Overview
This lecture covers the main countries and features of the Asian continent, including its size, population, subregions, and notable cities.
Introduction to Asia
- Asia is the largest continent, covering about 30% of Earth's land area.
- About 60% of the world's population lives in Asia.
- Asia is the eastern part of Eurasia, while Europe is on the west.
- The western border of Asia passes through the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, and the Caspian and Black Seas.
- Asia is surrounded by the Arctic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
- There are 48 countries in Asia; with Russia, the count rises to 49 (though Russia is mostly sparsely populated in its Asian part).
Asian Subregions (United Nations Division)
- Asia is divided into five subregions: Eastern Asia, Southeastern Asia, Western Asia, Central Asia, and Southern Asia.
Eastern Asia
- Countries: China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea.
- Population: About 1.7 billion people.
- China is the most populous; Mongolia is the least.
- China has the world’s 2nd largest economy; Japan is 3rd.
- Tokyo (Japan) is the most populated city in this region.
Southeastern Asia
- Countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam.
- Population: About 673 million.
- Indonesia is the largest and most populous country here.
- Brunei is the smallest country.
- Major cities: Manila (Philippines, most populated), Jakarta (Indonesia), Bangkok (Thailand).
Central Asia
- Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
- Population: About 69 million.
- Uzbekistan is the most populous; Turkmenistan is the least.
- Kazakhstan is the largest country in the region.
Western Asia
- Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, State of Palestine, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
- Population: About 282 million.
- Turkey is the most populous and spans both Europe and Asia.
- Cyprus is least populated and is considered European for politics/economy.
- Baghdad (Iraq) is the largest city.
Southern Asia
- Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
- Population: About 2 billion.
- India is the most populous country here and 2nd in the world.
- Pakistan is the 2nd most populous in the region.
- Maldives is a small island country.
- Mumbai (India) is the most populated city; Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Karachi (Pakistan) are also major cities.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Eurasia — The combined landmass of Europe and Asia.
- Subregion — A smaller geographic area within a larger region or continent.
- Island country — A nation whose primary territory consists of one or more islands.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the five Asian subregions and their countries.
- Memorize major cities and population facts for each subregion.