國家越大，地緣就越好？來看看幾個處於地理劣勢的國家｜四處觀察

Summary

This video explores the geographical challenges faced by countries with unfavorable locations, emphasizing how geography can significantly impact national development. It discusses Indonesia’s vulnerability to volcanic eruptions and sinking capital, the existential threat of rising sea levels to the Maldives, and the complex geopolitical situation of Israel surrounded by hostile nations. The script also delves into Russia’s vast but difficult-to-manage territory, Mongolia’s challenges as a landlocked country, and other nations with harsh environments. Through these examples, the video highlights how geography can shape a nation's economy, security, and culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Some countries have a strategic geographic advantage that significantly contributes to their economic prosperity, such as Singapore, Panama, and Egypt, due to their proximity to key maritime routes.
• 😀 Nations with favorable coastal locations, like Portugal, Spain, the UK, and the Netherlands, dominated global trade during the Age of Exploration and established themselves as powerful world empires.
• 😀 On the other hand, countries in geographically disadvantaged positions face numerous challenges, such as harsh climates, political instability, or being landlocked.
• 😀 Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, faces significant challenges due to its geography, including cultural fragmentation and frequent volcanic activity.
• 😀 Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, with over 120 active volcanoes across the country.
• 😀 Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is sinking at a rapid rate, with projections showing that by 2050, a third of the city could be submerged due to rising sea levels.
• 😀 The Maldives, an island nation with very low elevation, is highly vulnerable to climate change, with projections showing that up to 80% of its land could be submerged by 2050.
• 😀 Israel's geographical challenges stem from being located in the middle of a region of political and cultural conflict, surrounded by hostile neighbors due to its religious and historical significance.
• 😀 Despite its vast size, Russia's geographic expanse creates a 'geopolitical bottleneck' as it must manage complex borders, climate challenges, and the lack of easily accessible maritime trade routes.
• 😀 Mongolia, a landlocked country surrounded by China and Russia, faces limited trade opportunities and harsh climates, with agriculture being constrained due to its high-altitude, desert terrain.
• 😀 Countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, located in the Himalayas, face geographical difficulties due to mountainous terrain and severe climate conditions, limiting economic development.

Q & A

Why are some countries able to 'sit back and reap the benefits' of their geographical location?

Some countries have geographical advantages, such as strategic locations on trade routes, proximity to natural resources, or access to important waterways, allowing them to prosper through trade, transport, or resources without having to face the same challenges as other countries. Examples include Singapore, Panama, and Egypt.

What is a significant geographic challenge that Indonesia faces?

Indonesia's geographical challenge lies in its vast archipelago, which consists of over 17,000 islands spread across both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This creates difficulties in maintaining political and cultural unity due to the significant distance between islands and the diversity of ethnicities, languages, and cultures.

What environmental and geographic risks does Indonesia face due to its location?

Indonesia is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It has over 120 active volcanoes, with some eruptions causing catastrophic events in history, such as the 1815 Tambora eruption.

What issue is affecting Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, and how is the government addressing it?

Jakarta is sinking at an alarming rate due to a combination of factors: rising sea levels, global warming, and excessive groundwater extraction. The city is sinking at up to 25 cm per year, with 40% of it already below sea level. The government plans to relocate the capital to Nusantara on the island of Borneo to address this issue.

How is the Maldives particularly vulnerable to climate change?

The Maldives, composed of low-lying islands, faces severe threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, more frequent storms, and coral reef degradation. The country's average land elevation is under 1 meter, making it the lowest-lying country in the world. It is predicted that by 2050, 80% of the Maldives will be submerged.

What are the key political and security challenges faced by Israel?

Israel faces significant geopolitical challenges due to its location in the Middle East, surrounded by hostile Arab countries. The nation's establishment in 1948 led to tensions with its Arab neighbors, resulting in multiple wars. Israel's security concerns are heightened by its small size and the ongoing religious and cultural conflicts with surrounding nations.

How does Israel's geographical position affect its military strategy?

Israel's narrow and vulnerable geographical position, surrounded by hostile neighbors, has led to a military strategy based on deterrence and rapid response. The country enforces compulsory military service and maintains a high state of readiness to defend against potential threats.

What are the geographic disadvantages of Russia despite its vast size?

While Russia is the largest country in the world, its geographic disadvantages include an expansive and difficult-to-defend border, harsh climate conditions, and limited access to warm-water ports. The majority of Russia's coastline borders the cold Arctic Ocean, and its access to international trade routes is often blocked by neighboring countries.

How has Russia's size and location affected its economic development?

Russia's vast size and remote regions contribute to economic difficulties, including the high costs of resource extraction due to harsh climates and rugged terrain. The country's economic activity is also geographically isolated from major global trade routes, and political tensions with Western nations have further hindered its economic growth.

What unique geographic situation does Mongolia face, and how does it impact its development?

Mongolia is a landlocked country surrounded by two major powers, China and Russia. It has limited access to international trade routes, relying on its neighbors' ports for shipping. Its harsh, arid climate and predominantly mountainous terrain further limit agricultural productivity, making the country dependent on livestock farming.