Asia Map: Regions, Geography, Facts & Figures

Asia is the largest and most populous continent on Earth, covering about 30% of the world's land area (approximately 44.58 million square kilometres) and is home to more than 60% of the world’s population - over 4.6 billion people.

Geographically, it spans from many deserts and mountains to rainforests and cities. The major regions are: East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. It boasts a rich history, remarkable civilizations, and powerful economies, including China, India, Japan, and South Korea.

Asia and Eurasia have a rich history and are known for their diverse cultures, which have made significant contributions to fields such as art, literature, and science. From the ancient Silk Road to the modern-day tech hubs of China and Japan, Asia has been a hub of innovation and cultural exchange for centuries.

Asian countries feature diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical areas to deserts and towering mountains, making the continent one of the most captivating and significant regions on Earth. Asia holds the Himalayas, home to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, as well as the vast and biodiverse rainforests of Southeast Asia.

Plus, test your knowledge of Asia with our arts and culture quiz, Asian Mythological Creatures!

Click on a country for a more detailed map, or try our map index.

Click on a country for a more detailed map, or try our map index.
Asia

History of Asia

Asia has a long and varied history that stretches over thousands of years. It is the origin of some of the earliest civilizations, including Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and Ancient China. In the classical and medieval periods, powerful empires like the Maurya, Gupta, and Han dynasties thrived, and the spread of Buddhism and Islam left a lasting influence on the cultures of the region.

Some of the earliest civilizations, such as those in India and China, date back to the Bronze Age. Over the centuries, various empires and kingdoms rose and fell, including the Mongol Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Mughal Empire.

In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire stretched across Asia, linking the East and West via the Silk Road. European colonialism had a powerful impact on most of Asia during the modern period, but most countries gained independence through nationalist movements during the 20th century.

Nowadays Asia has emerged as a major global economic and political force, with China, India, and Japan being among the most prominent players in the international arena.

Geography of Asia

Asia is a vast continent that accounts for about 30% of the Earth's total land area. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Indian Ocean and Oceania to the south, and Europe and Africa to the west. North America lies to the north, beyond the Arctic Circle.

The continent is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from the tundra of Siberia to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. The Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, also runs through Asia.

Asian Major Cities

Some of the major economic, political, and cultural cities are situated in Asia. Several key cities on the political map of Asia include:

Tokyo, Japan.
Beijing, China.
Mumbai, India.
Bangkok, Thailand.
Singapore.
Hong Kong.
Seoul, South Korea.
Istanbul, Turkey.
Lahore, Pakistan.
Tbilisi, Georgia.

Landmarks and Natural Wonders

Asia is home to many famous landmarks and natural wonders, including:

The Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan (Central Asia).
The Great Wall of China.
The Taj Mahal in India.
Mount Everest in Nepal.
The Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia.
Borobudur Temple in Indonesia.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Asia is a popular tourist destination because of its vibrant cultural heritage, varied landscapes, and broad range of experiences. Here are several reasons why Asia attracts visitors:

The beaches of Phuket, Thailand.
The shopping districts of Hong Kong.
Shipwreck diving in the Philippines.
The temples of Kyoto, Japan.
The street food of Singapore.
The nightlife of Seoul, South Korea.
The ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan.
The wildlife of Borneo, Malaysia.

Asia

Image Source: Getty Images

People Also Ask...

If you're inspecting continent maps of Asia, you may have some queries about the region. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with their answers.

How Many Countries Are There in Asia?

There are 48 countries in Asia. Here are some of the most globally prominent territories with their cultural, economic, and environmental contributions still shaping international affairs. Some of the largest and most well-known countries include China, India, Japan, and Russia, while others, like the Maldives and Bhutan, are smaller island nations or landlocked states. that span across a vast expanse of land. From the bustling cities of Japan to the serene landscapes of Bhutan, Asia is a melting pot of cultures and peoples. While China and Russia are the largest countries in Asia in terms of land area, the continent also boasts the smallest nation in the world, the Maldives.

What Are the 7 Largest Countries in Asia?

Here are the seven largest countries in Asia, ranked by land area:

Russia: 17,098,242 sq km
China: 9,596,961 sq km
India: 3,287,263 sq km
Kazakhstan: 2,724,900 sq km
Saudi Arabia: 2,149,690 sq km
Indonesia: 1,904,569 sq km
Iran: 1,648,195 sq km

Russia is the largest country in Asia and the world, spanning both the continents of Europe and Asia. It is the world's ninth most populous country, with a population of over 144 million people.

Is Russia a Part of Asia?

Yes, Russia is partly situated in Asia. Although the majority of its territory is in Asia, Russia is a transcontinental country that stretches across both Europe and Asia. Around 77% of Russia's territory is in Asia, including Siberia and the Far East, while the western portion, including the capital city Moscow, lies in Europe.

It is the largest country in Asia, spanning approximately 17.1 million square kilometres. Russia is home to a diverse population and culture, and its geography includes a wide range of landscapes, from frozen tundra to sprawling cities.

Which Are the Top 10 Most Populated Countries of Asia?

Here are the top 10 most populous countries in Asia, listed in descending order:

China: The most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people
India: The second-most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people
Indonesia: The fourth-most populous country in the world, with over 270 million people
Pakistan: The fifth-most populous country in the world, with over 230 million people
Bangladesh: The eighth-most populous country in the world, with over 169 million people
Japan: A densely populated island nation with over 125 million people
Philippines: An archipelagic country with over 113 million people
Vietnam: A country in Southeast Asia with over 97 million people
Iran: A country in the Middle East with over 87 million people
Turkey: A transcontinental country with over 84 million people

These countries have diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes that make them fascinating and important parts of the continent of Asia.

What Are the Main Languages in Asia?

Asia is home to a diverse range of around 2000 languages and some of the most widely spoken are Mandarin Chinese in China, Arabic in the Middle East and Hindi in India. Other languages with millions of speakers include Japanese, Bengali, Punjabi, and Russian. There is a great linguistic diversity throughout Asia's different regions with their own languages and dialects.

What Are the Main Religions in Asia?

The two major religions are Buddhism and Hinduism, which were started in India and are based on ideas of karma and reincarnation and embodied in the pursuit of enlightenment through meditation and awareness. Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia are the home of Islam which follows the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad. Christianity is adhered to in certain areas of the Middle East, Russia, and the Philippines.

What Is Asian Cuisine?

Asian cuisine is very diverse, with every region presenting its unique flavors and components. It incorporates features ingredients such as rice, noodles, seafood, and a lot of spices that derive from countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, India, and Vietnam. Asian cooking is sweet, salty, sour and spicy. Some signature dishes are Sushi (Japan), Dim Sum (China), Pad Thai (Thailand) and many more.

What Are the Most Popular Festivals in Asia?

There are many different festivals held in the different regions of the continent. The most popular ones are the Chinese New Year, marked fireworks and parades as well as Diwali in India, also called the Festival of Lights. The dates of these festivals change each year.

Songkran (13.04) in Thailand is celebrated with energetic water fights for the New Year, while Holi in India celebrates the beginning of spring with a burst of vivid colors. Buddha's Birthday and the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan honor nature’s beauty, combined with cultural traditions.