Basic Geography Review (Asia)

Persia is an old name for Iran. The term "Persia" was commonly used in the Western world to refer to the region that is now modern-day Iran. It was the name used during the time of the Persian Empire, which was a major power in the ancient world. Over time, the name Iran became more widely used and officially replaced Persia in 1935.

Mecca is located in Saudi Arabia. It is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The city is home to the Masjid al-Haram, which houses the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. Mecca holds immense religious significance for Muslims and is considered the spiritual center of the Islamic faith.

The Huang (Yellow) River is found in northern China. It is often referred to as the "Mother River" of China and is the second-longest river in the country. The river gets its name from the yellowish-brown color of its water, which is caused by the large amount of silt it carries. The Huang River is an important water source for agriculture and industry in the region, but it is also prone to flooding, earning it the nickname "China's Sorrow".

Modern-day Israel can be found in Palestine. Palestine is the geographical region that encompasses the state of Israel, along with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 led to the displacement and conflict with the Palestinian people, resulting in ongoing tensions and disputes over land and sovereignty. Therefore, the correct answer is Palestine.

The Ural Mountains are considered to be the boundary that separates Asia and Europe. These mountains stretch from north to south, dividing the two continents. They have long been recognized as the traditional boundary between the two regions, with Europe lying to the west and Asia to the east of the Ural Mountains. The Ural Mountains have significant geological and cultural importance, and their location has shaped the historical and political division between Europe and Asia.

Lake Baikal can be found in South Eastern Russian (Siberia). This is the correct answer because Lake Baikal is located in the southern part of the Russian region of Siberia. It is the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, and it is known for its crystal-clear waters and unique biodiversity.

Islam is the correct answer because the majority of people who live in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan practice Islam. This religion has a significant presence in these countries and is deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. Islam is the dominant religion in Central Asia, with a long history and strong influence on the daily lives of the people in these regions.

Asia Minor, also known as Anatolia, refers to the large peninsula located in Western Asia. In modern times, this region is primarily occupied by the country of Turkey. Therefore, the correct answer is Turkey.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow through Iraq. Mesopotamia, which is often referred to as the "cradle of civilization," is an ancient region that encompassed parts of present-day Iraq. Pakistan, Kuwait, and Mongolia do not have these rivers flowing through them.

In 1947, the British lost control of the region refers to the end of British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent. As a result, the subcontinent was divided into two countries based on religious lines. "Hindu" India was established as a secular state with a Hindu majority, while "Muslim" Pakistan was created as a separate nation for Muslims. This division was known as the Partition of India and led to widespread violence and displacement of people.

Southwest Asia is commonly referred to as the Middle East. This term is used to describe the region that includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, among others. The Middle East is known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and geopolitical significance. It is an important region in terms of politics, economics, and religion, making it a widely recognized name for Southwest Asia.

The Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau are products of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is the theory that explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small plates that move and interact with each other. The collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate is responsible for the formation of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. As the Indian Plate continues to push northward, it collides with the Eurasian Plate, causing the crust to buckle and fold, resulting in the uplift of the Himalayas and the formation of the Tibetan Plateau.

Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in terms of population. With over 225 million Muslims, it has the largest Muslim population in the world. This can be attributed to the fact that Indonesia has a predominantly Muslim population, with Islam being the dominant religion in the country. Additionally, Indonesia's large population overall contributes to its status as the largest Muslim country.

The correct answer is Tundra & Taiga. Siberia is known for its vast expanse of tundra and taiga. Tundra is a treeless biome characterized by low temperatures, permafrost, and a short growing season. It is covered with grasses, mosses, and lichens. Taiga, on the other hand, is a biome dominated by coniferous forests and is found just south of the tundra. These two biomes make up the majority of the terrain in Siberia, with their unique vegetation and cold climate.

Azerbaijan is the correct answer because it did emerge as an independent nation after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan all became independent countries after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

People from Tajikistan speak Persian. This is because Persian is the official language of Tajikistan and is widely spoken by the majority of the population. Persian, also known as Tajiki, is an Indo-European language and is closely related to Farsi, the official language of Iran. It is the primary language used in education, government, media, and everyday communication in Tajikistan.

The common name for the states of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan is "Caucasus states". This is because these countries are all located in the region known as the Caucasus, which is a mountainous area between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. The term "Caucasus states" is used to refer collectively to these countries due to their geographical proximity and shared cultural and historical ties.

The correct answer is Chang (Yang-tze) River. The Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. It flows for about 6,300 kilometers from its source in the Tibetan Plateau to its mouth at the East China Sea. The river plays a significant role in Chinese history, culture, and economy, serving as a transportation route and a source of water and energy.

The present-day location of the Indus River is in Pakistan. The river flows through the country, originating in the Tibetan Plateau and passing through Jammu and Kashmir before entering Pakistan. It then continues its course through the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, eventually emptying into the Arabian Sea. The Indus River is of great significance to Pakistan, as it supports agriculture, provides water for irrigation, and has played a crucial role in the development of civilization in the region.

The Strait of Malacca was crucial for spice trade because it is a narrow waterway located between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea, making it a strategic route for ships traveling between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The region surrounding the strait was rich in spice-producing countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, making it a major hub for the spice trade during ancient and medieval times.