How have Southeast Asia's resources influenced where people live? (4 points)
1. Water resources: Southeast Asia has numerous rivers, deltas, and abundant rainfall, which has allowed people to establish settlements in areas where water is readily available for drinking, irrigation, and transportation. For example, the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and the Chao Phraya River basin in Thailand are densely populated areas due to the fertile land and waterways.
2. Agricultural resources: The region has rich soil suitable for growing crops such as rice, rubber, and spices. This has attracted people to live in areas with fertile land for agriculture, leading to the development of rural communities and farming villages in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
3. Mineral resources: Southeast Asia is rich in mineral resources such as tin, copper, and coal, which have influenced the location of mining towns and industrial cities. For example, the tin mines in Malaysia and Indonesia have attracted workers and led to the development of towns around these resources.
4. Coastal resources: The region has extensive coastlines with access to fish and marine resources, which have supported vibrant fishing communities and port cities. Coastal areas like Bangkok in Thailand and Jakarta in Indonesia have large populations due to their strategic location for trade, commerce, and fishing.