AsiaCultural

Characteristics

Indonesia is an archipelago of thousandsof islands. It is made up of various ethnicgroups with different cultures, languages,and numerous religions.

Religions in Asia

• Hinduism

• Islam

• Buddhism

• Christianity

• Taoism

• Shinto

• Confucianism

SHINTO – found almostexclusively in Japan

The caste system is a major part of the Hindu religion. Even though it is technically against the law in India, it is still unofficially practiced there.

Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, and Buddhism all teach followers to have respectfor ancestors.

There are areas in Asia where the population density is very high, while other parts of the region are sparsely populated. The populationdensity is greatly affected by climate and physicalgeography.

There is great contrast between the rural(country) and urban(city) areas. Many people are moving to the urban areas lookingfor a better life. This is called urbanization.However, a great percentage of these people are unable to find adequate housing or employment. Many live in shantytowns on the outskirts of the city. These are very poor communities.

Bangladesh

China

Japan and the Koreas are known as homogenous countries. This meansthat these regions are predominantlya single ethnicity.

Three cities that are important centers of trade and culture: Beijing

Tokyo

New Delhi

Batik- beautiful printedmaterial from Indonesia

Taj Mahal

Angkor Wat

Great Wall of China

Terraced Farming

Floating Markets

Minarets

Mosque

Pagodas Temples

Ideograms – graphic symbolthat represents an idea

Jade, Jewels

Wood

and

Ivory

Carvings

Silk:

Kimonos* robes* cultural dress