Indochina facts for kids
Indochina, also called the Indochinese Peninsula, is a large area of land in Southeast Asia. It's like a big arm of land that reaches out into the ocean. This region is mostly found to the east of India and south of China.
Indochina is home to several countries. These nations have been known as Indochina since the time when France had control over them, which is called French Colonialism.
Contents
What Countries Are in Indochina?
The main countries that are always considered part of Indochina are:
Other Countries Often Included
Sometimes, other countries are also included when people talk about Indochina. These can be:
- Peninsular Malaysia (this is the southern part of the Malay Peninsula, but not the islands)
- Myanmar (which used to be called Burma)
- Singapore
- Thailand (which was once known as Siam)
History of the Name
The name "Indochina" was created because of where this land is located. It's between two very large and important countries: India and China. The name helps to show that the cultures and histories of these lands have been influenced by both India and China over many centuries.
During the time of French Colonialism, France ruled over Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. They called this area "French Indochina." This period of history shaped many things in these countries, from their governments to their buildings.
Geography and Nature
Indochina has a very diverse landscape. You can find tall mountains, thick forests, and wide rivers. One of the most famous rivers in the region is the Mekong River. It flows through many of these countries, providing water for farming and transportation. The climate is mostly tropical, meaning it's warm and humid with a lot of rain. This kind of weather helps many different plants and animals to grow and thrive.
Images for kids
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This map from 1886 shows Indochina.
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The mighty Mekong River flowing through Laos.
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See also
In Spanish: Indochina para niños
