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South Asia Study Guide
Use the following questions as a guide to help your prepare for the Unit Test on South Asia. You should also review your
notes and worksheets. Test questions are not limited to this study guide.
1. Be prepared to identify the following political and physical features on a map.
A. Pakistan
B. India
H. Himalayas Mountains
C. Bangladesh
I. Indus River
D. Nepal
J. Ganges River
E. Bhutan
K. Indian Ocean
F. Sri Lanka
L. Bay of Bengal
G. Maldives
2. Define the following terms.
 Atoll - A circular-shaped island made of coral
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Lagoon - A shallow body of water in the center of an atoll
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Monsoon - Seasonal winds that blow steadily from the same direction for several months at a time
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Cyclone - An intense tropical storm with high winds and heavy rains
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Tsunami - A huge ocean wave caused by an earthquake on the ocean floor
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subcontinent - A large landmass that is part of a continent
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outsourcing
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Why are the Himalayas growing each year? due to plate tectonics – the plates continue to move
What source of energy is most heavily relied upon in South Asia? Imported oil
South Asia is home to 20% of the world’s population.
Which European country controlled South Asia for centuries? Britain
What are the main / most important rivers that flow through South Asia? Why are they important?
o Indus River – Pakistan; source of water
o Ganges River – India; considered sacred by Hindus
8. What significant mountain ranges are in South Asia? What countries border them?
The Himalaya – North of India, Nepal, Bhutan
9. How does climate impact life in South Asia? What challenges does the weather present?
o Monsoon Seasons
o Monsoons bring needed rain for farming/agriculture, but extreme heat can dry out the soil. Too much
rain causes floods and destroys crops, homes and wipes out roads.
o Cyclones bring high winds and heavy rains to the region. Create deadly tidal waves and high waves
that cause destruction.
o Homes built on stilts is places due to flooding
10. What is the highest mountain / peak? Who aides climbers in their attempts to reach the summit? What dangers
do climbers face?
Mount Everest; Sherpa’s; dangerous climate conditions, extreme cold, high winds
11. What is the largest country in South Asia? What is the smallest?
India, Maldives
12. What country has the highest literacy rate?
Maldives
13. What countries in South Asia are land locked?
Nepal and Bhutan
14. Who was Mohandas Gandhi? Why is he important to India?
Leader who worked for independence from Britain – he used civil disobedience; peaceful protests
15. Which two religions are founded in South Asia? Which religion is the most widely practiced in South Asia?
Hinduism and Buddhism; Hinduism
16. What is the 2nd most popular religion in South Asia? In country would you find most of these followers?
Islam; Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh
17. Describe a “Bollywood” film.
Films with a lot singing and dancing usually about star crossed love
18. What is the Caste system? What is reincarnation?
Caste – Social group born into that cannot be changed
Reincarnation – being born into a new body after dying
19. Why is the Ganges River important to Hindus? What are the challenges with the Ganges River today?
They believe it is sacred and can wash away sins; the river is very polluted
20. What do Buddhists strive to achieve?
Nirvana
21. What is a sari?
a long, rectangular piece of cloth that is draped gracefully around the body