Which economic activity has largely driven development of modern Southeast Asian cities?

Question

Rice farming

Trade routes

Lumber milling

Rubber production

Answer 1

The economic activity that has largely driven the development of modern Southeast Asian cities is trade routes. Southeast Asia's strategic location along major maritime trade routes has historically made it a hub for trade and commerce, leading to urbanization and the growth of cities as centers of economic activity. While rice farming, lumber milling, and rubber production have also played significant roles in specific regions, trade routes have been the primary catalyst for the development of urban centers in the region.