East Asia
Hong Kong, China
In this topic, you discovered the unique countries, cultures, and economies of East Asia. You traveled to the People’s Republic of China and visited the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. You journeyed to the sparsely populated steppes of rural Mongolia. You also explored the advanced cities of Tokyo and Seoul.
East Asia has a long history that stretches back to some of the earliest known civilizations. In modern times, this region has become a major participant in the global economy. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are all heavily involved in international trade. Since China shifted to a market economy, it has experienced rapid growth. It currently has the second largest economy in the world, after the United States. Unfortunately, personal and political freedom are restricted in China, though not as greatly as in North Korea.