Southeast Asia can be divided into two main regions - the mainland and islands. The mainland consists of 5 mountainous countries with fertile farmland and fishing. The islands region includes over 17,000 islands among several countries. The area has a hot, humid climate influenced by monsoons and experiences typhoons. Culturally, animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity are all represented due to the regions isolation. Rice farming and fishing are major economic activities. Vietnam and Cambodia experienced significant conflict and genocide in the latter half of the 20th century.

1. Southeast Asia Physical Landscape and History