MONGOLIAChapter 31 Section 4

Mongolia location and size

• Mongolia is located North of China between China and Russia.

• It is a vast, dry land that is twice the size of Texas.

• The Gobi Desert is located in the southern areas, and the rest is mostly steppe.

History

• In the 1200’s (13th Century) Mongolia was ruled by Ghengis Khan.

• The Mongol empire from this time stretched from China in the east to Hungary and Poland in the west.

• Later, Mongolia came under Chinese rule.

History

• In 1921, Mongolia regained it’s independence with the help of the Soviets in Russia.

• Mongolia also adopted communism.

• When Russia gave up on Communism in 1991, so did Mongolia.

• The winners of the first election were former Communists who had renounced communism and promised a free market economy.

Culture• Traditionally, Mongolians have been

nomadic herders.

• Today, it is still the major economic activity on the steppes.

• They have developed some industries such as:• Coal and Copper mining• Food processing• Manufacturing leather goods, chemicals and

cement.

• Because of these industries, Mongolia has become more urban.

• About 63% of the population lives in the capital city Ulan Bator.

THE KOREASChapter 32 Section 3

Location

• The Korean Peninsula is located on the east coast of Asia between China and Japan.

• The peninsula is only about the size of Minnesota, but it is divided into two countries. • The Democratic Peoples

Republic of Korea (North Korea)

• The Republic of Korea (South Korea)

The Korean War

•After 1945 (the end of WWII) the Korean peninsula was caught between communists and non-communists.

•Russia controlled Northern Korea and the United States controlled Southern Korea. Both countries were expected to leave when Korea could govern itself.

•Instead, Soviet Russia established a communist government in North Korea.

•Free elections were held in South Korea in 1949 and the United States left.

•Fearing communist rule, nearly 2 million Koreans fled to the south.

The Korean War

• In 1950, North Korea attacked South Korea trying to unite the peninsula under Communist rule.

• The United Nations sent forces from 15 different countries (U.S.)

• The fighting between North Korea supported by China, and South Korea supported by the United Nations lasted for 3 years.• During that time, 4 million people were killed.

• A cease fire was agreed to in 1953 and a demilitarized zone (DMZ) was established at the 38th parallel. • DMZ – A piece of land where troops and

weapons are not allowed.

• There are more hostel forces in the DMZ than any other place on the planet.

Environment – North Korea

• Low population density• Only about 23 million people and the

capital (Pyongyang) is the only city with a population higher than 1 million.

• More continental climate since it is located closer to the mainland. • Short, cool summers, and VERY cold

winters.

• Mountain rivers are used for Hydro-electric power.

• Lots of natural resources such as:• Coal, copper, iron ore, zinc, lead and

more.

Environment – South Korea

• Has a population of about 47 million people

• 25% live in the capital city Seoul.

• Parts of South Korea are sub-tropical

• More flat than North Korea

• Better suited for agriculture.

Planning for the future

• Since 1953, North and South Korea have discussed reuinification • The north only wants it if they are communist• The south doesn’t want to lose it’s free system of

government.• South Korea has developed a lot of industry with help from the

United States and Japan.• There is a large middle class

• In 1993, North Korea withdrew from the Nuclear non-proliferation treaty.• Proliferation – an increase in the number of nuclear

weapons.

• North Korea agreed to shut down it’s nuclear facilities if the U.S. would send economic assistance.

• In 2002, North Korea resumed its nuclear program.