Chapter 25: Japan and the Koreas

Japan is an archipelago off the coast of eastern Asia. The mountains of Japan are volcanic, but many are no longer active. Japan also suffers from frequent earthquakes because of its location on the Ring of Fire. Despite its lack of mineral resources, Japan has developed a strong industrial economy. Most of its citizens live in crowded cities.

The Korean Peninsula juts out from northern China, between the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. Following World War II it was divided into two countries—Communist North Korea and non-Communist South Korea. South Korea has a strong industrial economy. The Communist government of North Korea has spent money and devoted resources to its military. As a result the country is economically poor.