Chapter 31 homework

Chapter 31, Section 1

1. Farmers use more than half of the regions arable land to grow rice, a major food source for the region. The crop is also an important export product.

2. During the 1980s, the industrializing countries of Southeast Asia enjoyed an economic boom based on abundant natural resources and inexpensive labor and increased foreign investment. Debts, corruption, and financial mismanagement led to an economic crisis in late 1997. Economic reforms allowed Thailand to emerge fairly quickly from the crisis.

Creative Writing:
In recent years, Southeast Asian countries have become more interdependent. As they draw closer together, economic and political developments in one county can affect others in the region. Two organizations-the Asian Development Bank and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations reflect this increasing interdependence.

Chapter 31, Section 2

1.Flash floods in Southeast Asia kill hundreds of people and ruin millions of acres of crops every year. Typhoons such as the one that hit the Philippines in 2006 may have winds from 150-180 miles per hour and may be accompanied by rain and high ocean waves. Most of the larger Philippine islands include volcanic mountains, several of which are active.

2. Industrialization, economic development, and population growth in Southeast Asia have resulted in pollution and the destruction of natural resources.

Creative Writing:

The people of Southeast Asia face many challenges with both natural and man-made environmental issues. Identify what you think is the most important challenge and write a paragraph designed to convince readers of the importance of addressing the issue.