Regions Home to nearly one-fourth of the world’s people, South Asia plays an important role in world affairs. India is the world’s most populous democracy and is becoming one of the world’s largest economies. Pakistan, a major Muslim nation, is an ally of the United States in the war on terrorism, and its economy is growing as well. How do a country’s resources affect its role in world affairs? 650 • Chapter 24 South Asia Today Tom Cockrem/Lonely Planet Images
Transcript
Regions Home to nearly one-fourth of the world’s people, South Asia plays an important role in world affairs. India is the world’s most populous democracy and is becoming one of the world’s largest economies. Pakistan, a major Muslim nation, is an ally of the United States in the war on terrorism, and its economy is growing as well. How do a country’s resources affect its role in world affairs?
650 • Chapter 24
South Asia Today
Tom Cockrem/Lonely Planet Images
Chapter 24 • 651
Social Studies ONLINE
To preview Chapter 24, go to glencoe.com.
Section 1: IndiaBIG IDEA Patterns of economic activity result in global interdependence. India is a vast country with a large and varied population. In recent years, India has become a key player in the global economy.
Section 2: Muslim NationsBIG IDEA All living things are dependent on one another and their surroundings for survival. Millions of people in Pakistan and Bangladesh make their living by farming. Natural disasters, such as flooding and drought, however, often threaten their livelihoods.
Section 3: Mountain Kingdoms, Island RepublicsBIG IDEA Cooperation and conflict among people have an effect on the Earth’s surface. Ethnic and religious conflicts continue to be a challenge in South Asia’s mountain kingdoms and island republics.
Categorizing Information Make the Foldable below to help you organize information about the countries of South Asia today.
Step 1 Fold an 11 x 17 piece of paper length-wise to create four equal sections.
Step 2 Then fold it to form six columns.
Reading and Writing On your Foldable, take notes for each category under each of the areas listed. Use your notes to write a generalization about the region in the future.
EAST ASIAAssameseBengaliGujaratiHindiKannadaMarathiMalayalamOriyaPunjabiTamilTeluguOtherStateboundary
Other official languages: English,Kashmiri, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Urdu
OfficialLanguages
400 miles
400 kilometers
0
0
Albers Equal-Area projection
N
S
WE
1 Place How many different official languages are shown on the map?
2 Regions Which language is spoken in the largest area of India?
Chapter 24 • 653
India’s GovernmentMain Idea Main Idea India has a democratic government in the form of a federal republic.Geography and You Can you recite the first words of
the U.S. Constitution? India’s constitution begins exactly
the same way: “We the people. . . .” Keep reading to learn
more about the form, structure, and values of India’s fed-
eral government.
With more than a billion people, India is
the world’s largest democracy. Its citizens
rarely speak with one voice, because they
come from many different ethnic, cultural,
and religious backgrounds. Nevertheless,
India’s government and political system
are remarkably stable.
A Federal SystemIndia, like the United States, is a federal
Structure of the GovernmentIndia’s national government has much
in common with our own. There are three
branches of government—executive, leg-
islative, and judicial—that operate under
the principle of separation of powers. This
means that each branch of government has
specific rights and responsibilities that the
other branches cannot interfere with.
India’s head of state is a president, but the
position is different in India and the United
States. The duties of India’s president are
mainly ceremonial. Executive power lies
with the prime minister, as it does in the
United Kingdom. The prime minister leads
the government and sets policy. India’s
first prime minister was Jawaharlal Nehru
(juh∙WAH∙huhr∙lahl NEHR∙oo), elected
in 1947. His daughter, Indira Gandhi, was
also prime minister. She led India for many
years until her assassination in 1984.
India’s legislature is made up of two
houses that make the laws. The larger house
is the People’s Assembly. Its members are
elected directly by Indian voters. Members
of the smaller Council of States are chosen
by the prime minister or state legislatures.
India’s Supreme Court interprets laws
to see if they uphold the country’s consti-
tution. India’s constitution is one of the
longest and most detailed in the world. It
guarantees all citizens certain fundamental,
or basic, rights—including freedom of
speech and religion—much as the U.S.
Bill of Rights does. It also lists many more
rights, such as the right to preserve local
cultures and languages. In addition, the
Indian constitution states certain duties.
For example, citizens must defend the
country when necessary and promote har-
mony among ethnic and religious groups.
India’s democratic values remain strong.
The country has a great influence on the
rest of Asia, and it is becoming a stronger
player in world affairs, too.
Analyzing Information
What are the roles of the president and prime
minister in India’s government?
Election Day in India
Election day in India is a national holiday. More than 670 million voters go to the polls to select members of the People’s Assembly. Place How do the rights granted to citizens in India’s constitution differ from those guaranteed in the U.S. Bill of Rights?
From: A Strange and Sublime Address, in Freedom Song, Amit Chaudhuri. New York: Knopf, 1999.
By Amit Chaudhuri
Amit Chaudhuri (1962– )
Amit
Chaudhuri
was born in
Calcutta (now
Kolkata) and
educated in India and Great
Britain. Chaudhuri has writ-
ten several novels and short
stories exploring life in mod-
ern India.
Background InformationIn A Strange and Sublime
Address, Chaudhuri describes
the experiences of a boy
named Sandeep from
Bombay (now Mumbai).
Sandeep is visiting Calcutta
and finds life in that eastern
city different from what he is
used to.
Reader’s Dictionary
Outram Ghat: a waterfront
area in Calcutta
River Hooghly: branch of the
Ganges River on which Calcutta
is located
plays: radio programs
football: soccer
whodunits: mysteries
Chhaya: a serving woman
seenema: cinema; a movie
Analyzing Literature1. Making Inferences Do
you think the movie is a special event for the neigh-borhood? Explain.
2. Read to Write Write a paragraph describing what you might do on a warm summer evening.
(t) Jerry Bauer Photography, (b) Sucheta Das/Reuters/CORBIS
656 • Chapter 24
India’s EconomyMain Idea Main Idea India has shifted from a largely government-run economy toward a free market economy.Geography and You Have you ever made a phone
call asking for help with a computer software problem?
If so, the person who helped you might have been living
in India. Read to learn about India’s growing role in the
world economy.
After India became independent, the
government worked to improve the econ-
omy. At first the government brought much
of the country’s industry under its con-
trol. It also increased the amount of land
that could be farmed. During the 1970s,
the economy slowed. In hopes of boosting
growth, India began moving toward a free
market economy. The government reduced
its controls, and businesses were shifted
to private ownership. Foreign investment
was also encouraged in order to create jobs.
Today India has one of the world’s most
rapidly growing economies. Even so, with
such a large population, not enough jobs
exist and many residents remain poor.
Agriculture and Related IndustriesFarming is an important economic activ-
ity in India. Nearly 75 percent of Indian
workers are farmers, and more than half of
India’s land is used for farming.
Today India produces most of the food
it needs. It has benefited greatly from the
green revolution, a set of changes that mod-
ernized agriculture and greatly increased
food production in the 1970s. New strains
of wheat, rice, and corn were developed
that produce more grains. The government
also built dams to store water for irrigation
during the dry season.
Indian farmers raise a variety of crops,
including rice, wheat, cotton, tea, sugar-
cane, and jute. Jute is a plant fiber used
for making rope, burlap bags, and carpet
backing.
India produces more than just agricul-
tural products. The country has rich depos-
its of coal and ranks as one of the world’s
top coal producers. India also mines iron
ore, manganese, bauxite, and diamonds.
Fishing is becoming another important
industry in coastal areas and river val-
leys. In recent years, India’s government
has promoted deep-sea fishing. It has built
processing plants and invested in ocean-
going ships, and fish exports are in-
creasing.
ManufacturingThere are two types of manufacturing
industries in India: cottage industries and
factory-based industries. Cottage industries
involve people working in their homes and
Bollywood •
India’s movie industry is big business. “Bollywood” produces hundreds of movies each year and generates about $1.5 billion annually. Location How has a free market economy benefited India?
Joerg Boethling/Peter Arnold, Inc.
Chapter 24 • 657
using their own equipment to make goods.
They craft pottery, spin and weave cloth, or
create metal or wooden items. These items
can then be sold to individuals or to com-
panies for resale or export.
Most of India’s industrial goods, how-
ever, come from factories. Textile facto-
ries produce quantities of cotton, jute, and
synthetic, or human-made, fabrics. This
industry employs the most manufacturing
workers. Food-processing plants also pro-
vide many jobs, although mainly around
harvest time. Other factory workers are
employed in heavy industry and make
steel, locomotives, trucks, and chemicals.
Factories in India also produce a variety of
electronic products such as televisions.
ServicesIndia’s service industries are growing
faster than any other part of the economy.
Computer software services, in particu-
lar, are booming, especially in southern
Indian cities such as Hyderabad and Ben-
galuru (Bangalore). Many of India’s soft-
ware developers and tech support people
work for American companies. In a prac-
tice known as outsourcing, many Ameri-
can businesses hire overseas workers to do
certain jobs. Outsourcing work to India is
popular because wages there are low and
because the country has large numbers of
workers who are educated, skilled, and
fluent in English.
India also has a large number of doc-
tors, scientists, and engineers with skills
to apply. These professionals, too, are
increasingly doing outsourced work. They
perform research, writing, and other tasks
for American companies.
Making Connections How
is India’s economy linked to the U.S. economy?
Vocabulary1. Explain the significance of:
a. green revolution c. cottage industry
b. jute d. outsourcing
Main Ideas2. Organizing Information Use a diagram like
the one below to show the organization and
powers of the branches of India’s government.
3. Explaining Why do many Indians remain
poor, even with a growing economy?
Critical Thinking4. Analyzing Information In what way does
India’s government reflect the principle of
separation of powers?
5. What are three examples of
economic links between India and other
countries?
6. Challenge Why do you think the ability to
speak more than one language is important in
India’s growing economy?
Writing About Geography7. Using Your Use your Foldable to
analyze how India’s economy makes use of
the country’s resources.
Section ReviewSocial Studies ONLINEStudy Central™ To review this section, go to glencoe.com.
Call CentersI have been associated with three call centres,*
and I find [Harish] Trivedi’s** depiction truly
bizarre. What he sees as exploitation [unfair use]
by multinationals [worldwide corporations], the
young boys and girls see as an exciting chance
to work with the world’s top brands and acquire
new skills to make a career in the global economy.
It is true that many work the night shift but so do
21.2 percent of all American workers. Yes it isn’t
much fun to persuade someone . . . [in America] to
pay his credit card bill, but it does build valuable
negotiating skills. [Some] call centre employees do
highly skilled back office jobs on-line—for example,
medical students prepare medical dictionaries,
accountants prepare payrolls. Is it better to have an
idle son at home or a productive one at work?
—Gurcharan DasThe Times of India
Because India has a young, well-educated workforce and low salaries, many foreign companies have estab-lished call centers there. Call center jobs include answering customer questions or entering data online. Many young
Indians believe that call centers provide experience working for international businesses. Others think that these jobs take advantage of Indians and do not provide the skills that are important for working in a global economy.
*Centre is the British spelling of center.** Das is referring to Harish Trivedi’s opinion on the next page.
develop long-term sleep disorders, and some take so much
verbal abuse, day after day, from irate [angry] American
customers that they actually need psychological help, which
some call-centers have themselves [learned] to provide.
The burn-out is high, the turnover is rapid, and the
[mental] scars . . . run deep. . . .
—Harish TrivediLittle India Magazine
1. Summarizing In your own words, summa-rize the opinions of Das and Trivedi.
2. Critical Thinking Why is India appealing to foreign companies?
3. Read to Write Do you think working in call centers is good for young Indians? Write a paragraph that explains your opinion.
You Be the GeographerYou Be the Geographer
Royalty-Free/CORBIS, Fredrik Renander/Alamy Images
660 • Chapter 24
All living things are dependent on
one another and their surroundings
for survival.
Content Vocabulary• nationalize (p. 661)
• ship breaking (p. 664)
Academic Vocabulary• temporary (p. 661)
• cooperate (p. 662)
• resolve (p. 664)
Reading StrategyComparing and Contrasting Use
a Venn diagram like the one below to
compare and contrast the economies
of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Muslim Nations
Preparing food for a festival
Rows of vermicelli noodles
are hung out to dry in Bangladesh. The noo-
dles are being prepared to celebrate the end of
the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During
Ramadan, Muslims fast all day––they do not
eat, drink, or even chew gum from dawn to
sunset. Muslims are expected to use this time
to reflect on their spiritual lives. When Rama-
dan ends, Muslims celebrate their blessings
with family and friends at Eid-al-Fitr, or the
“Festival of Breaking the Fast.” Read this sec-
tion to learn more about the Muslim nations
in South Asia.
Pakistan Bangladesh
Rafiqur Rahman/Reuters/CORBIS
Chapter 24 • 661
PakistanMain Idea Main Idea Pakistan is a Muslim country that is playing an increasingly important role in world affairs.Geography and You How well do you get along with
your neighbors? Read to find out about relations between
Pakistan and the countries it borders.
Pakistan is a long, wide country wedged
between Afghanistan, Iran, and India. Tall
mountains rise in the far north, and the
Indus River valley is located to the south.
This area provides the fertile land Pakistan
needs to support its growing population.
The PeopleWith more than 160 million people, Pak-
istan is one of the world’s most populous
nations. Its population continues to grow
rapidly too. Although Pakistan’s death rate
has declined, its birthrate is still very high.
Almost all the people of Pakistan are
Muslim. Their religion gives them a com-
mon bond, but it does not always bridge
their cultural differences. Pakistanis come
from many ethnic groups, and each one has
its own language, territory, and identity.
The EconomyFor many years, Pakistan’s govern-
ment had a strong role in the economy.
In the 1970s, Pakistan’s industries were
nationalized, or put under government
control. Since the 1990s, however, many
government-owned industries have been
sold to private owners. The government
maintains control over certain parts of the
economy, such as banks, hospitals, and
transportation.
About half of Pakistan’s people are farm-
ers. A large irrigation system helps them
grow crops such as sugarcane, wheat, rice,
and cotton. Cotton cloth and clothing are
among the country’s major exports. Manu-
facturing and service industries are another
important part of the economy. Many peo-
ple also work in cottage industries making
metalware, pottery, and carpets.
Even though Pakistan’s economy has
grown and incomes have risen, there are
not enough jobs for everyone. Most Paki-
stanis are still poor. To escape poverty, mil-
lions of people leave Pakistan to become
temporary workers in other countries. The
money they send home helps support their
families and also boosts the local economy
in Pakistan.
Stock Trading in Pakistan
Pakistan’s stock market is vital to its growing economy as leaders encourage local and foreign investment in business. Place What are some of Pakistan’s major exports?
•
Syed Zargham/Getty Images
662 • Chapter 24
Government and Foreign RelationsLike India, Pakistan is a federal repub-
lic. Democracy, however, is limited in Paki-
stan. Since independence, the military has
often forced elected leaders out of office
and seized, or taken, power. This happened
most recently in 1999, when General Pervez
Musharraf (puhr∙VAYS moo∙SHAHR∙uhf)
took over the government. Three years
later, Pakistan’s people overwhelmingly
voted to keep him as president.
One of Musharraf’s most important
decisions was to join with the United States
in the struggle against terrorism. In 2001
Musharraf helped the United States over-
throw the Taliban government in neigh-
boring Afghanistan. This government
had supported terrorists. Some Pakistanis
approved of Musharraf’s
position, but others
have protested it.
In December
2003, Musharraf
survived two
assassination
attempts. It
was suspected
that mil i -
tant Islamic
groups within
Pakistan were
responsible for
the attacks. Mush-
arraf responded by
cracking down on Islamic
militants. He also promised to help
the United States locate and capture Tal-
iban and other militant Islamic forces along
Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.
Pakistan has also had trouble with
its eastern neighbor, India. Both coun-
tries claim the territory of Kashmir, and
they have fought two wars for control of
the area. Each country occupies a part of
Kashmir and keeps troops there. In 1998
tensions rose when both countries success-
fully tested nuclear weapons. The possi-
bility that Pakistan and India could start a
nuclear war worried many world leaders.
Since then, Pakistan and India have
moved toward greater cooperation. In 2003
they agreed to a cease-fire in Kashmir. Two
years later, they worked together to rebuild
after a powerful earthquake struck north-
ern Pakistan and Kashmir. The two coun-
tries also have agreed to closer trade ties.
Summarizing Information
Describe the relationship between Pakistan and
India.
Pakistani soldiers display weapons taken from Islamic militants. A crowd protests U.S. air strikes against militants based in Pakistan (inset). Place What position does Pakistan’s leader take in the war on terrorism?
Social Studies ONLINEStudent Web Activity Visit glencoe.com and complete the
Chapter 24 Web Activity about Bangladesh.
BangladeshMain Idea Main Idea The problems facing Bangladesh include overpopulation, severe poverty, and deadly floods.Geography and You Think about what might hap-
pen if a natural disaster, such as a flood, struck your com-
munity. Read to find out how natural disasters and other
obstacles hinder Bangladesh’s development.
Bangladesh, established in 1971, is the
“youngster” in South Asia. It is struggling
for success as an independent nation, but
with a large population and few resources,
it has not been easy.
Bangladesh sits surrounded by India
on three sides, with the Bay of Bengal to
the south. In area, Bangladesh is slightly
larger than Wisconsin, but it holds 144 mil-
lion people—about half the population of
the entire United States. As a result, Bangla-
desh is one of the most densely populated
countries in the world.
The PeopleBangladesh’s people are largely Muslim.
They are also overwhelmingly poor. About
75 percent of the people live in rural vil-
lages. In recent years, however, many peo-
ple have moved to crowded urban areas
to find work in factories and workshops.
Many go to Dhaka (DA∙kuh), Bangladesh’s
capital and major port.
In urban and rural areas alike, people
face serious threats from natural disas-
ters. The country is made up of lush, low
plains crossed by the Brahmaputra and
Ganges Rivers. Heavy monsoon rains
cause the riverbanks to overflow almost
yearly. Powerful cyclones can also cause
flooding. Because of the country’s high
population density, floodwaters can kill
thousands of people at a time. Floods also
drown crops and cause food shortages. As
a result, malnutrition affects many people
in Bangladesh.
The EconomyMost people in Bangladesh earn their
living by farming. The warm climate, fertile
soil, and plentiful water make it possible to
plant and harvest three times a year. Rice is
the country’s most important crop. Other
crops include sugarcane, jute, wheat, and
tea. Despite favorable growing conditions,
Bangladesh cannot produce enough food
for its growing population. Farmers have
few modern tools, and they use outdated
farming methods.
Although Bangladesh has to import some
foodstuffs, it has a thriving clothing indus-
try that accounts for a large share of exports.
Drying Fish
This processing plant in Bangladesh produces more than 3,000 tons of dried fish every year. Location What are the strengths and weaknesses of agriculture in Bangladesh?
Reading StrategyEvaluating Information Use a chart
like the one below to list an important
issue facing each country, and explain
its significance to that country.
Mountain Kingdoms, Island Republics
According to Buddhist
teaching, sand mandalas are thought to bring
positive energy to people who view them.
Mandalas can be made of sand, ground marble,
or powdered flowers, herbs, or grains. After
the mandalas are created, the sand is poured
into a nearby stream or river. It is believed that
the water will transmit the positive power of
the mandala to others. Continue reading to
learn more about traditions in South Asia.
Issue Signifi cance
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
Sand mandala in Bhutan
Jeremy Horner/CORBIS
666 • Chapter 24
Nepal and BhutanMain Idea Main Idea Limited resources and political unrest have held back devel-opment in Nepal and Bhutan.Geography and You Imagine not having books,
paper, or pens when you go to school. How successful
do you think you would be? Read to learn how a lack of
resources affects Nepal and Bhutan.
Nepal and Bhutan are small, mountain-
ous kingdoms to the north of India. Both
are still largely rural and struggling to
build stronger economies.
NepalNepal forms a steep stairway to the
Himalaya. In the north are 8 of the world’s
10 highest mountains, including Mount
Everest. Hills, valleys, and a fertile river
plain are also part of the landscape.
More than 85 percent of Nepal’s peo-
ple live in rural villages. Kathmandu
(kat·man·DOO), the capital, is the only
major city. Many ethnic groups make up
the population. Hinduism is Nepal’s offi-
cial religion, but Buddhism is practiced as
well.
Nepal’s economy depends almost
entirely on farming. Farmers grow rice and
other crops on small patches of land. Unfor-
tunately, the need for new fields leads to the
clearing of forests, which causes erosion.
Valleys often flood, fields are destroyed,
and rivers fill with mud. Not only does the
environment suffer, but so do the people
who earn a living from the land.
Tourism and trade, however, help the
economy. For centuries, Nepal had no
links to other countries because the moun-
tains formed a strong barrier. Today, there
are roads and air service to India and Pak-
istan. Nepal exports clothing and carpets,
and it imports gasoline, machinery, and
consumer goods—products that people
buy for personal use.
In recent years, Nepal has been torn by
political conflict. The king has been locked
in power struggles with pro-democracy
groups and also with communist rebels.
The instability in government has made it
difficult for Nepal to strengthen its econ-
omy. Even with substantial foreign aid, the
country remains desperately poor.
BhutanEast of Nepal is tiny Bhutan, about half
the size of Indiana. As in Nepal, the Hima-
laya are Bhutan’s major landform. Thick
forests cover the foothills. To the south—
along Bhutan’s border with India—lie
plains and river valleys.
•Outfitting Travelers •
Business owners in Kathmandu benefit from the tourist industry, as more than 300,000 people flock to Nepal each year to explore the landscape. Place How do you think political unrest in Nepal might impact its economy?
Paul Dymond/Lonely Planet Images
Chapter 24 • 667
Once isolated by mountains, Bhutan is
still difficult to travel to, and the country is
struggling economically. Most of Bhutan’s
people live in remote rural villages and are
subsistence farmers. However, roads now
link Bhutan to the outside world. With
India’s help, Bhutan has built hydroelec-
tric plants to create electricity from rush-
ing mountain waters. Tourism is a growing
industry, but the government limits the
number of tourists to protect Bhutan’s cul-
tural traditions.
Most of Bhutan’s people belong to the
Bhutia ethnic group and are faithful Bud-
dhists. Tensions are high between the
Bhutia and the smaller Nepali group, who
are mostly Hindu. The Nepali complain
of discrimination during years of rule by
powerful Buddhist kings. Recently, though,
Bhutan has moved toward democracy.
Describing Describe the
economies of Nepal and Bhutan.
Birthday Celebration
These marchers are taking part in an annual parade to celebrate the king of Bhutan’s birthday. Place What ethnic conflict is occurring in Bhutan?
•
Island RepublicsMain Idea Main Idea Sri Lanka and Maldives have growing economies sustained partly by tourism, but ethnic and politi-cal conflict is a problem in Sri Lanka.Geography and You What kind of place would you
like to visit for a vacation? Read to find out why tourists
enjoy Sri Lanka and Maldives.
South Asia includes two island repub-
lics: Sri Lanka and Maldives. Both lie south
of India in the Indian Ocean.
Sri LankaSri Lanka lies off the southeastern coast
of India. Much of the country is rolling
lowlands, with white sandy beaches that
attract tourists. Highlands cover the cen-
ter, and tourists come here, too, to hike on
nature trails that are rich with wildlife.
For many years, Sri Lankans have
farmed. In lowland areas, they grow food
crops, especially the rice that people eat
daily. At higher elevations are large plan-
tations of rubber trees, coconut palms, and
the Ceylon tea that is a famous export.
Sri Lanka’s economy is becoming more
industrialized. Factories produce textiles,
fertilizers, cement, leather goods, and
wood products for export. Sri Lanka also
exports sapphires, rubies, and other gem-
stones. Colombo, the largest city, is a busy
port on the country’s western coast.
Sri Lanka’s people are made up
of two main groups. The Sinhalese
(sihng∙guh∙LEEZ), who form about 74
percent of the population, live in the south
and west and are mostly Buddhist. The
Tamils (TA∙muhlz), who make up about
17 percent of the population, live in
other parts of the country and are mainly
Hindu.
Michael Melford/National Geographic Image Collection
668 • Chapter 24
Since 1983, the Tamils and the Sinha-
lese have been fighting a violent civil war.
The minority Tamils claim they have not
been treated justly by the majority Sinha-
lese. They want to set up a separate Tamil
nation in northern Sri Lanka. Thousands
have died in the fighting.
Adding to its troubles, Sri Lanka suf-
fered its worst natural disaster in December
2004. A tsunami, or huge ocean wave, was
released by a powerful earthquake near
Indonesia on the eastern edge of the Indian
Ocean. The tsunami struck Sri Lanka two
hours later, killing more than 30,000 people
and leaving 850,000 homeless. Tourist areas
were damaged and much of the country’s
fishing fleet was destroyed. The thousands
of people who survived the disaster were
in need of food, water, and medical care.
Governments and international aid orga-
nizations responded to the tragedy with
one of the largest relief efforts in modern
history.
MaldivesAbout 1,200 coral islands make up the
Maldive Islands, which lie southwest of
India. None of the islands is more than
6 feet (1.8 m) above sea level. Some sci-
entists believe that global warming will
eventually cause ocean levels to rise and
completely cover the Maldives.
About 360,000 people, mostly Muslims,
live in Maldives. Some 80,000 of them
reside in the capital city of Male (MAY∙lay).
Farmers in Maldives can grow only a few
crops in the sandy soil, so most food must
be imported. In recent years, Maldives’s
palm-lined, sandy beaches and coral for-
mations have attracted many tourists. As a
result, tourism is now the largest industry.
Fishing and boatbuilding are other impor-
tant economic activities.
Explaining How did the
tsunami of December 2004 affect Sri Lanka?
Vocabulary1. Explain the meaning of consumer goods and
tsunami by using each term in a sentence.
Main Ideas2. Summarizing What economic and social
changes have occurred in Bhutan recently?
3. Describing Use the following diagram to
describe the two main ethnic groups in Sri
Lanka.
Critical Thinking4. Making Connections How has India helped
Bhutan’s economy?
5. What effect might the civil war
in Sri Lanka have on the country’s political
future? Why?
6. Challenge Compare the strengths and weak-
nesses of the economy of each country studied
in this section.
Writing About Geography7. Expository Writing Describe the similarities
and differences in the ethnic situations in
Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
Section ReviewSocial Studies ONLINEStudy Central™ To review this section, go to glencoe.com.
Reviewing Main IdeasDirections: Choose the best answer for each question.
Section 1 (pp. 652 –657)
5. India’s government has three branches that oper-ate under the principle known as .
A communism
B separation of powers
C monopoly of powers
D combination of powers
6. In recent years, India’s economy has shifted toward a economy.
A government-run
B command
C free market
D socialistic
Section 2 (pp. 660–664)
7. India and Pakistan have fought two wars over a territory called , which both countries claim.
A Kashmir
B Musharraf
C Indus
D Taliban
Section 3 (pp. 665–668)
8. Eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest, are located in .
A Bhutan
B Pakistan
C Bangladesh
D Nepal
GO ON
STANDARDIZED TEST PRACTICE
TEST TAKING TIP
Reviewing VocabularyDirections: Choose the word(s) that best completes the sentence.
1. India has benefi ted greatly from changes known as that have modernized agricultural practices.
A the green revolution
B regulated production
C cottage farming
D outsourced farming
2. In a practice known as , many American businesses hire workers in India to provide tech support and other services.
A cottage industries
B insourcing
C outsourcing
D protectionism
3. Products that people buy for personal use are called .
A boycotted goods
B consumer goods
C exported goods
D foreign goods
4. In 2004 a huge ocean wave called a killed more than 30,000 people in Sri Lanka.
A earthquake
B cyclone
C rip tide
D tsunami
If you are stuck on a question, skip it temporarily. Return to the question once you have answered those you are more sure about. Do not forget to come back to the question before you turn in your test. If you are still not sure, take a guess.
Chapter 24 • 671
Social Studies ONLINE
For additional test practice, use Self-Check Quizzes—
Chapter 24 at glencoe.com.
Need Extra Help?If you missed question. . . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Go to page. . . 656 657 666 668 654 656 662 666 661 661 668 668 668
STOP
ASSESSMENT
Document-Based QuestionsDirections: Analyze the document and answer the short-answer questions that follow.
As global warming seems to be more of an obvious reality, Maldivian scientists and government offi cials alike are concerned about the eff ects of rising sea lev-els. Since the Maldives islands are on average 5 feet (1.5 meters) above sea level, even a sea level rise of half a meter would cause severe problems. . . . Not only would fl ooding be a problem, but the seas may rise so quickly that they could erode the coral islands. If the reefs supporting an island fail to keep up with the rising waters, the island itself will inevitably disin-tegrate. To date the only recourse the Maldivians have . . . are concrete retainer walls. While such walls have eff ectively kept the sea at bay in a few key areas regu-larly struck by high waves, constructing them around dozens of inhabited islands would be . . . impossible . . . for the relatively poor country. And no amount of retainer wall would completely stave off [prevent] the erosion of an island.
—John Weier, “Amazing Atolls of the Maldives”
11. Why are rising sea levels such a concern to the people of the Maldives?
12. How are the Maldivians handling the problem of rising waters? Why is this ineffective?
Extended Response13. If you lived in the Maldives, you would be con-
cerned about global warming. Write a letter to a newspaper editor warning about the danger to your country.
Critical ThinkingDirections: Use the population pyramid below to help you choose the best answer for each question.
