Introduction

RUSSIA:

It is the biggest country in the world with a total of 8 time zones. The ports of Russia allow it access to the Baltic Sea, Caspian Sea, the sea of japan, and the Barents sea. Ural Mountains separate Asia from Europe.

The west Siberian region is the extensive region of Russia. It is a source of natural gas and petroleum for the world. The central Siberian region is an extensive petroleum reserve.

The rivers are navigable but only in summer. They freeze at the mouth of the arctic region. Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world.

Russia has an arctic climate most prevalent – Tundra and Taiga.

Potato is an important staple food and crop of Russia. Agriculture has a limited growing period.

Russia is the largest diamond producer and 2^nd in arms export. It has the largest reserve of natural gas and 2^nd largest in coal. It is the largest exporter of crude oil. 40% of nickel reserve.

Southeast Countries:

Myanmar:

It has three main rivers Irrawaddy [rice bowl of Myanmar], Chindwin, and Salween [largest]. Tropic of Cancer passes only through Myanmar in Southeast Asia.

Thailand:

It was never colonized. The main geographical regions are the Korat plateau, Dawna range, and isthmus of Kra. The Mekong river [longest in SE Asia; known as the lifeline of Cambodia] forms the boundary between Thailand and Laos. The other river is Chao Phraya [lifeline of Thailand].

Philippines:

The Philippines has 7500 islands with manila located on the largest one. Manila is the HQ of the Asian development bank. World’s highest disaster risk country.

Indonesia:

The largest archipelago in the world with 13500 islands. Java is the most populated island in the world. 2/3rd of the area is under forest. Coffee, rubber, and oil plantations are seen. Only this country has land south of the equator in the SE countries.

Malaysia:

The western peninsula is more populated than the east. Oil, gas reserves, and rubber plantations are famous.

Singapore:

The highest population density in the world. It is a city-state located on the straight of Malacca.

SE Asian countries receive rainfall from the southwest monsoon. Island nations get an equatorial climate. Typhoons in summer are seen.

The economy of SE Asian countries

Agriculture is the main occupation except in Singapore and Brunei. Wet paddy cultivation is done. Rubber, palm oil, and cocoa are crops grown here. Malaysia and Thailand have advanced agricultural practices but not Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are responsible for half of the tin production in the world.