Where People Live and Trade in SEA

The mountain, desert, and water features of Southern and Eastern Asia have played a significant role in shaping the region's trade and settlement patterns. In this article, we will explore how these natural features have impacted trade and influenced where people live in South and East Asia. 

Mountains:

The mountain ranges of Southern and Eastern Asia have had a profound impact on trade routes and transportation. The Himalayas, for example, form a formidable barrier between India and China, making it difficult for goods to be transported across the border. As a result, trade between these two countries has historically been limited. However, the mountain ranges have also created opportunities for trade. For instance, the Silk Road, which connected China to the Mediterranean, passed through the mountains of Central Asia, allowing for the exchange of goods and ideas between the East and West. 

Deserts:

The deserts of Southern and Eastern Asia have also influenced trade and settlement patterns. The Gobi Desert, which spans parts of China and Mongolia, has historically been a barrier to trade between China and the rest of Asia. However, the Silk Road also passed through the Gobi Desert, allowing for the exchange of goods and ideas between China and the West. Additionally, deserts have forced people to settle near oases or other sources of water. For example, the Taklamakan Desert in Western China has forced people to settle near the oases of the Tarim Basin. 

Water Features:

Water features such as rivers, oceans, and seas have played a crucial role in shaping trade and settlement patterns in Southern and Eastern Asia. The Yangtze River in China, for example, has historically been a major trade route, allowing for the exchange of goods between the interior of China and the coast. The Mekong River, which flows through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, has also been a vital trade route in Southeast Asia. Additionally, access to water has enabled people to settle and establish thriving cities and trading ports. For example, the cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong in China, and Singapore, Bangkok, and Jakarta in Southeast Asia, all owe their prosperity in part to their strategic locations on the coast. 

In conclusion, the mountain, desert, and water features of Southern and Eastern Asia have shaped the region's trade and settlement patterns in significant ways. While these natural features have presented challenges to trade and settlement, they have also created opportunities for exchange and prosperity. Understanding the impact of these features is critical to understanding the history and culture of the region. 

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