South- East Asia | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


South- East Asia 
 
 
 
Map of Southeast Asia 
Introduction 
Southeast Asia, a land of captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage, is a 
subregion of Asia that stretches from the Indian subcontinent to Australia. With 
its lush landscapes adorned by palm trees, meandering rivers, and majestic 
mountains, it is a realm that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The 
Page 2


South- East Asia 
 
 
 
Map of Southeast Asia 
Introduction 
Southeast Asia, a land of captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage, is a 
subregion of Asia that stretches from the Indian subcontinent to Australia. With 
its lush landscapes adorned by palm trees, meandering rivers, and majestic 
mountains, it is a realm that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The 
South- East Asia 
 
 
Map of Southeast Asia by the Nations Online Project provides a captivating 
glimpse into this enchanting part of the world. 
I. Political Map of Southeast Asia 
The political map of Southeast Asia featured in this project offers a 
comprehensive overview of the region. It showcases the countries and main 
regions of Southeast Asia, highlighting the surrounding bodies of water, 
international borders, major volcanoes, prominent islands, as well as key cities 
and capitals. This detailed depiction is a valuable resource for those seeking to 
explore the diverse nations that form Southeast Asia's tapestry. 
II. Exploring Southeast Asia 
1. Geographical Boundaries: Situated east of the Indian subcontinent, south 
of China, and northwest of Australia, Southeast Asia is bounded by the Bay 
of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea, and 
the Pacific Ocean. This strategic location has shaped the region's history, 
culture, and economic importance. 
2. Mainland Southeast Asia – Indochina: The northern portion of Southeast 
Asia, known as Mainland Southeast Asia or Indochina, is located on the 
Indochinese peninsula. This region encompasses Myanmar (Burma), 
Thailand, West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), Laos, Cambodia, and 
Vietnam. Each country offers its unique blend of cultural heritage, ancient 
temples, and breathtaking natural wonders. 
3. Maritime Southeast Asia - The Malay Archipelago: The second region, 
known as Maritime Southeast Asia or the Malay Archipelago, comprises the 
vast archipelagos of Indonesia and the Philippines. Indonesia, with its 
sprawling islands such as Sumatra, Sulawesi, Java, Sumbawa, and Flores, 
showcases a tapestry of landscapes and cultures. The Philippines, with its 
prominent islands like Luzon, Mindanao, Negros, and Palawan, offers a 
diverse range of natural wonders and vibrant traditions. 
4. Other Notable Regions: Within Southeast Asia, other noteworthy regions 
include Singapore, the bustling city-state located just south of Peninsular 
Malaysia, and East Timor (Timor-Leste), a nation situated on the island of 
Page 3


South- East Asia 
 
 
 
Map of Southeast Asia 
Introduction 
Southeast Asia, a land of captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage, is a 
subregion of Asia that stretches from the Indian subcontinent to Australia. With 
its lush landscapes adorned by palm trees, meandering rivers, and majestic 
mountains, it is a realm that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The 
South- East Asia 
 
 
Map of Southeast Asia by the Nations Online Project provides a captivating 
glimpse into this enchanting part of the world. 
I. Political Map of Southeast Asia 
The political map of Southeast Asia featured in this project offers a 
comprehensive overview of the region. It showcases the countries and main 
regions of Southeast Asia, highlighting the surrounding bodies of water, 
international borders, major volcanoes, prominent islands, as well as key cities 
and capitals. This detailed depiction is a valuable resource for those seeking to 
explore the diverse nations that form Southeast Asia's tapestry. 
II. Exploring Southeast Asia 
1. Geographical Boundaries: Situated east of the Indian subcontinent, south 
of China, and northwest of Australia, Southeast Asia is bounded by the Bay 
of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea, and 
the Pacific Ocean. This strategic location has shaped the region's history, 
culture, and economic importance. 
2. Mainland Southeast Asia – Indochina: The northern portion of Southeast 
Asia, known as Mainland Southeast Asia or Indochina, is located on the 
Indochinese peninsula. This region encompasses Myanmar (Burma), 
Thailand, West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), Laos, Cambodia, and 
Vietnam. Each country offers its unique blend of cultural heritage, ancient 
temples, and breathtaking natural wonders. 
3. Maritime Southeast Asia - The Malay Archipelago: The second region, 
known as Maritime Southeast Asia or the Malay Archipelago, comprises the 
vast archipelagos of Indonesia and the Philippines. Indonesia, with its 
sprawling islands such as Sumatra, Sulawesi, Java, Sumbawa, and Flores, 
showcases a tapestry of landscapes and cultures. The Philippines, with its 
prominent islands like Luzon, Mindanao, Negros, and Palawan, offers a 
diverse range of natural wonders and vibrant traditions. 
4. Other Notable Regions: Within Southeast Asia, other noteworthy regions 
include Singapore, the bustling city-state located just south of Peninsular 
Malaysia, and East Timor (Timor-Leste), a nation situated on the island of 
South- East Asia 
 
 
Timor. Additionally, East Malaysia (Sabah) and Brunei share the island of 
Borneo with Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of the island. 
III. Islands of Southeast Asia 
Southeast Asia boasts a staggering number of islands, with over 25,000 scattered 
across the region. These islands contribute to the allure and diversity of the 
landscape, offering pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and unique ecosystems. 
Among the largest islands in Southeast Asia are New Guinea, shared by Indonesia 
and Papua New Guinea, and Borneo, shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. 
Indonesia's archipelago is home to other significant islands such as Sumatra, 
Sulawesi, Java, Sumbawa, and Flores, while the Philippines boasts Luzon, 
Mindanao, Negros, Samar, Palawan, Panay, and Mindoro as its main islands. 
IV. The Ring of Fire 
Southeast Asia finds itself in the embrace of the Ring of Fire, a belt-shaped zone 
of volcanic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean. This region experiences frequent 
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The Indonesian and Philippine archipelagos, 
two prominent features of Southeast Asia, lie within the western portion of the 
Ring of Fire. Notable active volcanoes in the area include Mt. Mayon and Mt. 
Pinatubo in the Philippines, and Krakatoa, Mt. Merapi, Mt. Kerinci, Mt. Mahameru 
(Semeru), Mount Sinabung, Mt. Dukono, and Mt. Ibu in Indonesia. 
 
V. Majestic Peaks of Southeast Asia 
Southeast Asia boasts several awe-inspiring mountains, each with its unique 
allure. Mount Hkakabo and Mount Gamlang, located on the Myanmar-Chinese 
border in northern Myanmar, stand as the highest peaks in Southeast Asia, 
reaching heights of 5,881 meters and 5,870 meters, respectively. Puncak Jaya, a 
limestone mountain on the island of New Guinea, holds the distinction of being 
the highest peak in Indonesia, towering at 4,884 meters. Meanwhile, Mount Apo, 
a dormant stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao, claims the title of the highest 
mountain in the Philippines, standing at an impressive 2,954 meters. 
 
Page 4


South- East Asia 
 
 
 
Map of Southeast Asia 
Introduction 
Southeast Asia, a land of captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage, is a 
subregion of Asia that stretches from the Indian subcontinent to Australia. With 
its lush landscapes adorned by palm trees, meandering rivers, and majestic 
mountains, it is a realm that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The 
South- East Asia 
 
 
Map of Southeast Asia by the Nations Online Project provides a captivating 
glimpse into this enchanting part of the world. 
I. Political Map of Southeast Asia 
The political map of Southeast Asia featured in this project offers a 
comprehensive overview of the region. It showcases the countries and main 
regions of Southeast Asia, highlighting the surrounding bodies of water, 
international borders, major volcanoes, prominent islands, as well as key cities 
and capitals. This detailed depiction is a valuable resource for those seeking to 
explore the diverse nations that form Southeast Asia's tapestry. 
II. Exploring Southeast Asia 
1. Geographical Boundaries: Situated east of the Indian subcontinent, south 
of China, and northwest of Australia, Southeast Asia is bounded by the Bay 
of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea, and 
the Pacific Ocean. This strategic location has shaped the region's history, 
culture, and economic importance. 
2. Mainland Southeast Asia – Indochina: The northern portion of Southeast 
Asia, known as Mainland Southeast Asia or Indochina, is located on the 
Indochinese peninsula. This region encompasses Myanmar (Burma), 
Thailand, West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), Laos, Cambodia, and 
Vietnam. Each country offers its unique blend of cultural heritage, ancient 
temples, and breathtaking natural wonders. 
3. Maritime Southeast Asia - The Malay Archipelago: The second region, 
known as Maritime Southeast Asia or the Malay Archipelago, comprises the 
vast archipelagos of Indonesia and the Philippines. Indonesia, with its 
sprawling islands such as Sumatra, Sulawesi, Java, Sumbawa, and Flores, 
showcases a tapestry of landscapes and cultures. The Philippines, with its 
prominent islands like Luzon, Mindanao, Negros, and Palawan, offers a 
diverse range of natural wonders and vibrant traditions. 
4. Other Notable Regions: Within Southeast Asia, other noteworthy regions 
include Singapore, the bustling city-state located just south of Peninsular 
Malaysia, and East Timor (Timor-Leste), a nation situated on the island of 
South- East Asia 
 
 
Timor. Additionally, East Malaysia (Sabah) and Brunei share the island of 
Borneo with Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of the island. 
III. Islands of Southeast Asia 
Southeast Asia boasts a staggering number of islands, with over 25,000 scattered 
across the region. These islands contribute to the allure and diversity of the 
landscape, offering pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and unique ecosystems. 
Among the largest islands in Southeast Asia are New Guinea, shared by Indonesia 
and Papua New Guinea, and Borneo, shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. 
Indonesia's archipelago is home to other significant islands such as Sumatra, 
Sulawesi, Java, Sumbawa, and Flores, while the Philippines boasts Luzon, 
Mindanao, Negros, Samar, Palawan, Panay, and Mindoro as its main islands. 
IV. The Ring of Fire 
Southeast Asia finds itself in the embrace of the Ring of Fire, a belt-shaped zone 
of volcanic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean. This region experiences frequent 
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The Indonesian and Philippine archipelagos, 
two prominent features of Southeast Asia, lie within the western portion of the 
Ring of Fire. Notable active volcanoes in the area include Mt. Mayon and Mt. 
Pinatubo in the Philippines, and Krakatoa, Mt. Merapi, Mt. Kerinci, Mt. Mahameru 
(Semeru), Mount Sinabung, Mt. Dukono, and Mt. Ibu in Indonesia. 
 
V. Majestic Peaks of Southeast Asia 
Southeast Asia boasts several awe-inspiring mountains, each with its unique 
allure. Mount Hkakabo and Mount Gamlang, located on the Myanmar-Chinese 
border in northern Myanmar, stand as the highest peaks in Southeast Asia, 
reaching heights of 5,881 meters and 5,870 meters, respectively. Puncak Jaya, a 
limestone mountain on the island of New Guinea, holds the distinction of being 
the highest peak in Indonesia, towering at 4,884 meters. Meanwhile, Mount Apo, 
a dormant stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao, claims the title of the highest 
mountain in the Philippines, standing at an impressive 2,954 meters. 
 
South- East Asia 
 
 
VI. ASEAN and the Indomalaya Ecozone 
Ten countries within Southeast Asia are member states of ASEAN (the Association 
of Southeast Asian Nations), an intergovernmental organization focused on 
fostering economic growth, political stability, collaboration, mutual assistance, 
and cultural integration among its member states. Moreover, Southeast Asia, the 
Indian subcontinent, and portions of southern China collectively form the 
Indomalaya ecozone, one of Earth's eight great ecozones. This vast region boasts 
a unique fauna and flora, harboring diverse species like four bear species, various 
cats including the clouded leopard and the Asian tiger, reptiles such as snakes, 
turtles, and monitor lizards, and iconic mammals like the Javan rhinoceros, the 
Asian tapir, and the Indian elephant. 
Conclusion 
The Map of Southeast Asia by the Nations Online Project is an invaluable resource 
for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the allure of this 
enchanting region. With its comprehensive depiction of the countries, regions, 
islands, mountains, and ecological richness, this map invites exploration and 
discovery. Whether you seek to uncover ancient temples, bask in tropical 
paradises, or immerse yourself in diverse cultures, Southeast Asia promises an 
unforgettable journey through its mesmerizing landscapes and vibrant tapestry of 
nations.