h. Establishment of republic system
The role played by the political parties in the establishment of republic system in the
country is admirable. The first meeting of Constituent Assembly declared Nepal as a
Federal Democratic Republican State on 15th Jestha, 2065 BS.
i. Implementation of Federalism
The political parties participated in the elections of Federal, Provincial and Local Levels
held in 2074 BS and helped to implement Federalism in the country.
Activities
1. There may be some politicians in your community. Meet some of them from different
political parties and ask about the good works done by their political parties in the
community, then make a list of such good works.
2. Collect the manifesto of different political parties and discuss in the class on the
major aspects mentioned there. Then draw your conclusion.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. What is a political party? Make a list of any six political parties of Nepal.
2. The role of political parties was important in the restoration of multiparty democracy
in 2046 BS. Why?
3. “The historical Peoples’ Movement of 2062/63 became successful only by the unified
effort of the political parties.” Justify this statement.
4. What is multiparty governance system? Why is it important?
5. What are the bases to open a political party? Present the bases.
6. What provision has been made by the Election Commission relating to the registration
of political party? Write in points.
7. Mention the roles of political parties in democracy.
Long answer questions:
1. Prepare an article on the topic “Political parties are the pillars of democracy” giving
the example of role of political parties in the establishment of democracy in Nepal.
2. Why is the political party that jeopardizes the religious and communal unity and
fragments the country not allowed to be registered? Mention the reasons.
Community Work
What activities have been done by the political parties in order to spread awareness in
your community? Discuss with the local political leader or head cadre and note down the
description.
Civic Awareness 151
7LESSON Election Process
Election Commission
Introduction
Election is a legitimate process in which the voters choose their representative or
participate in the decision making process using their voting rights. It is done for electing
the representatives in federal, provincial and local level for making decisions about future
plan, policy and programs. Similarly, people can also vote for the decision of any national
issue. This is called referendum. Periodic election is the backbone of democracy. A fair,
independent, and impartial election can help in the resolution of national problems.
Importance of Election
It makes the government responsible towards the people through the means of election,
It strengthens and develops the democracy through periodic election,
It resolves the conflict and gives away the power in peaceful manner through independent
and impartial election,
It ensures the presence of voters in political decision, and
It maintains the legitimacy of government in national and international level through
the election.
152 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Election Process
A set of activities which needs to be performed in order to complete an election is known
as election process. The election process includes several activities to be performed in pre-
election phase, during election phase and post election phase. Determination of electoral
system, formation of election law and directions, determination of election constituency,
formation of election calendar, collection and update of electoral roll, interaction with
stakeholders, determination of polling center, mobilization of manpower, election
training, voters education program, establishment of election offices, management of
security, operation of election, implementation of election code of conduct, supervision
and regulation of election, voting, counting of votes and declaration of result, reports and
feedback, etc are the activities to be performed in the election process.
Bodies to conduct election
a. Election Commission
The Constitution of Nepal has made a provision of Election Commission in part 24.
There is a Chief Election Commissioner and four other Commissioners in the Election
Commission. It conducts, supervises, directs and controls the election of the President,
the Vice-President, Federal Parliament, Provincial Assemblies and local levels. It also
prepares the voters’ list for the purpose of election.
b. Election Officer
When the date of election is announced, the Election Commission appoints the Election
Officers. The Election Officers conduct the election in different election constituencies.
c. Polling Officer
Polling Officers are appointed to conduct the election in different polling centers. They
have to make necessary arrangement of booth, security management, begin and complete
the election in scheduled time and with legal process. They have to stop or postpone the
election if needed and make a decision on any filed cases and other problems. They also
hold the responsibility to submit the ballot box to concerned authority and if needed count
the votes in the local election.
Electoral Roll
Electoral roll is an official list of the names and address of the people in a specific area
who are entitled to vote in an election. The Election Commission updates the electoral roll
every year and includes the names of people who attain 18 years of age to ascertain the
voting right of people as Nepalese citizens. It provides certain time to include the name
in the electoral roll if somebody is missed. While updating the electoral roll, the name
of those who died, out-migrated or got married and left the place are removed from the
electoral roll and those one who attained 18 years, in-migrated and got married and came
Civic Awareness 153
in are included in the electoral roll. Those one whose name is not included in the electoral
roll is neither allowed to vote nor to give candidacy in the election.
Voter Identity Card SAMPLE
Voter Identity Card is needed for Biometrics Voter Identity Card
casting vote in the election. It includes
the name, address, identity card
number and photograph of voter. It is
called biometric voter identity card.
This card is useful to identify the
real voter to electronic system using
biological characteristics such as
fingerprints or iris patterns and prevent
the proxy votes.
Polling Station
It is an officially chosen place
for casting votes during an
election. It is also called voting
booth. Polling stations are
set up in several places in an
election constituency. The area
is chosen as per the convenience
of people. Generally, public
places such as school, play
ground, etc are chosen as the
polling station.
Ballot
The total number of votes that
have been cast in an election is
called ballot.
Ballot Paper
It is a paper containing the
election symbols or names of
candidates or political parties.
The voters put stamp on it, fold
it and drop into the ballot box.
Sample of Ballot Paper
154 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Ballot Box
It is a box in which voters drop their ballots after marking them.
Candidate
Somebody who is seeking to be elected in the election is called candidate.
Election Code of Conduct
It is a set of rules or guidelines issued by the Election Commission during the election.
It should be abided by candidates, political parties, government, public institutions,
employees, mass media, INGOs, observers, etc.
Qualification of the Candidate for the Member of Federal Parliament
A person who has the following qualification is qualified to become a member of the
Federal Parliament:
a. Being a citizen of Nepal,
b. Having completed the age of twenty five years, for the House of Representatives, and
the age of thirty five years, for the National Assembly,
c. Not having been convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude,
d. Not being disqualified by any Federal law, and
e. Not holding any office of profit.
For the member of Provincial Assembly, one should be a voter of the concerned Province
in addition to the above qualification.
Age Bar
Age bar for the candidate is fixed by the constitution. According to which, the candidates
should have attained the following age bars:
President/Vice-President: 45 years
Member of House of Representatives: 25 years
Member of National Assembly: 35 years
Member of Provincial Assembly: 25 years
Chairperson/Vice-Chairperson/Member of Rural Municipality and Mayor/Deputy
Mayor/Member of Municipality: 21 years
Electoral Systems
Electoral system is a method of election which has its own rule of casting votes, counting
the votes and giving final result. Various electoral systems are used in different countries.
There are three electoral systems in practice at present in Nepal. They are First-Past-
The-Post Electoral System, Proportional Electoral System and Single Transferable Vote
Electoral System.
Civic Awareness 155
a. First-Past-The-Post Electoral System
It is an electoral system in which, the one who obtains more votes than any other candidate
gets elected. This system is used to elect a single candidate from an election constituency
in which the voters cast their votes directly to their preferred candidate.
b. Proportional Electoral System
It is an electoral system in which the whole country is considered a single constituency.
The voters cast their votes to their preferred political party and the percentage of the
popular vote won by the party is converted into seats. For example: if 40% of the voters
support a particular political party, then roughly 40% of seats will be won by that party.
c. Single Transferable Vote Electoral System
It is an electoral system in which surplus votes of candidates with higher priority shift to
candidates with lesser priority in the same order the electorates marked their preferences.
Election Commission first determines how many votes a candidate needs to win the
election and if the candidate gets more than the required number of votes, then the surplus
votes shift to candidates in top to down priority.
Application of Electoral Systems in various elections in Nepal
Election Electoral System
Election of the President and Vice-President (Majority) Two Round Electoral System
Election of House of Representatives First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) and
Proportional Electoral System
Election of National Assembly First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) and Single
Transferable Vote Electoral System
Election of Provincial Assembly First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) and
Proportional Electoral System
Election of Local Level First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) and Plurality
Electoral System
Manifesto
Manifesto is a public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an
election by a political party or candidate.
Election Constituency
Election Constituency is a territorial subdivision for electing members to a legislative
body. In the general election of 2048, 2051 and 2056 BS, the country was divided into
205 election constituencies whereas in the election of constitution assembly of 2064 and
2070 BS there were 240 election constituencies in Nepal. For the historical election of
federal parliament and provincial assembly 2074, a total of 165 constituencies for the
156 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
election of House of Representatives and 330 constituencies for the election of provincial
assembly were maintained.
Periodic Election
It is an election to be held at regular interval. In the context of Nepal, periodic election is
held in 5 years interval. General election is an example of periodic election. The elections
held in 2015 BS, 2048 BS, 2056 BS and 2074 BS were the general elections. If the election
is held before its fixed interval of 5 years, it is called Mid-term election. Mid-term election
was held in 2051 BS. Periodic elections are concentrated on the development agendas and
related with the formation of government.
Referendum
It is an election to be held for national issue. In the referendum, a matter of national
importance is decided by the vote of whole population. It is occasionally held. It was once
held in the political history of Nepal on 20th Baishakh, 2037 BS on the issue of ‘Reformed
Panchayat System’ or ‘Multiparty Democracy’.
Election of Constituent Assembly
It is an election to be held for electing the representatives for Constituent Assembly. It
is occasionally held, generally after the change in political system. Its main issue is the
formulation of Constitution. Election of Constituent Assembly was held on 28th Chaitra,
2064 BS and 4th Mangsir, 2070 BS for drafting new constitution.
Election Threshold
Election threshold is the minimum share of vote that a political party requires to obtain in
the general election for the representation in the parliament. Nepal has also provisioned
a threshold of 3% votes under the election of proportional electoral system and at least 1
seat under the election of FPTP electoral system to secure the status of a national political
party.
Civic Awareness 157
Activities
1. Study the qualifications mentioned below which is required to be the member of
Provincial Assembly and Rural Municipal/Municipal Assembly? Discuss in the class.
A person who has the following qualification is qualified to become a member of the Provincial Assembly:
a. Being a citizen of Nepal, b. Being a voter of the concerned province,
c. Having completed the age of 25 years,
d. Not having been convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude,
e. Not being disqualified by any law, and f. Not holding any office of profit.
A person who has the following qualification is qualified to become a candidate for the office of the Member
of the Rural Municipal/Municipal Assembly:
a. Being a citizen of Nepal, b. Having completed the age of 21 years,
c. Being his or her name included in the electoral rolls of the Rural Municipality/Municipality, and
d. Not being disqualified by any law.
2. Collect the sample ballot papers and prepare its model. Prepare a stamp and practice
to stamp on the model ballot paper.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. What is an election? Why is it important?
2. What is meant by electoral system? Give short introduction of the electoral systems
being practiced in Nepal at present.
3. Write short introduction to the following:
a. Electoral roll b. Election code of conduct
c. Polling station d. Voter identity card
4. What are the qualifications required to be the member of Federal Parliament?
5. Mention the functions of Polling Officer.
6. Read the given news published in a daily newspaper and answer the question below:
28th Mangsir, 7.37% votes have become invalid in the election of House of Representatives and Province Assembly.
Likewise 11,333 votes have become invalid in both FPTP and Proportional electoral system in another district.
Write clearly any two causes why votes in most election of Nepal become invalid and
also mention any two measures to solve this problem.
Long answer questions:
1. What are the bodies to conduct election in Nepal? Write short description of each.
2. The use of Electronic Voting Machines instead of stamping on ballot paper has been
started in Nepal as well. What easyness and difficulty may it bring? Write.
3. Some of the countries in the world have made the provision of rejection of vote in
these days. It is also known as “None of the above-(NOTA)”. Is it appropriate in our
context? Why? Prepare an article including the positive and negative aspects of this
system.
Community Work
Visit the office of Rural Municipality/Municipality and collect the information regarding
the update of electoral roll, then prepare a report on the basis of your findings.
158 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
8LESSON Role of Citizens in the Election
Introduction
A periodical election provides an opportunity to people for electing representatives as per
their choice in different times. People can choose their preferred candidate or party in the
election to form their government. A fair, independent and impartial election can help in
the resolution of national problems. The citizens have to play important role to make the
election successful, respectable and disciplined. They should play various roles before,
during and after the election. The role of citizens in the election is presented as follows:
Role of citizens
Before Election
Verify the electoral roll and make sure that the name of family members who have
attained 18 years of age is included in the electoral roll,
Help the Election Commission to update and revise the electoral roll if found any
error in personal details,
Encourage and help the neighbors and relatives to verify and update the electoral roll,
Civic Awareness 159
Encourage the voters in the family and neighborhood to participate in the election for
casting their votes,
Study the manifesto of different political parties and discuss with the voters to elect
the best candidate,
Learn and teach other people about the technique of casting vote so that it would not
be invalid, and
Counsel the voters that they should not fall in greed and threat.
During Election
Carry the voter identity card and remind others to do so,
Stand in queue to cast the vote in disciplined manner,
Cast the vote regardless of nepotism and favoritism,
Help the aged, differently able and needy ones to cast the vote,
Raise the voice if there is any irregularity or violation of election code of conduct, and
Support the electoral officials to conduct election in peaceful environment.
After Election
Wait for the result patiently,
Congratulate and suggest the winner candidate to carry out the works in favor of
people and the country, and
Carry out the cleanup campaign in and around the polling station, or booths.
Role of students in the election
Provide correct information and help the election commission to update the electoral
roll,
Encourage people to cast vote for electing the best candidate or party,
Teach people about proper stamping on ballot paper,
Help to maintain peaceful environment in the polling station, and
Support aged and physically challenged people to cast their votes in the polling
station.
160 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Activities
1. Conduct an election of a monitor in your class as per the election process you learned
in the lesson.
2. Discuss about the criteria required for the voters in the election.
3. What is a proxy vote? What should be done to check the proxy vote? Discuss in the
class.
4. Present a street drama acting the role of citizens to be played in the election.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. Prepare a dialogue between two friends on the role of a responsible citizen in the
election.
2. “A good citizen must participate in an election.” Prepare a speech on it.
3. What suggestions would you give to your guardians and neighbours to cast their
vote?
4. How do you convince your family members who don’t wish to vote in the election?
Long answer question:
What roles would you play as a conscious citizen to complete an election in fair and
fearless environment? Mention your roles to be played before, during and after election.
Community Work
Meet your seniors who have participated in the election activities during the local election
in or around your community and ask what activities they carried out in that election.
Note down their response and present in the class.
Civic Awareness 161
9LESSON Human Rights and National and
International Agencies
Introduction to Rights
Everyone needs an appropriate condition in life for the development of personality. Such
appropriate conditions which the people claim and every civilized society recognizes as
essential claims are called rights. Only when the people get and enjoy rights, they can
develop their personalities and contribute their best services to the society. The rights are
enforced and protected by the laws of the state. It is the duty of a state to protect the rights
of people.
Introduction to Human Rights
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings. UNHRC
We all are equally entitled to our human rights without
discrimination. Universal human rights are often expressed
and guaranteed by law. According to the international
human rights law, it is the responsibility of the government
to promote and protect human rights and fundamental
freedoms of people.
After the end of World War II, the international community Logo of United Nations Human
Rights Council (UNHRC)
promised never to allow violent incidents again. World
leaders decided to guarantee the rights of
every individual everywhere. Thus the UN
General Assembly adopted The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights on 10th
December, 1948 AD. Eleanor Roosevelt,
the wife of then US President Franklin D.
Roosevelt was the first person to initiate
the concept of human rights. She was the
Chairperson of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights drafting Committee as well.
So she is recognized as the driving force President Franklin D. Roosevelt & Eleanor Roosevelt
for the approval and issue of first Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the UN
General Assembly. There are 30 articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
162 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
An outline of the 30 articles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
1. Right to Equality: Everyone is free and we should all be treated in the same way.
2. Freedom from Discrimination: Everyone is equal despite differences in skin
colour, sex, disability, religion, language for example.
3. Right to Life, Liberty, And Personal Security: Everyone has the right to life and to
live in freedom and safety.
4. Freedom from Slavery: No one has the right to treat you as a slave nor you should
make anyone your slave.
5. Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment: No one has the right to hurt you
or to torture you.
6. Right to Recognition as a Person before the Law: Everyone has the right to be
treated equally by the law.
7. Right to Equality before the Law: The law is the same for everyone, it should be
applied in the same way to all.
8. Right to Remedy by Competent Tribunal: Everyone has the right to ask for legal
help when their rights are not respected.
9. Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest and Exile: No one has the right to imprison you
unjustly or expel you from your own country.
10. Right to Fair Public Hearing: Everyone has the right to a fair and public trial.
11. Right to be Considered Innocent until Proven Guilty: Everyone should be
considered innocent until guilt is proved.
12. Freedom from Interference with Privacy, Family, Home and Correspondence:
Everyone has the right to ask for help if someone tries to harm you, but no one can
enter your home, open your letters or bother you or your family without a good reason.
13. Right to Free Movement in and out of the Country: Everyone has the right to
travel as they wish.
14. Right to Asylum in other Countries from Persecution: Everyone has the right to go
to another country and ask for protection if they are being persecuted or are in danger
of being persecuted.
15. Right to Nationality and the Freedom to Change It: Everyone has the right to
belong to a country. No one has the right to prevent you from belonging to another
country if you wish to.
16. Right to Marriage and Family: Everyone has the right to marry and have a family.
17. Right to Own Property: Everyone has the right to own property and possessions.
18. Freedom of Belief and Religion: Everyone has the right to practice and observe all
aspects of their own religion and change their religion if they want.
Civic Awareness 163
19. Freedom of Opinion and Information: Everyone has the right to say what they
think and to give and receive information.
20. Right of Peaceful Assembly and Association: Everyone has the right to take part in
meetings and to join associations in a peaceful way.
21. Right to Participate in Government and in Free Elections: Everyone has the right
to help, choose and take part in the government of their country.
22. Right to Social Security: Everyone has the right to social security and opportunities
to develop their skills.
23. Right to Desirable Work and to Join Trade Unions: Everyone has the right to work
for a fair wage in a safe environment and to join a trade union.
24. Right to Rest and Leisure: Everyone has the right to rest and leisure.
25. Right to Adequate Living Standard: Everyone has the right to an adequate standard
of living and medical help if they are ill.
26. Right to Education: Everyone has the right to go to school.
27. Right to Participate in the Cultural Life of Community: Everyone has the right to
share in their community’s cultural life.
28. Right to a Social Order that Articulates this Document: Everyone must respect the
‘social order’ that is necessary for all these rights to be available.
29. Community Duties Essential to Free and Full Development: Everyone must
respect the rights of others, the community and public property.
30. Freedom from State or Personal Interference in the above Rights: No one has the
right to take away any of the rights in this declaration.
Introduction to Fundamental Rights
Fundamental rights are the basic rights to be acquired by an individual to live with dignity,
respect and as a citizen of the country. As the fundamental rights are guaranteed by the
constitution, they are effective only within the country. It is also called civic rights, basic
rights or constitutional rights.
Difference between Human Rights and Fundamental Rights
Human Rights Fundamental Rights
Human right is a widespread expression. Fundamental right is limited expression.
It comes under the international law. It comes under the national law.
It is similar in all the countries. It can differ from country to country.
International laws make the human rights Constitution of the country makes the
monitoring mechanism. provision of protection and promotion of
fundamental rights.
164 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Role of National and International Agencies for the Protection and
Promotion of Human Rights
Various national and international agencies concerned with human rights are working
effectively in Nepal. These authorities are working in the fields like warning against the
violation of human rights, publicity of the values and norm of human rights, and growth of
public awareness regarding human rights, etc. Role of national and international agencies
in protection of human rights are presented below:
1. National Human Rights Commission
It is a constitutional organ of Nepal. It was
established in 2057 BS. It is constituted with a
Chairperson and four other members appointed
by the President on the recommendation of
Constitutional Council for a term of six years. It
has been working for the protection and promotion
of human rights in the country. “Dignity, Equality
and Justice for all” is the main motto of this agency.
2. Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) Logo of National Human Rights Commission
It has been working in the sector of human
rights and fundamental rights since 1988 AD. It
was started with the objective of protecting the
rights of people engaged in informal sectors. It
has significantly contributed in protecting and
promoting the fundamental rights of people in
almost all sectors. It has been publishing the
Human Rights Year Book every year.
3. Amnesty International
It is an international agency involved in the sector Logo of INSEC
of human rights. It was established in 1961 AD
in London with the objectives to conduct research
and generate action to prevent and end grave
abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for
those whose rights have been violated. It works
to mobilize public opinion to put pressure on
governments that allows abuse during their tenure.
This organization was awarded with Nobel Peace Logo of Amnesty International
Prize in 1977 AD and the United Nations Prize in
the Field of Human Rights in 1978 AD for its “campaign against torture”.
Civic Awareness 165
Activities
1. Prepare a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt collecting the information from different
sources.
2. What is mentioned in the article 1 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
3. Make a list of the outline of human rights and present in the class.
4. Collect the news articles and editorials published in the newspapers regarding the
protection of human rights and paste on the bulletin board.
5. Draw a logo of Amnesty International and clarify its inherent meaning.
6. Prepare a list of the organizations working in the field of human rights in your
community and note down their best works. Present your work in the class.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. Give a short introduction to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
2. Differentiate between human rights and fundamental rights in four points.
3. Prepare a model of speech on “Right to personal freedom and self defence to every
one is the foundation of human rights”.
4. How is National Human Rights Commission constituted? What is its role in the
protection of human rights?
5. “Fundamental rights are the human rights guaranteed by the state to its citizens.”
Present your logics on it.
6. Mention the contribution of Eleanor Roosevelt in the declaration of human rights.
7. How do you honour the individual or authority working to protect and promote the
human rights?
8. How does the freedom to assemble peacefully guarantee the acquisition of human
rights? Introduce your logics.
Long answer question:
Various national and international authorities concerned with human rights are working
in Nepal for the protection of human rights. Give short introduction and role of the
following agencies in the protection of human rights:
a. National Human Rights Commission
b. Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC)
c. Amnesty International
Community Work
Collect the activities performed by different clubs for the promotion of human rights in
your community and prepare a report. Then present it in the class.
166 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
10LESSON Rights of Women and Indigenous
Nationalities
Introduction
All the people are equal in democratic system. Every citizen has the right to participate
in the governing system. State has to bring every community, sex, caste, religion and
class into the mainstream of development without any discrimination on the basis of the
principle of inclusion. The Constitution of Nepal and other prevailing laws have established
rights to the people of every sector and class. Here, we will discuss about the rights of
women and indigenous nationalities.
Rights of Women
Women are not less capable than men. Their contribution in the development cannot
be underestimated. They have been playing significant roles in development since
the very beginning. For further betterment, women empowerment is a must. Women
empowerment is possible only if their rights are ensured. Women have occupied more
than half population of the country. The presence and participation of women in the
development may double the pace of development.
Provisions made in the constitution, laws and policy making level to
establish the rights of women:
a. Provision of acquiring citizenship certificate in the name of mother,
b. End of gender discrimination,
c. Equal parental rights to women without gender discrimination,
d. Equal rights of couple in the affairs of property and family,
e. Formation of equitable society on the basis of proportional, inclusive and participatory
principle,
f. Formation of National Women Commission,
g. Guarantee of social justice so that socially backward women also can participate in all
state structures and bodies on the basis of inclusive principle,
h. No physical, mental, sexual or psychological violence against women, or any kind
of oppression based on religious, social and cultural tradition and other practices and
such an act is punishable and the victim has the right to compensation,
i. No discrimination in the use of law on any ground of origin, religion, color, caste, sex,
disability or any other,
j. Participation of women in all state structures and bodies on the basis of proportional
inclusive principle,
k. Political objective of the state to assure the fundamental rights, gender equality and
values, norms of human rights,
l. Provision of rights to women for safe motherhood and reproductive health,
Civic Awareness 167
m. Provision of special opportunity for women in education, health, employment and
social security on the basis of positive discrimination,
n. Right to social security for economically weak, disabled, helpless and single women
as well, and
o. Special provision as provided by the law for the protection, empowerment and
development of socially or culturally backward women and disable citizens.
Rights of Indigenous Nationalities
Nepal is a multiethnic and
multilingual country. There are 125
castes of people living in the country.
According to ‘National Foundation
for Development of Indigenous
Nationalities Act, 2058 (2002 AD)’,
‘Indigenous Nationalities’ means a
tribe or community having its own
mother tongue and traditional rites
and customs, distinct cultural identity, distinct social structure and written or unwritten
history. This act has listed 59 castes of people as indigenous nationalities in its schedule.
It is for social, economic and cultural development and upliftment of various indigenous
nationalities of Nepal and for their equal participation in the mainstream of national
development. As they are behind in the development and human development, it has been
aimed to establish access to education, communication, health and resource for them. The
main issue concerned to indigenous nationalities is right to get basic education in their
own mother tongue.
Rights to be acquired by the Indigenous Nationalities
a. Right to free and compulsory basic education,
b. Right to education in child friendly environment in school,
c. Right to preserve and promote their language, script and civilization,
d. Right to easy access to natural resources and means of their location,
e. Right to basic education in their own mother tongue,
f. Right to special privilege for higher studies,
g. Right to special facility for housing, employment and service and facilities to be
provided by the state, and
h. Right to respectful presence in the various state bodies and inclusive representation.
Efforts made by the state to establish the rights of Indigenous Nationalities
a. Establishment of Indigenous Nationalities Commission,
b. Provision of getting basic education in mother tongue,
c. Provision of scholarship,
d. Management of curriculum, text books, teaching and learning materials and teachers
to provide education in mother tongue, and
e. The state has taken the principle of participation for equal access and opportunity in
various state bodies.
168 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Activities
1. Inquire whether the indigenous nationalities living in your community are enjoying
the rights mentioned in the lesson or not and present the findings in the class.
2. Make a list of the indigenous nationalities living in your community and find whether
they are using their mother tongue or not. Then present the finding in the class.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. Discuss about the measures for women empowerment.
2. “Rights of women cannot be established without promoting the social status of
women.” Present your logic on this statement.
3. What is meant by the rights of indigenous nationalities? Mention rights to be
acquired by the indigenous nationalities.
4. “It is the right of indigenous nationalities to get basic education in mother tongue.”
Present your opinion to support this statement.
Long answer questions:
1. What is meant by the rights of women? Mention the provisions made in the
constitution, laws and policy making level to establish the rights of women.
2. Who are Indigenous Nationalities? Mention the efforts made by the state to establish
the rights of indigenous nationalities.
3. Constitution of Nepal has guaranteed Fundamental Rights and other constitutional
provisions to empower or develop women. How far have those Rights and
constitutional provisions implemented effectively? Present yours evaluation in
points.
Community Work
Collect the information about the indigenous nationalities living in your community.
Prepare a report including their language, culture and rites. Then present in the class.
Civic Awareness 169
LESSON
11 Citizen Identity and Citizenship
Introduction to Citizen, Citizenship and Nationality
Somebody, who is a legal resident of state, is called a citizen. A citizen can enjoy the rights
granted by the state and fulfill the duty towards the state as well. The legal status of being
a citizen of a country is called citizenship. The citizenship is the evidence of identity of a
citizen given by the state. This is the lawful base of identity. Citizenship can be acquired
by two bases: on the basis of descent or blood relation and on the basis of birth or land.
Citizenship is different than nationality. The status of belonging to a particular nation by
origin, birth, or naturalization is called nationality. The relationship with citizenship can
be broken but the relationship with nationality cannot be broken.
Difference between Nationality and Citizenship
Nationality Citizenship
It is emotional relationship with the state. It is legal relationship with the state.
It is permanent in nature and cannot be quitted. It is temporary in nature and can be quitted.
It adopts the collective concept. It adopts the individual concept.
It remains even residing in foreign country. It can be acquired by residing in the state.
It is a widespread concept. It is a limited concept.
Concept of Citizenship
There are various concepts regarding the citizenship. It depends on the policy determined
by the state. Citizenship by birth denotes the acquisition of citizenship based on the
geography where one has been born. Similarly, the citizenship by descent denotes the
acquisition of citizenship based on the ancestral background. Some countries make the
provision even of dual citizenship and some countries grant honorary citizenship to the
renowned citizen of other country. The state of being without citizenship is also another
concept regarding the citizenship. In some places, the identity is also given as second class
citizen. In such condition, an individual may be deprived from the rights, services and
facilities provided by the state.
Constitutional provisions regarding Citizenship
The Constitution of Nepal has made the provision of single federal citizenship with
provincial identity. No citizen of Nepal may be deprived of the right to obtain citizenship.
The persons who have obtained the citizenship of Nepal at the time of commencement of
this Constitution and who are qualified to obtain citizenship shall be the citizens of Nepal.
Whenever any territory is acquired by way of merger into Nepal, a person having his/her
domicile in such territory shall become a citizen of Nepal.
A person who obtains the citizenship of Nepal by descent may obtain a certificate of
citizenship of Nepal with gender identity by the name of his/her mother or father.
According to the Constitution of Nepal, citizenship can be obtained on the following bases:
170 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
1. Citizenship by Descent SAMPLE
The following person who has his/her permanent
domicile in Nepal at the time of commencement of this Front side of Citizenship Certificate
constitution shall be the citizen of Nepal by descent:
a. A person whose father or mother was a citizen of SAMPLE
Nepal at his/her birth,
b. A child of a citizen having obtained the citizenship
of Nepal by birth prior to the commencement of this
constitution shall, upon attaining majority, acquire
the citizenship of Nepal by descent if the child’s
father and mother both are citizens of Nepal.
c. Every minor who is found within Nepal and the
whereabouts of whose father and mother are not
known shall, until the father or the mother of the
child is traced, be a citizen of Nepal by descent.
d. A person who is born in Nepal from a woman who
is a citizen of Nepal and has resided in Nepal and
whose father is not traced shall be provided with
the citizenship of Nepal by descent.
2. Naturalized Citizenship Back side of Citizenship Certificate
According to the Constitution of Nepal, the following are the bases to acquire the
Naturalized Citizenship of Nepal:
a. A person who is born in Nepal from a woman who is a citizen of Nepal and has
resided in Nepal and whose father is not traced shall be provided with the citizenship
of Nepal by descent. Provided that in case his or her father is found to be a foreign
citizen, the citizenship of such person shall be converted into naturalized citizenship.
b. A foreign woman who has a matrimonial relationship with a citizen of Nepal, if she
so wishes, acquire the naturalized citizenship of Nepal.
c. In the case of a person born from a woman who is a citizen of Nepal and married to a
foreign citizen, the person may acquire the naturalized citizenship of Nepal if he/she
has permanently resided in Nepal and has not acquired the citizenship of a foreign
country.
3. Honorary Citizenship
According to the Constitution of Nepal, the Government of Nepal may grant the honorary
citizenship of Nepal to any foreigner who has contributed to enhance the benefit, pride
and prestige of Nepal. The honorary citizenship has been granted to Dr. Toni Hagen of
Switzerland, Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, Collin Philip Smith (Putali Baj) of
United Kingdom, etc.
4. Non-Resident Nepalese Citizenship
The non-residential citizenship of Nepal may be granted to a person who has acquired
the citizenship of a foreign country, has resided in a country other than a member state
of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and who or whose father or
mother, grandfather or grandmother was previously a citizen of Nepal by decent or birth
but subsequently acquired the citizenship of the foreign country. Such person may enjoy
economic, social and cultural rights.
Civic Awareness 171
Activity
A citizen of Nepal, who has completed the age of 16 years and intends to obtain the
certificate of citizenship of Nepal by descent, has to make an application and accompanied
by the follwowwwwwwi.l.nlaawgwccodommommciisussimioonne.g.gonovvt.n.snp,pto the concerned Chief District Officer:
a. The certificate of citizenship of Nepal of his/her father or mother or relative within
twhwrewe.lagweconmemraistsiioonn.gsovo.nfphis/her lineage,
b. A recommendation made cbeyrttihfieca■■■ctoenocfebrinrethd Local Body setting out his/her birth
place and relationship or a registration.
Suppose you aregoingtoobtainthe■cer tificateofcitizenshipofNepa l, fill the required
itnhfeonrmpraetsioenntininththeefoclllaosws.ingformatsofapplicationandcertificateofcitizens hip of Nepal,
FFuul llNNaammee((iinn bblloocckk))::.......... ........................
SSeexx::.................
FullName(inblock):.................................
PSelaxc:e...PPVWo.WPPV.elfD.leaaDr.aarc.BmrC.cmrdCe.dei./ara/.oMNn.oMtNn.fheo.fue.onBu.nBn(t.nii.ti.irnAic.rAtc.ith.dbiph.dp.dla(.dao(.ilr.inlriec.nite.stykb.syb/)ls/:Slo.:So.Duc.Duc.kbi.kbis.)/.s)/M.t.M.tr..ri..eic..ec..tt..trt...r.o...o...p...p...o...o...l...li...i.s...s.......................................
Perm anentAddress:District............... ........
VDC/DMDauatteneiocofifpBBailirirttthyh/((ASAuDDb)/):M:....e..t.r..o..p..o.yyleieasar.r............................
Ward MNMooon.n.t.th.h..................................D.Daayy
MDaotnetho.f..B...i.r.t.h....(.A...D..)..:......D...a..y.....year...............
172 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
■■■
www.lawcommission.gov.np
■
Government of Nepal has issued the Citizenship Certificate with following details:
Citizenship Certificate No.
Full Name (in block): Sex:
Date of Birth (AD): Year Month Day
Place of Birth (in block):
Permanent Address (in block): District
VDC/Municipality/Sub/Metropolis: Ward No:
×
Government of Nepal has issued the Citizenship Certificate with following details:
Citizenship Certificate No.
■
Full Name (in block): Sex:
Date of Birth (AD): Year Month Day www.lawcommission.gov.np
Place of Birth (in block):
ExercisePermanent Address (in block): District
VDC/Municipality/Sub/Metropolis: Ward No:
S hort answer questions:
1. Prepare a speech for an oratorypro gram on the topic “Citizenship is the basis to give
an identity to the citizen”.
2 . Differentiate between Nationality and Citizenship.
3 . What is the difference between the Citizenship by Descent and Naturalized
Citizenship?
■ 4. Who are granted an Honorary Citizenship? Write the provisions with examples.
5. The person who acquires the Non-Resident Nepalese Citizenship cannot enjoy all the
rights.www.lawcommission.gov.np
Should be limited within the rights given to them? Present your logic.
they
Long answer question:
What is Citizenship? Explain the various bases to obtain citizenship certificate according
to the Constitution of Nepal.
Community Work
Collect the news published in newspaper regarding the Citizen and Citizenship. Also
collect the opinion of the people living in your community on this matter and prepare a
report including your conclusion. Present your work in the class.
Civic Awareness 173
UNIT
6 OUR EARTH
Learning achievements
Discuss the factors affecting climate of the world, types of climate, vegetation and
animals in the world, and the effects of climate and topographic diversity on lifestyle,
Explain the geographical and natural environment and economic activities and
social life of North America, South America and Africa Continent and compare
with Nepal,
Give introduction of Earthquake and Tsunami, their causes, effects and adopt
safety measures,
Use maps and be familiar with its modern and practical technology, and
Draw map of Nepal and insert the major facts in the map of Nepal and the world.
Subject matters
Climates of the World
Tropical Zone
Temperate Zone
Frigid Zone
Alpine Climate or High Mountainous Climate
Climate, Vegetation and Animals in the World
Effects of Climate and Topographic Diversity on Lifestyle
North America: Geographical and Natural Environment
North America: Economic Activities and Social Life
South America: Geographical and Natural Environment
South America: Economic Activities and Social Life
Africa: Geographical and Natural Environment
Africa: Economic Activities and Social Life
North America, South America, Africa and Nepal
Natural Disasters: Earthquake and Tsunami
Globe, Map and Map Technology
174 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
1LESSON Climates of the World
Weather and Climate
The state of atmosphere at a given place and time with regard to temperature, cloudiness,
rainfall, wind and other meteorological conditions is called weather. Cloudy, rainy,
windy, sunny, etc are the examples of weather condition. Climate is the average weather
conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period. From the climate, we can
know the condition of the temperature, rainfall, wind and pressure of a particular place
in various seasons. Weather describes the short-term state of the atmosphere whereas the
climate describes the average pattern of weather for a particular region.
Factors Affecting Climate
Climate is not same all over the world. We experience different climates like hot, warm,
humid, dry, etc in different places or regions. There are some factors affecting climate
that cause the difference in climate. A short description of the factors has been presented
below:
Ocean
current
Soil Altitude
Latitude Factors Distance
affecting the from sea
climate
Presence of Nature of
Mountain wind
Natural Slope of
Vegetation land
Our Earth 175
1. Latitude d Oblique at 66 1 o N
Due to the latitudinal extension or 2
distance from the equator, the climate
differs in different places. The places NP c
nearer to the equator or with lower b
latitude experiences hot climate whereas 661 2o SUN’S RAYS
the places farther from the equator or with a Perpendicular at 2312oS
higher latitude experiences cold climate. N
It is because the sun rays fall straight to
the equatorial region but slanting towards 231 2o
the polar region. The straight sun rays
cause more heat than slanting sun rays N
because the straight sun rays concentrate
at a place but the slanting rays scatter in 0o
a large area and have to travel through
the thick atmosphere. Thus, it is hot in 231 2o SP
equatorial region and cold in polar region. S ATMOSPHERE
For example: it is hotter in Sri Lanka than
Nepal because Sri Lanka lies closer to Perpendicular
equator than Nepal. Rays
Oblique A1 Sq. m.
B Rays
1 Sq. m.
2. Altitude
C
It is hot at lower altitude and cold at
higher altitude. At lower altitude, density AB
of atmosphere is thicker as it contains
more amounts of dust particles and Meters 0C
water vapour but at higher altitude, it is 8250 -290
thinner and it contains fewer amounts 6600 -190
of dust particles and water vapour. 4950 -90
The thicker atmosphere absorbs more 3300 10
heat than thinner atmosphere. In each 1650 110
165 m altitude, temperature reduces by 210
1° Celsius. Because of this reason, it is 0 Sea Level
hotter in Nepalgunj than Jumla.
Effect of Altitude on Temperature
3. Distance from the sea Air cools Air cools
Rising warm air Rising warm air
The nature of land and sea is just
opposite. The land heats and cools Descending Descending
down faster than sea, and sea takes cool air
more time to heat and cool down than cool air High
land. During summer, it is hot on land Pressure Low
but the sea is still cold. Similarly, Pressure Cool sea-breeze
during winter, it is cold on land but landC-oborel eze
High
PreLsoswure Pressure
Land Breeze Sea Breeze
176 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
the sea is still hot. Due to such phenomenon, places nearer to sea experience mild climate,
means neither too hot nor too cold but places farther from the sea experience extreme
climate, means hot in summer and cold in winter. For example: Mumbai experiences mild
climate because there is influence of sea but Banaras experiences extreme climate because
there is no influence of sea.
4. Slope of land
Windward is the place facing
wind and leeward is the place Leeward side Wind
away from wind. Windward of mountain direction
slope receives more rainfall than
leeward slope. Likewise, if the Mountain
slope is towards the equator, range
it is warmer but if the slope is
Ocean
towards the poles it is cooler. Effect of Slope
The climate of windward slope
is humid whereas the climate of leeward slope is dry. Nepal’s climate is humid as it lies
on windward slope of the Himalayas but climate of Tibet is dry as it lies on leeward slope
of the Himalayas. Being situated on leeward slope, Manang and Mustang remain dry and
cold throughout the year. Rain-bearing cloud enters Nepal through South-East direction
which is obstructed by the Himalayas resulting relatively less rainfall in the Northern
slope of Himalayas. So, it is also known as rain-shadow area.
5. Presence of mountain
It also affects the climate very much. The mountain blocks the wind and causes difference
in climate from one side to another. If the mountain blocks the rain bearing wind, the
other side of the mountain remains dry. It is because of the presence of Himalayas, the air
containing water vapour coming from Bay of Bengal cannot reach to Tibet. So, Tibetan
region is dry. Northern part of Himalayas of Nepal also remains dry.
6. Nature of wind CHINA CHINA
The wind blowing from the sea INDIA INDIA
contains water vapour. It causes
enough rainfall and makes the INDIAN OCEAN INDIAN OCEAN
climate mild. But the wind
blowing from land is dry. It Summer Winter
causes less rainfall and makes
the climate extreme. Likewise, Summer monsoon and Winter monsoon
the wind blowing from tropical
zone increases hotness and
Our Earth 177
blowing from polar zone increases coldness. Summer monsoon blowing from sea to land
causes enough rainfall in Nepal during summer but the winter monsoon blowing from land
is dry and causes dryness in Nepal during winter.
7. Ocean current
Ocean current affects the climate of the coastal region. If Warm Ocean current passes
through it, it makes the climate warm and if Cold Ocean current passes through it, it causes
cold climate in coastal region. Warm Ocean current leads to rainfall as it contains water
vapour but Cold Ocean current leads dryness in coastal region. There is warm and wet
climate in the eastern coastal region of the US because the Warm Ocean current passes
through it. Likewise, the western coastal region of the US experiences dry and cold climate
because the Cold Ocean current passes through it.
60° E. GreNenolrawnedgian N
Alaska Labrador Oyashio
30° N. Pacific N. Atlantic Agulhas N. Equatorial N. Pacific
0° Gulf Stream Drift Kuroshio
California Equatorial Counter
Canary N. Equatorial
North Equatorial South
Equatorial N. Equatorial Equatorial E. Australia
Counter
Equatorial W. Australia
South Equatorial Counter
Mozambique
S. Equatorial South Indian
Antarctic Circumpolar
30° Peru Brazil Benguela
60° South Pacific South Atlantic
Antarctic Circumpolar Antarctic Subpolare
Warm Current Antarctic Subpolar
Cold Current
Ocean current
8. Vegetation
Though the vegetation is the product of the climate, later on it affects the local climate.
The places with vegetation and forest are relatively wet and cold but the places with no
vegetation have dry climate.
9. Soil
The quality of soil also affects the climate. There is dry and extreme climate in area of
rock and sand. The areas with alluvial soil are not that much dry and extreme. On the other
hand, the area with black soil is warm and with white soil is cold.
Climatic Zones
A large region having almost similar type of climatic condition, natural vegetation and
human activities is known as climatic zone. On the basis of latitudinal extension, heat
178 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
obtained from the sun and air pressure, Heat Zones of the World
the surface of the earth is divided
into three climatic zones on the both 90° N
hemispheres of the earth.
Frigid Zone Tundra or Polar
Types of Climate Climate
Various types of climates are found in 70° N
the different parts of the world. There
are altogether 13 types of climates found Cold Temperate Climate
in the world. Twelve of them are based or Coniferous Climate
on the latitudinal extension and one is
based on altitude. They are as presented Temperate Zone Cool Temperate 60° N
below: Temperate Grassland
St.
In Tropical Zone Oceanic Lawrence or
Climate Manchurian
1. Equatorial Climate
2. Tropical Grassland Climate or Sudan Climate
Climate 45° N
3. Tropical Desert Climate
4. Tropical Monsoon Climate Mediterranean Temperate China
Climate Desert Climate Type of
In Temperate Zone Climate
5. Mediterranean Climate 30° N
6. Temperate Desert Climate
7. China Type of Climate Tropical Zone Tropical Desert Climate Tropical
8. Cool Temperate Oceanic Climate Tropical Grassland Climate Monsoon 20° N
9. Temperate Grassland Climate Climate
10. St. Lawrence or Manchurian Climate
Equatorial Climate 5° N
In Frigid Zone 0° N
11. Cold Temperate Climate or Coniferous Chart showing climates
Climate
12. Tundra Climate or Polar Climate
In High Mountain
13. Alpine Climate or High Mountainous Climate
The above chart clarifies the direction, area and extension of the climates in northern
hemisphere of the earth.
Climatic Region
A region which has roughly the same climate throughout the year is called climatic region.
For example; the region where equatorial climate is found is called equatorial climatic
region.
Our Earth 179
Activities
1. Prepare a chart showing the latitudinal extension of climate on the earth surface and
paste on the wall of your class.
2. Note down the characteristics of the climate found in your area.
3. Climatic zones are determined on the basis of latitudinal extension. Draw a figure
and show the climatic zones of the earth.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. How does distance from sea affect on climate of Nepal? Write with examples.
2. “There is wet climate on the windward slope.” Justify the statement with example.
3. Do you agree that the soil affects the climate? Present your logics.
4. Give geographical reasons for the following statements:
a. It is hotter in Sri Lanka than Nepal.
b. It is colder in Jumla than Nepalgunj.
c. Mumbai experiences mild climate while Banaras experiences extreme climate.
d. Manang and Mustang remain dry and cold throughout the year.
5. Define the following terms:
a. Climate
b. Climatic region
c. Climatic zones
d. Rain-shadow area
6. Explain any four factors affecting the climate.
Community Work
Discuss with the people who have experienced the climate of the bottom and top of the
mountain. Find the difference between the climate found at the bottom and top of the
mountain.
180 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
2LESSON Tropical Zone
Tropical zone lies between 0° to 30° latitudes in both hemisphere of the earth. As this zone
receives direct sun rays, it has hot climate. Amount of rainfall differs according to the
place and time. On the basis of temperature, air pressure and amount of rainfall, there are
four climates in this climatic zone. They are:
1. Equatorial Climate
2. Tropical Grassland Climate or Sudan type of Climate
3. Tropical Desert Climate
4. Tropical Monsoon Climate
1. Equatorial Climate N
a. Climatic Region: It extends from Tropic of Cancer
0° to 5° latitudes in both hemispheres.
It is found in Amazon basin, Congo Equator
basin and South East Asian Islands.
As Amazon basin is the main region Tropic of Capricorn
of this climate, it is also called
Amazon Type of Climate. Equatorial Climatic Region
b. Climatic Characteristics: It is hot throughout the year as the sun rays fall straight here.
Convectional rainfall with thunder and lightning takes place every day. There is no change
in season. The time of day and night is equal. There is hot, wet and humid climate all over
the year.
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals:
This region is appropriate for crops and
forests because of enough rainfall and wet
climate. Dense evergreen forest is found
here in which various types of large and
tall trees and creepers are found in huge
amount. The dense evergreen forest in
Amazon basin is called Selvas. The trees
are tall, broad-leaved and evergreen.
About 90% of the animal species found
in the world is found in the equatorial Rain Forest
forests. Many reptiles and amphibians
and animals like snakes, lizards, different kind of frogs, chimpanzee, leopard, gorilla,
crocodiles and hippopotamus are found here.
Our Earth 181
d. Economic Activities: The major occupation of the people in this region is agriculture.
Major agricultural productions are paddy, coconut, sugarcane, maize, coffee, tea, spices,
cocoa, banana, tobacco, etc. The inhabitants of forest live on hunting wild animals,
collecting wild fruits and edible roots and medicinal herbs, fishing, cutting trees, etc.
Wood, medicinal herbs, bones and skins of animals are the major forest products.
e. Effect on lifestyle: The lifestyle of the Pygmies Hut
people in equatorial climatic region is
primitive and very difficult due to the hot and
wet climate. Red Indians of Amazon basin
and Pygmies of Congo (Zaire) basin are the
indigenous nomadic tribes of this climatic
region. As industry and commerce are not
well developed here, the people earn their
living from hunting and gathering, animal
husbandry and temporary farming. Though
the climate is suitable for agriculture, it is
not appropriate for human settlement. But
in the South East Asia, people have made
advancement due to influence of European
contact and civilization. Indonesia, Malaysia
and Singapore are its examples. The
population density is also high there. The
people are involved in trade, industries,
tourism, etc.
2. Tropical Grassland Climate Pygmies
a. Climatic Region: Tropical
grassland climate is found
between 5° to 20° latitudes in N
the inner part of the continents.
Sudan, South African plateau, Tropic of Cancer
Brazilian plateau, Orinoco basin, Equator
inner part of northern Australia,
Deccan and Shan plateau are the Tropic of Capricorn
main regions of this climate. As
the main region of this climate is Tropical Grassland Climatic Region
Sudan of Africa, it is also called
Sudan type of Climate and Savanna Grassland.
b. Climatic Characteristics: Summer is very hot and winter is warm and often dry in this
region. Trade wind causes rainfall during summer ranging 50 to 150 cm. As this climatic
region is between the equatorial region and tropical desert region, the rainfall is more
towards the equatorial region and less towards the tropical desert region.
182 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals: Rainfall Savanna Grassland
is not enough to grow a dense forest. So, only
the long grasses are found here. The tropical Emu
grassland is called Llanos in Orinoco basin,
Campos in Brazilian plateau, and Savanna Masai
in central African region. Savanna grassland
is also called “Zoo of the World” because House of Masais
varieties of animals and birds are found in
this region. This region is the home of many 183
herbivorous and carnivorous animals like deer,
gazelle, antelope, zebra, giraffe, elephants,
lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, hippopotamus and
rhinoceros. Some of the common birds found
in this region are Ostrich, Emus, Cassowary,
Rhea, etc. These birds are mostly flightless and
live in the region where there are few trees.
d. Economic Activities: Agriculture is the
main occupation of people living in the areas
where enough water and irrigation facility is
available. Oilseed, cotton, tobacco, sugarcane,
maize, wheat, etc are the major agricultural
productions of this region. The indigenous
tribes live their life by hunting wild animals. So
this region is also called “Land of Big Games”.
Cattles rearing is another occupation of people.
Wool, leather, dairy product, etc are the animal
production of this region.
e. Effect on lifestyle:As this region experiences
hot and dry climate, it is not appropriate for the
human settlement. Most of the population is
still living in primitive way. Some indigenous
tribes of Central African region like Masai and
Hausa are living their nomadic life. The level of
economic development is not uniform all over
this region. There are some pastoral groups who
depend on animal husbandry and subsistence
agriculture. The population density is very low.
However, there is higher possibility of tourism
development. Most parts of tropical grassland
have been converted into National Parks and
Wild Life Reserves. Nowadays, thousands of
tourists visit there every year for entertainment
Our Earth
and study. Animal films are made in this region. Modern farming and agriculture is rapidly
developing in this region. Commercial crops like cotton in Sudan, coffee and tea in Kenya,
tobacco in Zimbabwe are grown in large scale. Because of this, the Savanna region has
great scope for development.
3. Tropical Desert Climate Arctic Circle
a. Climatic Region: Tropical Tropic of Cancer N
desert climate is found roughly
between 20° to 30° latitudes in Equator
the western part of the continent.
It is the route of dry trade wind. Tropic of Capricorn
It is also known as “Hot Desert”.
This type of climate is found in Tropical Desert Climatic Region
Sahara and Kalahari Desert in
Africa, Iranian and Thar Desert in Asia, Atacama Desert of South America, Arizona and
Mexican Desert in North America, the Great Australian Desert in Australia. As this type
of climate is mainly found in Sahara region of Northern Africa, it is also called “Sahara
type of Climate”.
b. Climatic Characteristics: This climate
is very dry and hot. Due to the quick heating
and cooling nature of sand, there is higher
gap between the maximum and minimum
temperature. The temperature at day rises up to
49°C and at night it falls down to 10°C. There is
very less rainfall because there is no influence
of rain bearing wind blowing from sea. Desert Vegetation
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals: Trees
cannot grow there due to the lack of rainfall.
Dry and hot climate supports only thorny plants
like cactus to grow in this region. Such plants
have very long roots to reach the underground
water. The plants like cactus have tiny, waxy
and leathery leaves to prevent the loss of
moisture. Some animals such as camel can
live without or with very little water for a long
time. They store fat in their humps which can Desert Hyenas
be broken down to provide water and energy.
Camel furs can trap a layer of air which acts as insulator and help keep their body cool
during day and warm during night. They have very tough lips and tongue which enables
them to nibble (chew) thorny desert vegetations. They have thick eyebrows to protect
them from sand storm and broad feet to enable them to walk easily on the sand. The desert
fox, snakes, lizards, gazelle, hyenas, donkeys and horses are also found in the desert.
184 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
d. Economic Activities: The main occupation
of the people in tropical desert is agriculture
and cattle rearing. It can only be done in the
Oasis where water is available and land is
fertile. Wheat, barley, cotton, tobacco, maize,
oilseed, sugarcane, etc are the agricultural
production of this region.
e. Effect on lifestyle: As the tropical desert
climate is hot and dry, it is not appropriate
for human activities. So life in the desert is Bushman of Kalahari Desert
extremely difficult. Agriculture, industry
and commerce are not well developed here.
Nomadic tribes live in small numbers by
hunting and food gathering. In oasis, people
have permanent settlements. They live in
houses with thick mud walls and flat roofs.
The Bushmen of Kalahari Desert, Aborigines
of Australian desert and Bedouins of Arabian
Desert are the native tribes of hot deserts.
A few of the desert areas are attracting
immigrants due to rich mineral deposits like Bedouins of Arabian Desert
petrol and gold. Nowadays development
activities are increasing. Construction of infrastructure and businesses are growing
rapidly. The people have now started commercial agriculture and animal husbandry by
using modern technology.
Camel is the most dependable means of transportation in desert area. Therefore, it is also
known as the ‘Ship of the Desert’. It can easily walk on sand and live without drinking
water for many days. People rear camel for carrying load and for milk and meat.
4. Tropical Monsoon Climate N
a. Climatic Region: Tropical Equator Tropic of Cancer
monsoon climate is mainly found Tropic of Capricorn
between 5° to 30° latitudes in the Tropical Monsoon Climatic Region
Southern and South-Eastern part of
the Asia. This climate is also found
in Northern Australia, South-East
Africa, South-West Africa, South-
East Brazil, Caribbean region and
Eastern islands.
b. Climatic Characteristics: Here summer is hot and wet and winter is cold and dry.
During summer, there is low air pressure over the land and high air pressure over the sea.
Our Earth 185
So summer monsoon blows from sea to land and causes enough rainfall in this region.
The annual rainfall ranges from 50 cm to 200 cm depending on the place. As the winter
monsoon blows from land to sea, it does not cause rain. Thus, this climate is also known
as “Summer Rain Climate”. There are three seasons: summer, rainy and winter. Rainfall
is unreliable and the amount fluctuates greatly from year to year.
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals:
Deciduous forest is the main natural
vegetation of this region. Sal, bamboo,
Sisau, etc are the major species of trees.
Besides this, evergreen forest, tall grasses,
thorny bushes and scrubs are also found in
various parts depending on the amount of
rainfall and altitude. This Region is known
for its wide varieties of Animals. The
climatic condition and natural vegetation
of this region favors the existence of Orangutan
different species of birds, animals and
insects. Many wild animals like leopard, tigers, wild buffaloes, wild yaks, Asian elephant,
Indian and Javan rhinoceros, elephant, lions, monkeys, langurs, orangutan, gibbons, etc
live in this climatic region.
d. EconomicActivities: Tropical monsoon
climate is appropriate for agriculture,
industry and trade. The major occupation
of the people in this region is agriculture.
The high air pressure, enough rainfall,
fertile soil, plain land, facility of irrigation,
cheap labor cost, etc are supporting for the
enough agricultural production. Beans,
maize, barley, wheat, paddy, etc are the
major agricultural products of this region. Agriculture in Monsoon Region
Cash crops like tobacco, tea, coffee,
sugarcane, cotton, jute, etc are also produced. Forest product and animal product are also
produced sufficiently here. Paddy is the main crop. There are many mineral industries as
well.
e. Effect on lifestyle: This climate is most appropriate among the climates found in
tropical zone. It is suitable for agriculture, industry, trade and human health. It is rich in
human civilization and culture. The population density is high. About one-third population
of the world lives in this region. This is the common habitation of the people representing
different culture and civilization. The regions where human civilization originated and
developed on the valley of Rivers Indus, Brahmaputra, Ganges and Irrawaddy also lie in
this climatic region.
186 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
Activities
1. Identify the tropical zone on the natural map of the world.
2. Inquire about the camel with those who have returned from gulf countries.
3. Discuss with your friends and teacher about the reasons why the birds found in
Savanna grassland are flightless.
4. Only the thorny plants with coarse leaves are found in tropical deserts. Why? What
are their characteristics? Compare them with those available in your locality.
5. Complete the following table with one characteristic each of the climates of tropical
zone.
S. No. Name of Climate Characteristics
1.
2.
3.
4.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. Make a diagram showing the latitudinal extension of the tropical zone and the
climates found in this climatic zone.
2. Differentiate between the equatorial and tropical desert climate in four points.
3. In which climatic region does Nepal lie? Mention the characteristics of this climatic
region.
4. Even though, the lifestyle of people living in equatorial climatic region is primitive,
the people living in eastern islands are well developed due to the European contact
and influence. During colonial period, the Europeans had colonized Africa and South
America also. However, the lifestyle of African and South American people in these
climatic regions is not well developed. Why? Discuss and write.
5. Who are Masai and Hausa? How do they earn their living?
6. Present two features each of climate and vegetation found in the equatorial region.
7. What are the tropical grasslands called in Brazilian plateau, Orinoco basin, Central
African region and South African plateau? Write their economic importance.
8. Show the following hot deserts on the outline map of the world:
Sahara (North Africa), Kalahari (South Africa), Thar (India) and Western Australia
(Australia)
Our Earth 187
9. Give appropriate reasons for the following statements:
a. The camel is called “Ship of the Desert”.
b. Tropical grassland is called “Zoo of the World”.
c. Tourism business is flourishing in tropical grassland.
d. The equatorial climate is hot and wet throughout the year.
10. Give short introduction of Selvas and Oasis. And also mention their economic
importance.
11. “Tropical monsoon climate is appropriate for the agriculture and human health.”
Justify the statement with example.
12. Mention the relationship between the climate and natural vegetation of tropical
monsoon region. Though Nepal lies in tropical monsoon, why is there a great
difference in the vegetation found in mountain, hill and Terai? Mention.
13. Write the name of civilizations originated and developed in tropical monsoon climatic
region.
14. Compare the lifestyle of the people living in different climates of tropical zone in the
following table.
S. No. Climate Native tribe Lifestyle
1.
2.
3.
4.
15. Describe the equatorial climate based on climatic region, climatic characteristic,
natural vegetation and animals, and its effect on lifestyle.
16. Tropical desert climatic region is not fertile. However, commercial farming has been
started by using modern technology there, where water is available. Write a letter to
the local farmers’ group suggesting to go ahead utilizing the available environment
and modern technology for the development of agricultural sector.
17. Tropical grassland has a great possibility of tourism development. However, most
of the people enjoy their traditional way of living. Find the reasons. What programs
should be launched to uplift their lifestyle? Write.
18. Tropical monsoon climatic region is densely populated. This is rich in culture and
human civilization as well. How and why? Write the reasons.
188 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
3LESSON Temperate Zone
The temperate zone extends roughly between 30° to 60° latitudes in North and South of
the equator. This region is neither too hot nor too cold. Sufficient amount of rainfall and
moderate temperature favours agriculture, animal rearing and human settlement. This has
resulted in dense population in this region. Most of the population of the world live in this
climatic region. In comparison to tropical and frigid zone, temperate zone is much more
developed. Most of world’s big cities and developed towns are located in this zone. This
is the region of diversity in terms of climate, natural vegetation, culture and human race.
On the basis of temperature and rainfall, there are six climates in the temperate zone. They
are:
1. Mediterranean Climate
2. Temperate Desert Climate
3. Temperate Monsoon Climate (China Type of Climate)
4. Cool Temperate Oceanic Climate (British Type of Climate)
5. Temperate Grassland Climate
6. St. Lawrence or Manchurian Climate
1. Mediterranean Climate
a. Climatic Region: This type
of climate is mostly found
in the regions around the N
Mediterranean Sea. So it is Tropic of Cancer
called Mediterranean climate. Its
latitudinal extension is 30° to 45° Equator
in northern hemisphere and 30°
to 40° in southern hemisphere. Tropic of Capricorn
The European countries located Mediterranean Climatic Region
around the Mediterranean Sea
like Spain, Italy, and France, California of North America, Middle part of Chile of South
America, Southern Africa, Perth and Melbourne region of Australia and Northern island
of New Zealand are the major regions of this climate.
b. Climatic Characteristics: Its major characteristic is hot and dry summer and cold and
wet winter. Rainfall takes place during winter due to the influence of western wind blowing
from the sea by carrying rain-bearing cloud. But during the summer, there blows dry trade
Our Earth 189
wind and that does not cause any rain. There are
two seasons; summer and winter. Mediterranean
climatic region is also called “Winter Rain
Climate” because most of the rainfall takes place
in winter.
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals: Though Mediterranean Vegetation
there is not enough rainfall, semi-evergreen forest
and shrubs are found here. The plants can survive
even in dry summer because the plants use their
long roots to get water from underground, thick
and hard wood to save water, thorny parts to get
protection from animals and small, smooth and
furry leaves to reduce evaporation. Oak, maple,
olive, etc are the major species of trees. Since
most of the vegetations have been removed
to make land available for agriculture and
settlement, wild life is very less or limited in this
region. Native animals include deer, rabbits and
numerous rodents.
d. Economic Activities: The major occupation Mediterranean Rodent
of the people living here is agriculture. Fruits, Mediterranean Fruits
tobacco, oilseed, beans, maize, barley, wheat, etc
are the major agricultural products. Juicy fruits
like grape, lemon, orange, etc are the popular fruit
productions. Because of the good production of
flowers and fruits, Mediterranean climatic region
is also called “Garden of the World”. It produces
70% of the world’s export of citrus fruit, such as,
orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit.
e. Effect on lifestyle: This climate is appropriate for human settlement. Agriculture,
industry and commerce are well developed. The countries of this climatic region are
popular in ancient civilization and culture. It is thickly populated region. Wine industry is
the speciality of this region because the climate is suitable for growing grapes. This region
produces over 65% of the world’s total output of wine. The life style of people is well
advanced.
2. Temperate Desert Climate
a. Climatic Region: It is found between 30° to 40° latitudes in the inner part of the
continent. Southern Argentina, Plateau in Rocky Mountain, Mangolia, Tibet, and Eastern
190 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
part of Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan, etc are the major regions of this climate. These
regions mainly lie in rain shadow area.
b. Climatic Characteristic: N
Summer is hot and winter is very
cold. There is a big gap between Tropic of Cancer
summer and winter temperature.
Thus, there is extreme climate. Equator
Very less amount of rainfall
takes place in summer and Tropic of Capricorn
winter remains dry.
Temperate Desert Climatic Region
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals: Because
of the less rainfall, the land is covered with dry
sand. Only coarse grasses and thorny bushes are
found somewhere as natural vegetation. Some
desert rats and foxes are found there.
d. Economic Activities: The major occupation of
people living in this region is cattle grazing. They
rear sheep, goats, etc. Agriculture is possible only Shearing wool from sheep
there where water is available. Cotton, barley,
wheat, etc are the agricultural products. Similarly, wool and leather are the main animal
products.
e. Effect on lifestyle: It is not appropriate for human settlement. Trade and commerce is
not well developed. Most of the people are nomads. They move with their cattle wherever
they find grasses. Population density is very low. Due to the inappropriate climate, there is
less possibility of economic development.
3. Temperate Monsoon Climate (China Type of Climate)
a. Climatic Region: Temperate monsoon climate is found between 30° to 45° in northern
hemisphere and 30° to 40° in southern hemisphere in the eastern part of the continent.
North and Central China,
Southern Japan and Korea, N
South-east USA, South Brazil
and North Argentina in South Tropic of Cancer
America, South-east coastal Equator
region of Africa and New South
Wales and South Queensland of Tropic of Capricorn
Australia are the main regions Temperate Monsoon Climatic Region
of this climate. As this type of
Our Earth 191
climate is mostly found in China, it is named as
China type of climate.
b. Climatic Characteristic: It is almost similar China Type Vegetation
with tropical monsoon climate. In this region,
summer is hot and winter is cold. Rainfall takes
place in summer due to the influence of monsoon
that carries water vapour from sea, and winter
remains dry. Annual rainfall ranges from 50cm to
150cm. Temperature differs from place to place.
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals: The natural Mulberry Tree
vegetation depends on the amount of rainfall like
in tropical monsoon region. Deciduous forest is
found in the areas where more rainfall takes place
and grasses and bushes are found in the areas
where there is less rainfall. Oak, pines, beech,
magnolias, camphor, etc are the major trees.
Mulberry trees are found in huge amount which
is appropriate for silk farming (sericulture).
Common animals found here include squirrels,
bear, beavers, foxes, deers, rats, snakes and
wolves.
d. Economic Activities: The major occupation Beaver
of the people is agriculture. Beans, tea, oilseed,
barley, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, maize, wheat,
paddy, etc are the main agricultural products. Silk
is produced in huge amount.
e. Effect on lifestyle: It has positive effect on lifestyle. Agriculture, trade and industries
are well developed. This region is densely populated. The living standard of people is high.
4. Cool Temperate Oceanic Climate (British Type of Climate)
a. Climatic Region: It is found in the western part of the continent between 45° to 60°
in the northern hemisphere and 40° to 50° in the southern hemisphere. Western Europe,
western Canada, southern Chile, Tasmania Island and southern New Zealand are the main
regions of this climate. As this type of climate is mostly found in Western Europe, it is also
called “West European Climate” or “British type of Climate”.
b. Climatic Characteristic: It is neither hot in summer nor cold in winter. It is equable
climate. These regions are influenced by the seas, summer is cool and winter is moderate.
192 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
The vaporous westerly wind Arctic Circle N
causes rainfall throughout the Tropic of Cancer
year. The amount of rainfall Equator
goes on decreasing from west to
east. Tropic of Capricorn
Cool Temperate Oceanic Climatic Region
c. Natural Vegetation and
Animals: Mixed type of forest
is found here. Coniferous forest
is found in the hilly areas and
deciduous forest is found in the
plain areas. Birch, maple, etc are the main
species of trees. Plenty of nutritious grasses
grow in the places having heavy rainfall. Some
herbivorous animals are found here.
d. Economic Activities: Most of the people Maple Leaf
are involved in industry and trade. Very
few people are engaged in agriculture. The
agriculture is highly developed. Fruits, potato,
barley, wheat, etc are the major agricultural
production of this region. Sheep rearing in
highlands and fishing in coastal region are
practiced.
e. Effect on lifestyle: This climate is very Lumbering
appropriate for human health. People are very
active and energetic. Because of this reason
agriculture, industry, technology, trade, etc
are well developed. Population density is
also high. Tourism business has developed
the economic activities. The living standard
of people is highly advanced in this climatic
region.
5. Temperate Grassland Climate
a. Climatic Region: It is found between 45° to 60° latitudes in the northern hemisphere
and 30° to 40° latitudes in the southern hemisphere in the interior part of the continents.
Southern part of Russia, eastern part of Europe, plateau of South Africa, southern part of
Australia, central part of North America and South-East of South America are the main
regions of this climate.
Our Earth 193
b. Climatic Characteristic: N
It lies in the inner part of the
continent. There is no influence Equator Tropic of Cancer
of sea. So the climate is extreme Tropic of Capricorn
i.e. very hot in summer and very Temperate Grassland Climatic Region
cold in winter. Rainfall is very
less and convectional rainfall
takes place during summer.
There is snowfall in winter.
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals: As it has Antelope
scanty rainfall, these regions have different
types of grasses. It is completely treeless but
few trees can be seen only on the banks of
rivers. The grasses grow in spring, dry out
in summer and covered by snow in autumn.
Temperate grasslands are known by different
names in different regions. It is called Steppes
in Eurasia, Pampas in Argentina, Prairies
in North America, Veld in South Africa and
Downs in Australia. Herbivorous animals like
antelopes, horses, rabbits, marsupials, etc are
found here.
d. Economic Activities: Agriculture is done
only in the areas where there is irrigation
facility. Most of the people are involved in
cattle rearing and dairy production. Cotton,
tobacco, oilseed, maize, barley, wheat, etc
are the major agricultural crops. ‘Prairies’ of Wheat Harvesting
North America is called “The Granary of the
World” because highest amount of wheat in the world is grown here. The rainfall takes
place during wheat growing season and the climate is most suitable for wheat cultivation.
e. Effect on lifestyle: Due to the extreme climate and scanty rainfall, it is not well
developed. Economic sectors like agriculture, industry and trade are not that much
developed. Population density is low and some people are still nomadic. The USA and
Canada have given priority to commercial wheat farming. They are the largest producer
and exporter of wheat products in the world. They apply modern tools and technologies in
farming. Pampas and Downs are utilized for cattle rearing whereas Prairies and Steppes
are utilized for wheat production. Because of the presence of temperate grassland in the
194 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
country, Argentine people have taken occupations like cattle rearing and beef exporting
whereas Australian people rear sheep and export wool.
6. St. Lawrence or Manchurian Climate Arctic Circle N
Tropic of Cancer
a. Climatic Region: It is found Equator
between 45° to 60° latitudes in
St. Lawrence of North America
and Manchurian region of
China. It is not found in southern
hemisphere.
b. Climatic Characteristic: As Tropic of Capricorn
this region lies in eastern side of St. Lawrence Climatic Region
the continent, summer is warm
and winter is very cold. The
influence of sea is very less but this region is influenced by cold ocean current. There is
rainfall throughout the year. Snowfall takes place in winter.
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals: Mixed
type of forest is found in this climatic region.
Coniferous forest is found in the highlands and
deciduous forest is found in the plain areas.
Main species of trees are maples, oak, birch,
etc. Grass also grows well in this climate.
Animals like bear, squirrels, foxes, etc are
found here.
d. Economic Activities: Very few people are Coniferous forest
involved in agriculture. Trade and industry
are the main economic activities of people.
Wheat, barley, potato, fruits, etc are the major
agricultural productions. Lumbering, fishery
and animal rearing are other occupations of
people.
e. Effect on lifestyle: This climate is Fishery
appropriate for human health. Due to this
reason, the people are also laborious and
progressive. Population density is moderate.
St. Lawrence region is more developed than
Manchurian region.
Our Earth 195
Activities
1. Prepare a short description on the characteristics of Temperate Zone.
2. Make a list of the Temperate Grasslands found in different regions and insert them in
a map of the world
3. Show the Temperate Zone on a map of the world.
4. Why does the Temperate Desert region have low population density, difficult lifestyle
and backwardness in development? Discuss in the class and write.
Exercise
Short answer questions:
1. Give geographical reasons for the following statements:
a. Temperate Monsoon region is suitable for silk farming.
b. There is rainfall throughout the year in Cool Temperate Oceanic Climatic region.
c. There is winter rainfall in the Mediterranean region.
d. Wine industries are established in the Mediterranean region in large scale.
2. Complete the following table:
Temperate Grasslands Economic importance
Veld
Pampas
Steppes
Downs
3. How is Mediterranean Climate different from Temperate Grassland Climate? Write in
four points.
4. Write any four characteristics of Temperate Monsoon Climatic region.
5. Why is Prairies called “Granary of the World”? Discuss and write the reasons.
6. Why Mediterranean Climatic region is called the “Garden of the World”? The countries
located in this region earn more economic benefit from the wine industries. How
and why it became possible? Present your logics.
7. “There is huge production of wheat and development of animal husbandry in Prairies
of North America and Steppes of Eurasia.” Write the reasons in points.
Community Work
Inquire the seniors of your community about the similarities and dissimilarities between
the economic activities performed 15 years back and now. Present the conclusion in the
class.
196 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
4LESSON Frigid Zone
N N
Antarctica Arctic
The Frigid Zone extends roughly between 60° to 90° latitudes. It is the coldest place on
the Earth and has extreme weather condition. There are mainly two climates in the Frigid
Zone. They are:
1. Cold Temperate Climate or Coniferous Climate (Siberian Climate)
2. Polar Climate (Tundra Climate in the North and Antarctic Climate in the South)
1. Cold Temperate Climate or Coniferous Climate (Siberian Climate)
a. Climatic Region: It is found
within the latitude of 60° to 70° Arctic Circle
in the northern hemisphere.
Northern part of North America, N Tropic of Cancer
Europe and Asia are the major
region of this climate. As this
type of climate is mostly found Equator
in the Siberian region of Asia, Tropic of Capricorn
it is also called “Siberian
Climate”. It is not found in the Cold Temperate Climatic Region
southern hemisphere because
there isn’t any continent extended within these latitudes.
b. Climatic Characteristic: In these climatic regions, summers are short and slightly
warm and winters are long and extremely cold. It receives slanting rays from the sun
and remains cold all over the year. The polar wind makes this region colder. Snowfall
Our Earth 197
takes place in winter and remains on the land for
months. Most of the lakes and sea of this region
stay frozen almost throughout the year.
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals: Evergreen Taiga Forest
trees like pine, spruce and firs are common.
Trees found in this region are cone shaped with
short branches and needle like leaves to enable
the snow to slip down easily. Coniferous forests
yield softwood which is used in the manufacture
of paper, match sticks, furniture, doors, windows,
plywood, sports goods and toys. The Siberian
Climatic belt has vast evergreen coniferous
forest which is called Taiga in Eurasia. It is very
important from economic point of view. The taiga
is used for making pulp, a semi-liquid material
required in order to make paper. Thick fur bearing
animals like bear, squirrel, lynx, etc are found
here.
d. Economic Activities: The main occupation
of the people is Lumbering. It is not suitable for Lynx
human settlement. In some part agriculture is
also done. Potato, barley, cauliflower, etc are major agricultural products. Cutting trees,
collecting medicinal herbs and supplying furry skins of animals are other economic
activities.
e. Effect on life: This climate is adverse for human life. People have to work very hard to
earn their living as it is extremely cold there. Most of the people live inside the wooden
house. Population is also sparse. Soil is also not suitable for growing crops. People are
engaged in cutting trees, collecting medicinal herbs, and trapping and hunting animals for
their furry skins.
2. Polar Climate (Tundra Climate in the North and Antarctic Climate in
the South) Arctic Circle
a. Climatic Region: This climate
is found in the north of Arctic N
Circle and south of Antarctic
Circle. Polar climate is called Tropic of Cancer
Tundra Climate in the northern Equator
hemisphere and Antartic Climate
in the southern hemisphere. Tropic of Capricorn
Tundra Climate is found between
70°N to 90°N latitudes whereas Polar Climatic Region
Antartic Climate is found between
198 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
66°S to 90°S latitudes. Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, northern islands of Asia, Europe
and North America are the major regions of this type of climate.
b. Climatic Characteristic: It receives slanting
rays of the sun as this region lies farthest from
the equator. So there is extreme cold throughout
the year. The average temperature is below
freezing point. This region remains frozen
for about 10 months. Summer temperature
of Tundra region ranges from -2°C to -5°C
and in winter it ranges from -35°C to -45°C. Tundra Landscape
Similarly, Antarctic Climate is found only in
the Antarctica Continent. Here, the temperature goes down even to -45°C. It is not suitable
for human settlement. Only the explorers and researchers visit it temporarily. Very less
rainfall takes place in the polar climatic region. The summer season is cold and short. It
lasts for about 2 to 3 months. There is almost 24 hours of sunlight during summer. Winter
is long and severely cold. It lasts for 9 to 10 months. There is hours long darkness during
the winter season.
c. Natural Vegetation and Animals: Being Polar Bear
extreme cold, this climate does not support
the growth of forest. It is like Cold Desert of
ice. However, some mosses and lichens are
found somewhere. Some flowery plants grow
in the summer. Polar bear, arctic fox, etc are
the common animals found in Tundra region
whereas penguin is found in the Antarctic
region which survives there by eating fish.
Their thick fur helps them survive even in
severe cold.
d. EconomicActivities: The land is completely Seal
covered with snow. Agriculture is not possible
there. Hunting in the coniferous forest located
towards the lower part, fishing and catching
seals, etc are the main occupations of the
indigenous tribes of Tundra region. They use
traditional weapons like knives, arrows, ropes,
etc for the purpose of hunting and gathering
activities. There is no any agricultural activity
in the Antarctic region.
e. Effect on lifestyle: The climate is not appropriate for human life. Only some native tribes
live in this climatic region. Eskimos are the native tribe of Greenland. Similarly, Lapps are
the native tribe of Scandinavia and Inuit is the native tribe of Northern Canada. They live
Our Earth 199
on hunting, fishing and trapping seal and other Polar dogs
fur bearing animals. They hunt the animals for
food, clothing and making shelter from their
bones and skins. The population density is very
low. The indigenous tribes of this climate live
in a house made up of ice blocks called Igloo
during winter and in a tent made up of animal’s
skin called Tupik in summer. They are living a
nomadic life and are economically backward.
They use reindeers and polar dogs as means of
transportation.
Igloo Tupik Ice Fishing
Life of people living in this region has changed very much in the recent years. They live
in wooden houses and are employed in mining and lumbering. They use modern weapons
to hunt the animals and travel on snow automobiles. Canada, Russia and other European
countries are trying to modernize the areas located in this climatic region. Many countries
have established scientific research centres in Antarctica also.
Activities
1. Find the countries located in the Frigid Zone in the natural map of the world and
write their name.
2. Analyze the reason behind the long gap between the lengths of day and night in
polar region.
3. The daily activities and lifestyle of Inuit people living in northern polar region is
gradually changing. Analyze its reasons.
4. Discuss with friends and teacher in the class about the species of plants found in
Taiga forest.
5. Penguin is found only in Antarctica. Discuss with friends and subject teacher and find
the reason.
200 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 10
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