Response
The crustal instability and volcanic activity are the factors playing extremely important role in Southeast Asian realm’s present and future. Being part of the Pacific ring of fire, this realm experiences severe earthquakes and tsunamis rather often. For instance, in 2004 a 1000 km underwater rupture caused a tsunami that led to death of around 230,000 people in the region (Shah). Eventually, it also led to serious destruction and large economic loss. Given that the countries of the realm never were the top of the list developed countries, rather harsh physiographic condition come as an extra obstacle on the path of their economic development. After severe earthquakes or tsunami, governments of the countries affected have to go into debts to rebuild their countries. Financial and humanitarian aids are often proposed by developed countries which not only helps in overcoming destructive consequences, but also fosters global cooperation.
Singapore is the leading world-city in Southeast Asia and lies at the realm's center of trade and business relations.
Singapore made a huge leap over the last fifty years. From a poor island having nothing at all, not even freshwater, to one of the most developed economies in terms of per capita GDP. According to various forecasts it will continue to maintain its position in the future. Singapore is an entrepot between Eastern and Western world. This is why it is very suitable to becoming a global trading market. Nowadays, around “80% of global commodity firms operate in Singapore” (Tan). Being a city-state with a population of 5.4 million and only 613 sq. km area (De Blij, Muller and Nijman 552), in Singapore political decisions and reforms can be implemented much easier than in any other country with larger territory and population. This advantage of fluidity plays and will continue to play a very important role in the prosperity of Singapore.
Works cited
De Blij, H. J., Peter O. Muller, and Jan Nijman. Geography: Realms, Regions And Concepts. 16th ed. Wiley. Print.
Shah, Anup. "Asian Earthquake And Tsunami Disaster — Global Issues". Globalissues.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
Tan, Nicole. "Singapore Has Attributes To Remain One Of The World's Largest Commodities Trading Hubs: IE Singapore". Channel NewsAsia. N.p., 2017. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
