East Asia Countries & Cultures PDF

East Asia East Asia – the home of the Asia’s largest country, China and the largest desert, Gobi Desert. ❖ Countries: 6 countries (2 SARs) ❖ Largest Country: China ❖ Biggest Island: Japan ❖ Longest River: Yangtze River ❖ Highest Mountain: Mt. Jade Mountain (Yushan) − 6 Political St...

East Asia East Asia – the home of the Asia’s largest country, China and the largest desert, Gobi Desert. ❖ Countries: 6 countries (2 SARs) ❖ Largest Country: China ❖ Biggest Island: Japan ❖ Longest River: Yangtze River ❖ Highest Mountain: Mt. Jade Mountain (Yushan) − 6 Political States: 1. China 4. South Korea 2. Mongolia 5. Japan 3. North Korea 6. Taiwan − 2 Special Administrative Regions (SAR): 1. Hongkong 2. Macau − Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau are countries associated with mainland China. − Region’s Major Rivers: 1. Yellow River (Huang He) 2. Long River (Chan Jiang) 3. West River (Xi Jiang) 1. Taiwan – Republic of China (ROC) ❖ Capital: Taipei − Taiwan is formerly known as “Formosa”, which means “beautiful”. − It is surrounded by Japan in the North and Philippines in the South. − Taiwan is also famous for its pearl milk tea or bubble milk tea. 2. Japan – Nihon or Nippon Capital: Tokyo − Japan is also known as the “Land of the Rising Sun”. − 4 Seasons (Marked with Spectacular Sceneries) 1. Spring – cherry blossom season to view (March to May) 2. Winter – perfect time to visit Japan’s ski destinations and to experience onsen (December to February) 3. Summer – best to observe Japan’s festivals such as the Gion Festival in Kyoto, a festival registered in UNESCO intangible cultural heritage (June to Mid-September) 4. Fall – good to see the country covered with colorful leaves (September to November) Japanese Cuisine – 1. Ramen and Sushi – are among the popular Japanese foods. 2. Sumo – Japanese-style wrestling. 3. Budo – also known as Kendo, are Japanese martial arts. 3. Hong Kong – Xianggang Special Administrative Region ❖ Capital: Victoria − The name Hong Kong originated from the Cantonese words “heung gong”, which literally means “fragrant harbor”. − It was a former colony of the British until 1997. − Hong Kong is also known by tourists as a shopping district. 4. Macau – Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China ❖ Capital: Macao − Macau is a former Portuguese colony until 1999. − It is famous for its casinos, which helped it gain the title, “Las Vegas of Asia”. 5. South Korea – Republic of Korea ❖ Capital: Seoul − Korea occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. − Seoul is where the most significant royal palaces of Joseon are situated. − Shopping for Korean beauty products has gained popularity among the international visitors. Korean Cuisine – Hansik – meaning Korean Food. 1. Bap – rice that is traditionally served as Korean food. 2. Banchan – an essential part of Korean meal together with several side dishes. 3. Kimchi – fermented and seasoned vegetable is another renowned side dish. 4. Bulgogi – thinly sliced marinated meat (beef, pork or chicken). 5. Bibimbap – a bowl of rice topped with vegetables and meat and served with gochujang sauce. 6. Japchae – a dish comprising of sweet potato noodles, beef and stir-fried vegetables. Hanok – a Korean house. 6. China – People’s Republic of China (PRC) ❖ Capital: Beijing − China the largest country in East Asia. − Beijing, as the capital and seat of economic, political, and cultural affairs, is also one of the ancient cities of the country. − The people of China (Chinese) are mostly practitioners of one of the three main religions and philosophers: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. 7. Mongolia – ❖ Capital: Ulaanbaatar or Ulan Bator − Mongolia is a landlocked country in East Asia, is bordered by Russia and China. − Ulaanbaatar – is the capital and the largest city (sometimes spelled as Ulan Bator). − The people in Mongolia are believers of Buddhism or Shamanism. − The nomadic way of life is still a practice in Mongolia. − Raining camels, sheep, goats, horses, yaks, and cattle. 8. North Korea – Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ❖ Capital: Pyongyang − North Korea occupies the northern part of the Korean peninsula. − It is bordered by China and Russia. − It showcases North Korea’s significant monuments and towers. South Asia or Southern Asia South or Southern Asia – known as the Indian Subcontinent − 8 Nations: 1. Bhutan 5. Pakistan 2. Bangladesh 6. Afghanistan 3. India 7. Maldives (Island Country) 4. Nepal 8. Sri Lanka (Island Country) − All these countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), an organization that was established in the 1985, aiming to promote the welfare of the people in South Asia. − It is also the birthplace of Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. 1. Maldives – Republic of Maldives (Island Country) ❖ Capital: Male 2. India – Republic of India ❖ Capital: New Delhi − India is the largest of the eight countries in Southeast Asia. − It occupies a huge portion of the region. − New Delhi is the national capital of India. − India is the birthplace of Buddhism, great epic such as Mahabharata and Ramayana, and Mahatma Gandhi – India’s great political and spiritual leader known for his nonviolent independence movement. 3. Nepal – Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal ❖ Capital: Kathmandu − Nepal is the landlocked country bordered by India and China. − Kathmandu is the cultural, political, and the largest city of the country. − Eating beef is forbidden among Hindu, as cows are sacred to them. − Eating using the right hand is part of Nepal’s culture, and most of them do not use utensils. − Nepal is known as the home of the highest mountains in the world: 1. Mt. Everest 4. Cho Oyu 2. Lhotse 5. Manasla 3. Annapurna 6. Makalu − Regular Food of Nepal: 1. Bhat – boiled rice 2. Tarkari – curried vegetables 3. Mosmos – dumplings 4. Bhutan – The Kingdom of Bhutan (Dzongkha) ❖ Capital: Thimphu − Bhutan is known by its people as “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, a landlocked country bordered by India and China. − Bhutanese called themselves as People of Drukpa. − Punakha the previous ancient capital. 5. Bangladesh – People’s Republic of Bangladesh ❖ Capital: Dhaka − Bangladesh is bordered by India in the west and north and Myanmar in the East. 6. Sri Lanka – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka ❖ Capital: Colombo − Sri Lanka is formerly known as Ceylon. 7. Pakistan – Islamic Republic of Pakistan ❖ Capital: Islamabad − Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, means “City of Islam”. − Karachi – the main seaport and largest city. 8. Afghanistan – Islamic Republic of Afghanistan ❖ Capital: Kabul − Afghanistan is bordered by the following countries: Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran.  West Asia or Western Asia West or Western Asia – is the home of most of the popular religions in the world: Islam, Christianity and Judaism. − Countries: 1. Jordan 10. Israel 2. Saudi Arabia 11. Bahrain 3. Lebanon 12. Oman 4. Qatar 13. Kuwait 5. Iraq 14. Armenia 6. Iran 15. Turkey 7. Syria 16. United Arab Emirates 8. Yemen 17. Azerbaijan 9. Georgia 1. Jordan – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan ❖ Capital: Amman − Jordan is named after the Jordan River. − This Arab Muslim nation is famous for its historical religious sites such as Petra (also called “Rose City”), the country’s landmark. − It has been mentioned in the biblical Old Testament and has become one of the biblical Old Testament and has become one of the places visited in the holy land pilgrimage. − Sand bottles are among the crafts that has been said to have originated in the country. − Serving food to their invited guests is their way of showing their hospitable characteristics. − Usual ingredients of their food are cheese, grains, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. − Food of Nepal: 1. Lamb – is the main ingredient of their traditional food called Mansaf. 2. Usual Ingredients of their Food – cheese, grains, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. 2. Israel – State of Israel ❖ Capital: Jerusalem − Jerusalem is most popularly known as “The Holy Land”, holds a significant religious heritage sites. − It attracts pilgrim all over the world. − Jerusalem – is the capital and center of the Holy Land is the place where Jesus was crucified and had risen. − Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows), pilgrims take a walk down to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is said to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion.  Kashrut – a Jewish dietary regulation that is being observed by the Jewish people. Kosher – a Hebrew word that means “fit or proper”, are foods that are permitted to be consumed based on the Jewish dietary law. − Kosher foods are categorized into: 1. Meat – refers to all meat and fowl including its by-products (bones, soup, or gravy). − It should meet the standards and requirements to qualify as kosher. 2. Diary – foods that contain milk like butter, yogurt, cheese, and even foods that contain a little amount of dairy can make a food fall under this category. − Some of the criteria to be followed are dairy must come from a kosher animal and ingredients must also be kosher, as well as the equipment to be used for producing, processing, and packaging. 3. Pareve – foods that is not meat nor dairy like fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, grains, pasta, beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks and other candies and snacks. 3. Saudi Arabia – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ❖ Capital: Riyadh − Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, is also known as “Al-Wosta” or “Al-Riyāḍ”. − The country houses important holy sites for Islam believers. − Islamic dietary law defines food are permitted to be consumed or halal and which foods are considered as haram or forbidden. − Food in Saudi Arabia: 1. Halal Food – is defined as food permitted to be eaten based on the Islamic Law 2. Haram Foods – are pork (non-certified meat and poultry and any product prepared with alcohol or animal fats), ingredients like alcohol, animal fat, gelatin, vanilla extract, lipase, pepsin, and others. 4. Bahrain – Kingdom of Bahrain ❖ Capital: Manama − Bahrain is an archipelagic state in Western Asia. − Country’s name means “The Two Seas”. − Manama was derived from the word “Al Manama”, which means “place of rest”. − Foods in Bahrain: 1. Machboos – a dish made from fish or meat usually served with rice. 2. Muhammar – a dish consisting of sweet rice served with sugar or dates. 5. Lebanon – Lebanese Republic ❖ Capital: Beirut − Foods in Bahrain: 1. Lebanese Meeze – is one of the popular meals in the country. 2. Tabbouleh – vegetarian salad. 3. Baba Ghannouj – eggplant dip. 4. Hummus – chickpeas puree. 5. Labneh – creamy cheese similar to yogurt. 6. Kibbeh – a dish made of bulgur, onions, and ground lamb meat 6. Oman – Sultanate of Oman ❖ Capital: Muscat − Offering coffee and dates is their gesture to show their hospitality; such should not be refused. − Foods in Oman: 1. Harees – one of their traditional dishes made from meat mixed with wheat served with special sauce. 2. Mashuai – a dish made from Omani fish. 3. Shuwa – a dish consists of meat (goat, calf, or camel) usually served during special occasion. 7. Qatar – State of Qatar ❖ Capital: Doha − Qatar Airways won several awards and is considered one of the best airlines in the Middle East and in the World. − Foods in Qatar: 1. Ghuzi – a dish consisting of roast lamb, rice, and nuts. 2. Machboos – a dish made from rice cooked with spices and meat (chicken, lamb, or fish). 8. Kuwait – State of Kuwait ❖ Capital: Kuwait − Strong family relationship is part of the Kuwaiti’s culture. − Foods in Kuwait: 1. Harees – is a dish of boiled, cracked, or coarsely-ground cracked wheat or bulgur, mixed with meat and seasoned. 2. Machboos – is a fragrant one-pot rice dish from the Arabian Gulf, with whole spices, dried lime and bone-in chicken. 3. Gers Ogaily – is a dessert. 4. Murabyan – is a rice dish. 5. Muttabaq Samak – is a rice-based dish. 9. Iraq – Republic of Iraq ❖ Capital: Baghdad − Hanging Gardens of Babylon – it is believed to be the home of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. − Foods in Iraq: 1. Kebab – grilled meat on stick. 2. Masgouf – grilled carp. 3. Dolma – stuffed rice wrapped in grape leaves. − Meat: sheep, lamb, chicken, beef, goat, fish. − Country’s Common Staple Foods: rice, bulgur, wheat, beans, dates. 10. Armenia – Republic of Armenia ❖ Capital: Yerevan − Armenia is formerly a member of the Soviet Republic. − Yerevan – the capital and cultural hub and also known as the “Pink City” due to the buildings made of pink-colored volcanic rocks. − Foods in Armenia: 1. Armenian Barbeque – chicken, beef, pork or lamb. 2. Armenian Dolma – consisting of minced meat, grape leaves, or cabbage. 11. Iran – Islamic Republic of Iran ❖ Capital: Tehran − Iran is the 2nd Largest Country in Western Asia after Saudi Arabia. − The country is also referred to as “Persia”, an ancient empire. − Foods in Iran: 1. Staple Foods – rice & bread, usually served with meat & vegetables and yogurt. 2. Lavash – thin, round, or oval flat bread. 3. Sangak – a stone-baked flatbread. 4. Barbari – oval-shaped thick flatbread. 5. Kebab – grilled meat usually eaten with Chelo or Chelow (plain rice). 12. Turkey – Republic of Turkey ❖ Capital: Ankara − Turkey serves as the link between the continent of Asia and Europe. − Bounded by different seas: Mediterranean on south, Back on north, and Aegean Sea on west. − Ankara – is a significant historical destination as it houses the memorial tomb of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (Antikabir). − Foods in Turkey: 1. Kofte – Turkish meatballs. 2. Mezes – appetizers. 3. Kumpir – baked potato. 13. Syria – Syrian Arab Republic ❖ Capital: Damascus − Syria is known for its Syrian silk textile and wood engravings. − Foods in Syria: 1. Messeh – composed of small dishes. 2. Mahshi – a dish like dolma, prepared with rice, vegetables, and meat. 3. Zlebiye – a Syrian desert usually served in breakfast. 14. United Arab Emirates – UAE ❖ Capital: Abu Dhabi − Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest. − Dubai – is the home of luxurious hotels and resorts, shopping centers, entertainment venues, and events. − Foods in UAE: 1. Shawarma – is their popular dish. 2. Hummus – chickpeas dip. 3. Ghuzi – prepared from lamb served with rice, crushed nuts, and veggies. 15. Yemen – Republic of Yemen ❖ Capital: Sana’a − Taking pictures of women, military barracks, police, and government facilities and public display of affection is also prohibited. − Drinking alcoholic beverages in public is not allowed. − Yemenis (people of Yemen) enjoy cuisine made from chicken, meat, and fish (in coastal areas) − Foods in Yemen: 1. Salta – popular meal made from meat, vegetables, and fungreek. 2. Mandi – dish consisting of meat (chicken or lamb) and rice and flavored with seasonings. 3. Sayyad Iya – dish composed of fish, onions, chili, and spicy rice. 16. Azerbaijan – Republic of Azerbaijan ❖ Capital: Baku − Azerbaijan also known as “Land of Fire”, the word “azer” means “fire”. − Foods in Azerbaijan: 1. Dolma – is a family of stuffed dishes associated with Ottoman cuisine, typically made with a filling of rice, minced meat, offal, seafood, fruit, or any combination of these inside a vegetable or a leaf wrapping. Wrapped Dolma – are known as Sarma, made by rolling grape, cabbage, or other leaves around the filling. 2. Plov, Pilaf, Pilav/Pilau – is a rice dish, usually sautéed, or in some regions, a wheat dish, whose recipe usually involves cooking in stock or broth, adding spices, and other ingredients such as vegetables or meat, and employing some technique for achieving cooked grains that do not adhere to each other. 3. Pilaf – rice, greens, and herbs. 4. Kebabs 17. Georgia – Republic of Georgia ❖ Capital: Tbilisi − Georgia is divided into the Eastern part (Iberian) and Western part (Kolkhian). − Winemaking is part of the Georgian tradition. − Foods in Georgia: 1. Meat – is their major ingredient. 2. Khinkali – their national dish. 3. Khachapuri or Georgian pizza – a cheese bread. 4. Pkhaleuli – a vegetarian food. Central Asia Central Asia – comprises of 5 countries. − Countries: 1. Kazakhstan 2. Kyrgyzstan 3. Tajikistan 4. Turkmenistan 5. Uzbekistan − Divided into 2 Subregions: ✓ High Mountains – Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan ✓ Flat Plains – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, & Turkmenistan − These “Stans” (meaning place of or country) were former members of the Soviet Socialist Republic. 1. Kazakhstan – Republic of Kazakhstan ❖ Capital: Nursultan (formerly Astana) − Nursultan is the capital of Kazakhstan and is formerly known as Astana. − Almaty – is the Largest city. − Foods in Kazahstan: 1. Beshbarmark – is the national dish of the country. 2. Meat – one of the main ingredients of their dish. 3. Tea – is part of their Kazakhs’ every meal. 2. Tajikistan – Republic of Tajikistan (formerly known as Tajik) ❖ Capital: Dushanbe − Tajikistan is formerly known as Tajik. − It is a landlocked and mountainous country in Central Asia. − Land of the Tajiks – is the country’s literal meaning wherein “stan” refers to “a place” or “country”. − Pamir Mountain range coined as the “The Roof of the World”. − Foods in Tajikistan: 1. Plov or Osh – lamb with root vegetables. 2. Shish Kebab (kabob) – a grilled cubed meat. 3. Qurutob – a vegetable dish paired with flatbread. 4. Green Tea – Tajik’s favorite drink. 3. Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz Republic ❖ Capital: Bishkek − People are traditionally nomadic people. − Yurt – is a dwelling of the Turkic nomads. − World Nomad Games – was an interesting event that was first held in the country that brings nomadic people in the world together. − Foods in Kyrgyzstan: 1. Meat & Dairy – is the main ingredients of Kyrgyz food. 2. Kymyz or Koumis – is a dairy drink from mares or female horses. − It is considered a magic beverage because of its medical benefits, and it is used as a cure for gastritis, tuberculosis, and anemia. 3. Tea – is a must after every meal. 4. Turkmenistan – Republic of Turkmenistan (formerly known as Turkmenia) ❖ Capital: Ashgabat − Turkmenistan is formerly known as Turkmenia. − Turkmenistan medical tourism could likely be due to its rich mineral and mud sources, whose medicinal benefits attracts visitors. 5. Uzbekistan – Republic of Uzbekistan ❖ Capital: Tashkent − Hazrati-Imam Square in Tashkent is situated in the historical area of the city. − It has mosques, mausoleums, and Islamic institute. − Foods in Uzbekistan: 1. Palov – is a traditional dish of Uzbekistan, which is made and shared by the communities.  Central Asia 1. Kazakhstan 2. Turkmenistan 3. Uzbekistan 4. Kyrgyzstan 5. Tajikistan  Southern Asia 1. Afghanistan 2. Pakistan 3. India 4. Nepal 5. Bhutan 6. Bangladesh 7. Sri Lanka (Island Country) 8. Maldives (Island Country)