Geography and History of the World © 2010 Indiana Edition

Chapter 31: The Region Today: Southeast Asia

Student Web Activities


"ASEAN"

Introduction
In this chapter you read about the economies of nations in Southeast Asia. The region relies heavily on agriculture, forestry, and mining. Yet, in more recent years there has been an increased focus on industry and technology. Regional organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have helped the nations in this region of the world to be more competitive in the world economy.

Objective
Students will study the importance of interdependence and organizations such ASEAN to Southeast Asia.

Directions
Research credible websites and complete the questions and activity that follows:

Where to begin
www.aseansec.org/

Take notes as well as record the websites you visit and answer the following questions:

1
How large is the population of ASEAN nations and how much land area does it cover? What is the largest and smallest nation by square mile in the association?
2
What is the most recent gross domestic product (GDP) and trade figures for ASEAN?
3
What is the US-ASEAN Business Council? Describe its purpose.
4
For those nations reporting their unemployment rate, which of the ASEAN had the highest rate, which had the lowest? What might you attribute this to?
5
What additional nations are composed in the ASEAN +3? Why might the addition of these nations even further benefit ASEAN nations?

Activity
Compare and Contrast
After investigating ASEAN, do some research on the another regional organization or agreement designed to improve the economy of member nations, such as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) or the European Union. What are the similarities and differences of the organizations? Why might some nations be hesitant to enter into such an agreement?

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