultures and nations. It is imperative that you are knowledgeable about other countries. This unit will give you an insight into diverse cultures and lands...

Chapter Two: People and Places About the Chapter You live in a shrinking world. Technology and trade have narrowed the gap that once separated cultures and nations. It is imperative that you are knowledgeable about other countries. This unit will give you an insight into diverse cultures and landscapes. Chapter 2 People and Places Lesson 1: People’s Republic of China Lesson 2: The Republic of India Lesson 3: Islamic Republic of Pakistan Lesson 4: The Republic of Indonesia Lesson 5: Malaysia Lesson Lesson 11 Chapter Chapter2:2:People Peopleand andPlaces Places Explore ExploreChina China Figure Figure2.1: 2.1:Map MapofofChina China 29 29 Lesson 1 Chapter 2: People and Places Explore China Figure 2.2: Beijing the Capital City of China Figure 2.5: Nature of China Figure 2.3: Chinese Opera Figure 2.4: China Great Wall 30 Lesson 1 Chapter 2: People and Places People's Republic of China "Do good, reap good; do evil, reap evil". Chinese Proverb A. Country Overview China, officially People's Republic of China, is a country in Asia. It is situated in the eastern part of Asia, on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the biggest countries in the world. It has an area of about 9.6 million square kilometers which comprises of about 6.5 percent of the world's total land area. It has the largest population of any country in the world: The capital of China is Beijing. China has big cities and it also has many small towns, villages and farmland. It is bordered by many other countries, and many different languages are spoken in China. B. Land China can be divided into three natural realms: 1. Eastern Monsoon China 2. Northwest Arid China 3. Tibetan Frigid Plateau China is a mountainous country, with two-thirds of its total land area covered by mountains, hills and plateaus. Out of the world's twelve high peaks of more than 8,000 meters, seven are located in China. China has a great number of rivers. The inland river system accounts for 36 rivers. Among these, the Yangtze River, Yellow River, Heilongjiang River, Pearl River, and Huaihe River are the major ones. China is also a country with numerous lakes. 31 Lesson 1 Chapter 2: People and Places Five major lake regions can be identified: 1. The Northern Lake Region 2. The Northwestern Lake Region 3. The Qinghai-Xizang Lake Region 4. The Eastern Lake Region 5. The Southwest Lake Region C. History China is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Chinese civilization first arose in the valley of the Yellow River around 2200 B.C. The earliest recorded human settlements in what is today called China were discovered in the Huang He basin and date from about 5000 B.C. Today China is playing an important role in the world economy and political affairs. It is expected that China could play a more dynamic role in international and regional affairs. D. People The Han Chinese people (so called for the Han Dynasty) make up approximately 92% of the total population. Non-Chinese groups represent only about 8% of the population, but the interior regions in which they live constitute more than half of the total area of the country. Among the main non-Chinese minorities are the Thai-speaking group, the Hui, the Uigurs, the Tibetans, the Mongols, and the Koreans. 32 Lesson 1 Chapter 2: People and Places E. Economy China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It has experienced tremendous economic growth since the late 1970s. It is one of the world's largest economies. The two most important sectors of the economy are agriculture and industry which together employ more than 70 percent of the labor force. China is one of the world's major mineral-producing countries. Coal is the most abundant mineral (China ranks first in coal production). It is the most important energy source for the country. High-quality, easily mined coal is found throughout the country, but especially in the north and northeast. China is one of the world's top producers of antimony, magnesium, tin, tungsten, and zinc, and ranks second (after the United States) in the production of salt, sixth in gold, and eighth in lead ore. Today China is enjoying a huge market and promising developmental prospects. F. Government China is a one-party state, with real power lying with the Chinese Communist party. The National People's Congress is the highest state body and the only legislative house in the People's Republic of China. The President, the head of state, and the Vice President are elected by the National People's Congress for five-year terms. 33 Lesson 1 Chapter 2: People and Places G. Sino-Arab Relations The Chinese and the Arabs enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges. Trade existed between the Pre-Islam Arabs and flourished during the first Islamic states. Many Muslims went to China to trade, and these Muslims began to have a great economic impact and influence on the country. The Modern History of Sino-Arab cooperation is a significant one, based on friendship, mutual respect, and common interests. This relationship of cooperation, cultural exchange, and coordination between the people, leaders, and businesses helps Chinese and Arab nations to establish a new partnership in an era of growing globalization. The relations between China and the Arab League as an organization started in 1956. In 1993 the Arab League opened its first Office in China. In 1996, the Chinese president Jiang Zemin visited the Arab League headquarters. In the opening ceremony of the Sino-Arab Cooperation Forum in 2004, China submitted four proposals. These proposals are as follows: 1- Maintaining mutual respect, equitable treatment and sincere cooperation on the political front 2-Promoting economic and trade ties through cooperation in investment, trade, contracted projects, labor service, energy, transportation, telecommunications, agriculture, environmental protection and information 3- Expanding cultural exchanges 4- Conducting personnel training 34 Lesson 1 Chapter 2: People and Places Critical Thinking -What positive things can the world learn from China proposals? Activity: Learn About China Reading Graph Skills Graphs are used to present data. Write some information about China based upon the data in the following graphs. Figure 2.6: Most Populated Countries in the World, 2010 (Source: US Census Bureau) 35 Lesson 1 Chapter 2: People and Places Figure 2.7: China and India Average Annual Population Growth, 1970 - 2008 Figure 2.8: Global Distributions of Paper and Paperboard Production, 2004 (Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation) 36 Lesson 2 Chapter 2: People and Places Explore India Figure 2.9: Map of India 37 Lesson 2 Chapter 2: People and Places Explore India Figure 2.10: Scribes and artists in Muhammad Akbar court, 1590–1595. Figure 2.11: India-Mumbai Figure 2.12: Tata Motors 38 Lesson 2 Chapter 2: People and Places The Republic of India “You can never enter the same river twice.” Indian Proverb A. Country Overview India, officially the Republic of India, is a country filled with interesting facts ranging from its history and geography to its culture. It is the second largest country in Asia and the seventh largest country in the world. The Indian subcontinent comprises fully one third of Asia. The capital of India is New Delhi, and the country’s largest cities are Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Delhi, and Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). B. Land India lies in south Asia, between Pakistan, China, and Nepal. It has an area of about 3.3 million square kilometers. Rajasthan with an area of 342,239 square kilometers is the largest state in India. Northern India is separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalayan Mountains. The country is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south. India can be divided into six physiographic regions. These are: 1.The Himalayan Mountains 2.Northern Plains 3.The Great Indian Desert 4.The Peninsular Plateau 5.Coastal Plains 6.Islands Among these six physiographic units, The Peninsular Plateau is the largest physiographic unit of India. 39 Lesson 2 Chapter 2: People and Places There are also three main river systems in India: the Ganges, the Indus, and the Brahmaputra. All begin in the Himalayas. The Ganga is the longest river of India. These Himalayan Rivers have long courses from their source to the sea. Rivers play an important role in the lives of the Indian people. They provide irrigation, potable water, cheap transportation, electricity, and the livelihoods for a large number of people all over the country. C. History One of the earliest civilizations, the Indus Valley civilization flourished on the Indian subcontinent from 2600 B.C. to 2000 B.C. South Asia's first cities were established around 2600 B.C. in what is now Pakistan and western India. The people who built and ruled these cities belong to what archaeologists refer to as the Harappan Culture or Indus Civilization. D. People With nearly 1 billion citizens, India is the second most populous nation in the world after China. Greater Bombay is the district with highest population in India. And Mumbai is the most populous city of India. The estimated population of Mumbai is about 18 million (as of 2006). India is a country where people of many different communities and religions live together in unity. There are many diverse ethnic groups among the people of India, reflecting the complexity of its history and culture. Islam is the second-most practiced religion in India after Hinduism with more than 13.4% of the country's population (over 138 million as per 2001 census). India's Muslim population is the world's third largest and the world's largest Muslim-minority population. The principal official languages of India are Hindi and English. Although Hindi (spoken in the north) and English (the language of politics and commerce) are used officially, more than 1,500 languages and dialects are spoken in India. 40 Lesson 2 Chapter 2: People and Places F. Government India, one of the world's largest democratic countries, is a Union of twenty eight states and seven union territories. The government comprises of three branches: the executive, the legislative and the judiciary. The executive branch is headed by the president. The President of India is the Head of State and the Commander- in -Chief of the Armed Forces. E. Economy India's major industries include telecommunications, textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, and information and technology-enabled services. Hindalco Industries Limited is India's leading aluminum and copper producer. It is the world's largest aluminum rolling company and one of the biggest producers of primary aluminum in Asia. Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company. It is the leader in commercial vehicles in each segment, and the second largest in the passenger vehicles market. India has entered the club of top 20 exporters of goods and reclaimed its position among top ten services exporters in 2010.India exports engineering goods, petroleum products, precious stones, cotton apparel and fabrics, gems and jewelry, handicrafts, software exports, and tea. India imports petroleum, machinery and transport equipment, electronic goods, edible oils, fertilizers, chemicals, gold, textiles, iron and steel. Its major trade partners are U.S.A., China, U.A.E., EU, Russia, and Japan. In terms of agricultural production, India holds the second position in the world. 41 Lesson 2 Chapter 2: People and Places G. Indo-Arab Relations The Muslims entered Sindh, India, in 711 C.E., the same year they entered Spain. Muslims ruled major parts of India for nearly a thousand years. The people of India liked the Muslim rulers for their justice, social and cultural values, and respect for religious freedom. Among the famous Muslim scientists, historians and travelers who visited and lived, though briefly, in India were Al-Biruni, Al-Masu'di, and Ibn Battuta. They described Indian society and culture in their writings. The historical linkages between the two regions have its positive impact on the current Indo-Arab economic partnerships. Sharing of knowledge and expertise is the key of Indo-Arab relations. More than 4.5 million Indian nationals are working in Arab countries, such as, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Morocco, etc. India is the world’s fifth largest consumer of oil. It imports 75 percent of its rapidly growing oil consumption. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is the largest trading partner for India. 42 Lesson 2 Chapter 2: People and Places Famous People in the History of India Muhammad bin Qasim Al-Thaqafi Muhammad bin Qasim Al-Thaqafi was the Muslim leader who, at the age of 17, reached the Sindh and Punjab regions with his Muslim army through the Indus River. Debal was the first important town in Sindh captured by the Muslims under Muhammad bin Qasim leadership. Qasim's conquest of Sindh and Punjab laid the foundations of Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent. Mahatma Ghandhi “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi Ghandhi was the most prominent political and spiritual Indian leader during the movement for India's independence in the twentieth century. He was known as the Mahatma (Sanskrit, 'Great Soul'). He was also known as "The Father of the Nation" and "Bapu"(father). "Gandhi Jayanti" is a national holiday celebrated each year in India on his birthday, October 2nd. In 2007, The UNGA adopted the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, as "International Day of Non-Violence" to commemorate and join efforts for a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence through education and public awareness. 43 Lesson 3 Chapter 2: People and Places Explore Pakistan Figure 2.13: Map of Pakistan 44 Lesson 3 Chapter 2: People and Places Explore Pakistan Figure 2.14: Islamabad, Pakistan Figure 2.15 The seventeenth century Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan Figure 2.17 Tower in Karachi Figure 2.16 Pakistan Nature 45 Lesson 3 Chapter 2: People and Places Islamic Republic of Pakistan 'Turn your face to virtue, and your back to vice." Pakistani Proverb A. Land Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in southern Asia. It borders India on the east, Iran and Afghanistan on the west, and China in the north. Pakistan extends along either side of the historic Indus River, following its course from the mountain valleys of the Himalayas down to the Arabian Sea. The city of Islamabad, which is centrally located in the country, was officially named the capital of Pakistan in 1961. Geographically, Pakistan can be divided into four regions: 1. The great highlands 2. The Balochistan Plateau 3. The Indus Plain 4. The Desert areas Politically, Pakistan comprises of four provinces - Punjab, Sindh, northwest Frontier and Balochistan. Pakistan has a great variety of landscapes. It has a series of high mountain ranges in the north which separates Pakistan from China, Russia and Afghanistan. They include the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. The giant peaks are over 24,000 ft. high. Pakistan covers a number of the world's ecoregions, ranging from the mangrove forests stretching from the Arabian Sea to the towering mountains of the western Himalayas, Hindukush and Karakoram. 46 Lesson 3 Chapter 2: People and Places The major part of Pakistan experiences dry climate. Its climate varies with altitude, which in turn affects the type of vegetation. It has some of the world’s highest cold areas in the Himalayas and the hottest low areas in the Indus Plains with many intermediate ecological zones. B. History The history of Pakistan encompasses dates back many thousands of years, during the period when the territory was a portion of the Indian subcontinent. The Indus Valley, home to ancient civilizations, has been settled for over 5,000 years. The Indian subcontinent was subjected to frequent invaders, including Alexander the Great. British rule began to dominate in the eighteenth century. For many years India sought independence from Great Britain. During most of those years the Muslim League of India was also striving to establish an independent Islamic nation. In 1947 the modern state of Pakistan was born out of the partition of the Indian subcontinent. It was the result of the Muslim freedom movement lead by the Muslim leader Ali Jinnah who advocated and worked for a separate Muslim state. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan came into being as an independent state on August 14, 1947. C. People Pakistan has one of the world's most rapidly growing populations. Its people are a mixture of many ethnic groups, a result of the occupation of the region by groups passing through on their way to India. The majority of the population is made up of Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns (Pakhtuns), Mohajirs and Baluchis. 47 Lesson 3 Chapter 2: People and Places Pakistan's culture is very diverse and rich. Pakistan's people follow many different cultural traditions and speak many different languages and dialects. The national identity of Pakistan today is that of an Islamic nation; it was created as such. The country's official language is Urdu. English is referred to as the informal official language of Pakistan. English continues to be used for official purposes and in trade and commerce, and is also the medium of higher and professional education. D. Economy Pakistan has a semi-industrialized economy. It is regarded as having the second largest economy in South Asia. Pakistan industries include apparel and textiles (accounting for nearly 60% of exports), food processing, chemicals manufacture, and the iron and steel industries. E. Government Pakistan is a democratic parliamentary federal republic with Islam as the state religion. The Parliament consists of two houses; Senate, the upper house and National Assembly, the lower house. The Government is headed by the president and the prime minister. The president is the Head of the State and the Commander- in -Chief of the Armed Forces. 48  Lesson 4 Chapter 2: People and Places Explore Indonesia Figure 2.18: Map of Indonesia Figure 2.19: Mount Semeru and Mount Figure 2.20: Jakarta, the capital Bromo in east Java, Indonesia's active of Indonesia volcanic mountains 49 Lesson 4 Chapter 2: People and Places The Republic of Indonesia "A smart man is usually humble." Indonesian Proverb A. Country Overview Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in southeast Asia. It is the world’s 14th largest nation with cultural and natural diversity. Indonesia comprises of 17,508 - 18,306 islands and is a home to the world's largest Muslim population. Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Officially, Jakarta is not a city, but a Province with special status as the capital of Indonesia. It has a governor (instead of a mayor), and is divided into several sub-regions with their own administrative systems. B. Land Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago. Indonesia’s archipelago with a tropical climate and great humidity, has a richness and diversity of natural resources (beaches, volcanoes, tropical forests, and wildlife) that are unique in the world. Indonesians refer to their homeland as "Tanah Air Kita" which means “Our Land and Water.” This refers to its geographical makeup. Indonesia’s position is between Asia and Australia and is as wide as the European continent. The sea, with the major islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua, occupies four-fifths of the area. Papua and Kalimantan rank as the second and third largest island in the world after Greenland. 50 Lesson 4 Chapter 2: People and Places C. People Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation in the world after China, India and the United States. Over two thirds of the population resides in Java, the center of the country's economic and political power. As a result of both the country's unique geography and history, Indonesia cultural diversity can be seen from more than 200 million people with 250-300 ethnic groups influenced by Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and European sources. About 88% of the population is Muslim. Roughly 10% is Christian and approximately 2% is Hindu and Buddhist. All four of these religions are formally recognized in Indonesia and have official national holidays commemorating events of importance to their followers. D. Government Indonesia is a republic with a presidential system. Its political power is organized around the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. Indonesia declared independence from the Netherlands and Japan on August 17, 1945. The president is the chief of state and head of Government. The president is also the Supreme Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. E. Economy Indonesia has a mixed economy in which both the private sector and government play significant roles. Indonesia is a member of Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G-20). Indonesia was the 27th biggest exporting country in the world in 2010. 51 Lesson 4 Chapter 2: People and Places Indonesia is filled with natural resources. The first major pillar of Indonesia in terms of production is agriculture. About 90% of the population are engaged in agriculture. The other major pillars of production are oil and natural gas which contributes around 70% of its total export. Case Study: Child Labor The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that some 215 million children around the world are trapped in child labor. Many of these children work long hours, often in dangerous conditions. Child labor is closely associated with poverty and denies children their right to education. Read the case below: Child Labor in Indonesia Child labor in Indonesia is a problem that is continually growing. Many children work on large fishing boats. Some of the children work in the fish factories a few miles from the shore of Indonesia. The tasks that most of the workers work through, during a normal twelve hour work day, include catching, sorting, and boiling fish. The working conditions are terrible. Not only are their daytime hours tough, but also they sleep in rusty and dirty shacks. The workplace is filthy, dangerous, and filled with the stench of fish. Although the workers labor for twelve hours a day, in one month, they may be paid a meager nine dollars. (Source: Think quest Organization) 52 Lesson 4 Chapter 2: People and Places Education and Children Labor: Read the human rights article below. "Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. …" (Human Rights: Article 26) Read the statement below, then answer the following questions: Ensuring access to quality basic education is critical to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. 1- What is the relation between education and children labor? 2- Who is responsible for ensuring access to education to the children of a country? 3- The human right to education entitles every individual to free and compulsory elementary education, and to readily available forms of secondary and higher education. Is compulsory elementary education free in your country? Facts about Indonesia: Read the following facts: -Over 2 million children under 5 are malnourished. -50% of the population lives on less than $2 a day. -Indonesia is prone to natural disasters such as Tsunamis, earthquakes and severe droughts. -Indonesia’s doctor to patient ratio is 1:10,000. The US ratio is 1:390. (Source: WHO) 53 Lesson 4 Chapter 2: People and Places Poverty and Children Labor: Read the statement below: Children work for a variety of reasons in differing cultural, social and economic circumstances. Discuss the following questions with your partner. 1-What is the relation between poverty and children labor? 2- What is the relation between natural disasters and children labor? Indonesia National Heroes The title of "National Hero of Indonesia" is awarded by the government of Indonesia to people considered to have made a significant contribution to the fight for independence or the development of the nation. Mohammad Hatta Dr. H. Mohammad Hatta, known as Bung Hatta, is one of the leaders of the Indonesian National Revolution against the Netherlands. Hatta is known as the Father of Indonesian Cooperatives. On the 17th of August 1945, Hatta and Figure 2:21: Mohammad Hatta Soekarno joined in proclaiming the birth of the independent Republic of Indonesia. Soekarno became the president, and Hatta became the vice president. The Indonesian Independence Day is a very big event for the people of Indonesia. 54 Lesson 5 Chapter 2: People and Places Explore Malaysia Figure 2.22: Map of Malaysia Figure 2.23: Kuala Lumpur, Malysia 55 Lesson 5 Chapter 2: People and Places Malaysia "Don't try teaching a duck how to swim." Malaysian Proverb A. Land Malaysia is situated in southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand in the north, Indonesia in the south and the Philippines in the east. Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Garden City of Lights, is the Capital City of Malaysia. The Federation of Malaysia consists of 13 states and two geographical regions divided by the south China Sea: 1- The peninsular Malaysia (or west Malaysia) on the Malay Peninsula bordered by Thailand on the north. 2- Malaysian Borneo (or east Malaysia) located on the northern part of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and surrounding the Sultanate of Brunei. B. People Malaysia is a multicultural country with a very diverse population. The Malaysian society is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generations. All these cultures have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture. Islam is the official religion of the country. Muslims encompass a majority of Malaysian population. C-Economy Malaysia is among the world's biggest producers of computer disk drives, palm oil, rubber and timber. It has a state-controlled car maker. Tin, oil, and gas are the major natural resources of export significance produced by the mining sector in Malaysia. 56 Lesson 5 Chapter 2: People and Places C. Government Malaysia practices a system of government based on Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy at two levels, Federal and State. At the Federal level the head of state is the King and the head of government is the prime minister. D. Malaysia Tourism Discussion: With your partner discuss the following questions: 1- What images spring to your mind when you hear the word ‘tourism’? 2- How important is tourism to a country? Tourism is becoming an increasingly important sector of Malaysia economy. It has become Malaysia’s third largest source of income from foreign exchange. As of 2010, Malaysia ranks 9th among the top most visited countries in the world, after Germany. Malaysia also called 'Truly Asia' is one of the best tourism destinations inside Asia. Its rich natural heritage; which includes tropical forests, coral reefs, unspoiled mountain ranges, rivers, and national parks attract tourists from different regions of the world. 57 Lesson 5 Chapter 2: People and Places E. Malaysia Environment Problems Discussion: With your partner discuss the following question: -What is the most important issue facing the environment today? Malaysia faces problems of deforestation, pollution of inland and marine waters, soil and coastal erosion, over fishing and coral reef destruction, along with air pollution, water pollution and the problem of waste disposal. The massive industrial development of recent years and the increase in urbanization and vehicle use are the main reasons of air and water pollution. Critical Thinking -Who do you think is more responsible for pollution, individual people or the government? Explain. Case Study: Malaysian Palm Oil Read the following case study: After palm oil was brought to southeast Asia from central Africa in the twentieth century the worldwide production has grown by 65 percent over the past decade. Demand is still increasing, especially after the European Union agreed to its 10 percent target for biofuels in their total transport consumption. Malaysia and Indonesia account together for more than 85 percent of the production for the world market, and trade mainly with China, the European Union and India. The massive growth of the plantations is causing enormous environmental problems like loss of biodiversity and climate change as well social issues caused by lack of workers' rights and diverse conflicts with indigenous people. 58