538

PREVIEW: TODAY’SISSUES IN SOUTH ASIA

UNIT ATLAS

Chapter 24PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHYThe Land WhereContinentsCollided

Chapter 25HUMAN GEOGRAPHYA Region ofContrasts

Chapter 26TODAY’S ISSUESSouth Asia

TERRITORIAL

DISPUTE

PLACE The Taj Mahal, at Agra, India, is said to be one of the

world’s most beautiful buildings. Constructed of marble, it

was built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a

tomb for his wife.

South Asia 539

LOCATION South Asia is mainly a triangular

peninsula that juts out from the Asian mainland

into the Indian Ocean.

REGION The seven countries of South Asia have

great cultural and religious diversity.

HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION Life

in South Asia is greatly influenced by its varied

landforms and its extreme weather, especially the

seasonal monsoons.

SO

UTH

AS

IA

LOCATION Elephants wearing richly decorated cloth coverings

are central figures in the 14-night Esala Perahera festival in

Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of many religious festivals held

in South Asia.REGION The world’s highest mountains, the

majestic snow-capped Himalayas, form the northern

border of the Indian subcontinent. Mt. Everest, to

the left, is the world’s tallest peak at 29,035 feet.

For more information on South Asia . . .

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