Asia Map: Regions, Geography, Facts & Figures

Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, covering approximately 44.58 million square kilometers, and is home to over 4.6 billion people. Asia and Eurasia has a rich history and is known for its 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 are home to a wide range of landscapes that make the continent one of the most fascinating and important regions on Earth, from the tropics to arid deserts and towering mountain ranges. 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.
Asia

History of Asia

Asia has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. 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 modern era, many Asian countries struggled for independence from European colonial powers. Today, Asia is a diverse mix of ancient traditions and modern innovations.

Geography of Asia

Asia is a vast landmass that covers 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 is located to the north, across the Arctic Circle. The continent is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from the frozen 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

Asia is home to some of the world's largest and most vibrant cities, from Armenia to the Ural mountains, south Asia to the Arabian Peninsula, each with their own unique character and attractions. Some of the major 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.

Tourist Attractions in Asia

Asia is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beaches of Bali, there is something for everyone in Asia. Some of the top tourist attractions in Asia include:

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.

Hangzhou West Lake, Asia — *Image Source: Getty Images*

How Many Countries Are There in Asia?

Asia is a fascinating and diverse continent, home to 48 countries 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 a part of Asia. It is the largest country in Asia, spanning approximately 17.1 million square kilometers. Russia is home to a diverse population and culture, and its geography includes a wide range of landscapes, from frozen tundra to sprawling cities. While it also has territory in Europe, the majority of Russia's landmass is considered a part of Asia.

Which Are the Top 10 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