Southeast Asia's landforms
Southeast Asia is the region that includes Malaysia and its neighbours such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and the Philippines. It has a varied surface of high mountains, plateaus and wide, flat plains. Many of its islands are volcanic because the region lies along a zone where the Earth's plates meet.
Key idea
Highlands run through the mainland and islands, while the great rivers create fertile lowland plains and deltas where most people live.
Main highlands
- Mountain ranges — long ranges run through mainland Southeast Asia from north to south, such as the Annamite Range in Vietnam and Laos.
- Volcanoes — Indonesia and the Philippines have many active volcanoes; the ash makes the surrounding soil very fertile.
- Plains and deltas — low, flat land formed by rivers, ideal for growing rice.
Great rivers of the region
Southeast Asia has several long rivers that begin in northern highlands and flow south to the sea, dropping fertile soil along the way.
- Mekong River — the longest river in Southeast Asia, flowing through several countries to a large delta in Vietnam.
- Irrawaddy River — the main river of Myanmar.
- Chao Phraya River — the main river of Thailand, flowing past Bangkok.
Example
The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is one of the biggest rice-growing areas in the world because the river deposits rich, fertile soil across the flat land.
Why it matters
Because Southeast Asia lies near the equator, it is hot and wet all year, so its rivers carry plenty of water. The river plains and volcanic soils support farming, especially rice, and most large cities have grown on these fertile lowlands.
Remember
- The Mekong is the longest river in Southeast Asia.
- Volcanic ash makes soil fertile in Indonesia and the Philippines.
- River deltas and plains are the main rice-growing and settlement areas.