Asia

Presented by-Shajeda Akther

Hey, everyone!I am Shajeda Akther.Today we will be presenting a presentation regarding “The Seven Continents”, as my
team member has previously given an introduction to it.Now I’ll discuss Asia, the world’s largest continent.So, I’d want to
direct your attention to my presentation.

Unveiling the Wonders of Asia: A Journey through the Continent’s Diversity and Riches

Asia is the largest continent in the world. The area of Asia is 44.58 million square kilometres, which makes up
approximately 30% of the Earth’s land. There are a total of 48 countries in this continent, of which Russia is the biggest
and Cocos Islands is the smallest. Some important facts about Asia to know is that it has the tallest building, highest and
lowest place on Earth, and the tallest statue in the world.

Asia is the birthplace of some of the world’s major religions like Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism etc. It is also the birthplace of
one of the oldest civilisations of the Earth, which is the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Asia is the largest continent with an area of approximately 44,579,000 square kilometres. Asia covers 8.7 per cent of the
total surface area of the Earth.

Asia is the largest continent in terms of both area and population. The world’s population is almost 7.87 billion, of which
4.69 billion people live in Asia. Asia’s population is equivalent to 59.76% of the total world’s population. China is the most
populated country of Asia, with a population of around 1.45 billion.

Asia’s Geography:
Asia is divided into six regions. These regions are Central Asia, Eastern Asia, Northern Asia, South Eastern Asia, Southern
Asia, and Western Asia.

Asia's six regions

Mountains and Plateaus: The northern border is graced by the formidable Himalayan mountain range, crowned by Mount
Everest, Earth’s highest peak. To the west, plateaus like the Tibetan Plateau and Pamir Knot offer stunning vistas.
Deserts: Asia boasts expansive deserts like the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and the Thar Desert in India and Pakistan, regions
of harsh arid beauty.
Plains and Rivers: The fertile Indo-Gangetic Plain sustains a substantial portion of Asia’s population, with major rivers like
the Ganges and Indus flowing through it. In the east, the Yangtze and Mekong deltas are vital lifelines.
Volcanic Activity: Asia is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, home to many active volcanoes. The volcanic activity contributes
to Japan’s rugged terrain and the geothermal wonders of places like Indonesia.
Coastlines: From Japan’s rocky coastlines to the vast Sundarbans delta in Bangladesh, Asia’s coastal regions are incredibly
diverse, housing unique ecosystems and cultures
Asia’s geography shapes not only the natural world but also human civilizations, cultures, and economies, making it a
fascinating and vital part of our planet.

Asia’s Climate: A Mosaic of Environments

Asia has a wide variety of climate because of its gigantic size. These climatic regions include Verkhoyansk in Siberia
which is the coldest place in the world and Jacobabad in the Sind Province of Pakistan, the hottest place in the world.
Cherrapunji in India is the wettest place in the world and the driest deserts – Gobi (Tibet, Arabia and Mongolia) – get
approximately 25 cms of annual rainfall.

Summer and Winter conditions of Asia:

Winter: Winter season for most of Asia starts in October and lasts till March. The Himalayas form a climatic barrier against
the bitterly cold northerly winds thus protecting Southern Asia from freezing temperatures. There is hardly any rainfall in
Asia during winter as most of the winds are offshore.

Summer: Summer in Asia begins in April and lasts till June. The heat creates an area of low pressure in the Central Asia
attracting moisture laden winds from surrounding areas and oceans.

Distribution of annual rainfall of Asia:

As it is evident from the map, Asia has distinct heavy, moderate and low rainfall regions.
Areas of low rainfall: South-west Asia, Central Asia, Siberia, plateaus of the Central Highlands have low rainfall which is
less than 50 cm per year.

Areas of moderate rainfall: South-east Asia, Central and Southern China, the Philippines, Japan, northern parts of India fall
in this category. These regions get 100 cm to 200 cm of rainfall every year.

Areas of heavy rainfall: The Equatorial region, the southern face of the Himalayas and parts of South-east Asia get the
direct onslaught of rain bearing winds. It is more than 200 cm per year.

Tropical Monsoon Climate

This type of climate is found all over India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, Southern China,
parts of southern Japan and Pakistan. These areas generally remain hot with alternate wet and dry seasons. During
monsoon season, some of the regions receive heavy precipitation. Winters across these regions remain dry except in a few
areas. The rainy season is quite distinct. The changing patterns of the monsoonal winds make quite an interesting study for
the meteorological department.

Arctic and Subarctic Climates: In the northern reaches of Asia, Siberia experiences extremely cold winters with
temperatures plummeting far below freezing. These regions are characterized by snow-covered landscapes for much of the
year.
Temperate Zones: Moving southward, temperate climates prevail in areas like Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and parts of
China. These regions enjoy distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers

Desert Climates: Central Asia includes vast deserts like the Gobi and the Arabian Desert, where scorching temperatures
and minimal rainfall are common, making them some of the driest places on Earth.

Monsoon Regions: Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia experience a monsoon climate. These areas have a distinct wet
season with heavy rainfall and a dry season. The monsoon is essential for agriculture bu’ can also lead to flooding.

Tropical Climates: Southern Asia, including India and parts of Southeast Asia, features tropical climates with high
temperatures and humidity year-round. This region is prone to tropical cyclones during certain seasons.

Mountain Climates: High-altitude regions, such as the Himalayas, have alpine climates with cold temperatures and heavy
snowfall, making them challenging environments for habitation.

Coastal Climates: Coastal areas exhibit variations, from the moderate climates along the Mediterranean coast to the hot
and humid climates of the Southeast Asian coastlines.

Asia’s Biodiversity: A Treasure Trove of Life

Asia, the world’s largest continent, is a living testament to nature’s creativity. Its vast and diverse landscapes, from the
towering Himalayas to the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia, provide a home to an astonishing array of species.

Among its celebrated residents are the majestic Bengal tiger, the beloved giant panda, the elusive snow leopard, and the
gentle Asian elephant. These iconic species are not only symbols of Asia’s wildlife but also ambassadors for global
conservation efforts.

In the skies, Asia’s birdlife is equally captivating, with vibrant species like the Indian peafowl displaying their dazzling
plumage. From the heights of the Himalayas to the remote corners of Southeast Asian jungles, birds of all shapes and
colors fill the skies.

Asia’s marine environments are equally remarkable. The Coral Triangle, spanning the Philippines to Indonesia, shelters an
astounding diversity of underwater life, from brilliantly colored fish to intricate coral formations.

The continent’s plant life is equally rich, with the Himalayan region alone housing thousands of plant species, some of
which have significant medicinal value.In the heart of Southeast Asia, ancient rainforests are not just a habitat for
orangutans and pygmy elephants but also storehouses of biodiversity, with countless species still waiting to be discovered.

Asia’s mangrove ecosystems, like the Sundarbans, teem with unique species, including the elusive Bengal tiger and the
prehistoric-looking saltwater crocodile.

Yet, amid this richness, Asia faces significant challenges. Habitat loss due to deforestation, poaching, and the illegal
wildlife trade threaten these precious ecosystems and their inhabitants. Conservation efforts are vital to safeguard Asia’s
biodiversity, not only for the continent itself but for the world’s shared natural heritage.

Culture and Diversity in Asia: A Kaleidoscope of Traditions

Asia is a continent that thrives on its remarkable cultural tapestry, where diversity is not just celebrated but embedded in
the very essence of its societies. Here are key facets of Asia’s rich cultural landscape:

1. Languages and Scripts: Asia is a linguistic treasure trove, with over 2,000 languages spoken across its vast expanse.
From the tonal intricacies of Chinese to the script diversity of India with languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali,
each region boasts its linguistic identity.
2. Religious Plurality: Asia is the birthplace of major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Sikhism. The
continent’s religious diversity is reflected in its countless temples, mosques, churches, and shrines, each a testament to
centuries of spiritual practice.

3. Art and Architecture: The continent’s artistic heritage is breathtaking, from the intricate carvings of Angkor Wat in
Cambodia to the harmonious lines of Japanese temples. Asia’s art ranges from traditional forms like calligraphy and
silk painting to contemporary expressions in music and visual arts.

4. Cuisine:Asian cuisine is a culinary adventure. From the spicy curries of India to the delicate flavors of sushi in Japan,
every dish tells a story of tradition and innovation. Street food culture is also vibrant, offering tantalizing flavors in
bustling markets.

5. Festivals and Celebrations:Asia’s calendar is dotted with colorful festivals and celebrations. From Diwali in India to
Songkran in Thailand, these events offer a window into cultural practices, folklore, and community bonding.

6. Traditional Attire: Each Asian region has its distinct clothing styles. The graceful sarees of India, the elegant hanboks
of Korea, and the intricate kimono of Japan are just a few examples of how attire reflects cultural identity.

7. Martial Arts: Asia is the birthplace of martial arts disciplines like Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, and Taekwondo, which blend
physical prowess with philosophy and discipline.
8. Modern Influences:Asia’s influence on the modern world is profound, from Japan’s technological innovation to the
global popularity of Korean pop culture (K-Pop) and Chinese cinema.

Asia’s cultural diversity is a testament to the continent’s ability to embrace traditions while embracing the innovations of
the future. It’s a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously, offering a wealth of experiences for those who
explore its multifaceted societies.

Asia’s History: A Tapestry of Millennia

• 1970s and 80s. Constant high population growth left many nations struggling with chronic poverty, inadequate
health care, a largely underemployed workforce, and rapid degradation of environmentally sensitive areas. Nations
with powerful militaries—Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia—invaded weakly guarded
neighbors and fought low-level wars against one another. The former Euro-American–dominated world economic
order received rude shocks from the Middle East–led oil embargo crises of 1973–74 and 1979 and the economic
strength of Japan and the “Little Dragons.” As conflicts with their origins in ethnic self-determination and
perceived inequalities of borders ground on in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, and Tibet, a
new force, Islamic fundamentalism, swept to power in Iran in 1979 and threatened secular governments
throughout S and SW Asia; fundamentalists gained the upper hand in Afghanistan in the 1990s.
 Photograph Album of Shanghai and Environs, c. 1980

The collapse o” the Soviet Union in 1991, an event in part triggered by its failed invasion of Afghanistan, led to
the evaporation of the cold war polarization and to the birth of a new group of independent nations in Asia’s
center. In the 1990s, China emerged as a growing economic giant, but the booming economies of SE Asia suffered
setbacks in the late 1990s. In Indonesia economic collapse led to the downfall of Suharto and the beginning of
greater democracy as well as demands for independence or autonomy, particularly in East Timor, Aceh, and Papua.
The 1990s also saw the gradual emergence of peace between a number of former combatants in the Arab-Israeli
conflict.
Asia played a central role in the ancient Silk Road trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and
cultures between the East and West. This network of trade routes connected Asia with Europe, the Middle East,
and Africa.

Detail of Chinese silk from the 4th century BCE. The characteristic trade of silk through the Silk Road
connected various regions from China, India, Central Asia, and the Middle East to Europe and Africa.

• The Maurya and Gupta empires are called the Golden Age of India and were marked by extensive inventions and
discoveries in science, technology, art, religion, and philosophy that crystallized the elements of what is generally
known as Indian culture. The religions of Hinduism and Buddhism, which began in Indian sub-continent, were an
important influence on South, East and Southeast Asia. India has a diverse history of empires and kingdoms,
including the Maurya and Gupta Empires, which made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and
philosophy.

• The Mongol Empire conquered a large part of Asia in the 13th century, an area extending from China to Europe.
Medieval Asia was the kingdom of the Khans. Never before had any person controlled as much land as Genghis
Khan. He built his power unifying separate Mongol tribes before expanding his kingdom south and west. He and
his grandson, Kublai Khan, controlled lands in China, Burma, Central Asia, Russia, Iran, the Middle East, and
Eastern Europe. Genghis Khan was a Khagan who tolerated nearly every religion.
 The Turco-Mongol residual states and domains by the 15th century
• The Russian Empire began to expand into Asia from the 17th century, and would eventually take control of all of
Siberia and most of Central Asia by the end of the 19th century. The Ottoman Empire controlled Anatolia, the
Middle East, North Africa and the Balkans from the 16th century onwards. In the 17th century, the Manchu
conquered China and established the Qing dynasty. In the 16th century, the Mughal Empire controlled much of
India and initiated the second golden age for India. China was the largest economy in the world for much of the
.time, followed by India until the 18th century

• The European powers had control of other parts of Asia by the early 20th century, such as British India, French
Indochina, Spanish East Indies, and Portuguese Macau and Goa. The Great Game between Russia and Britain was
the struggle for power in the Central Asian region in the nineteenth century. The Trans-Siberian Railway, crossing
Asia by train, was complete by 1916. Parts of Asia remained free from European control, although not influence,
such as Persia, Thailand and most of China. In the twentieth century, Imperial Japan expanded into China and
Southeast Asia during World War II. After the war, many Asian countries became independent from European
powers. During the Cold War, the northern parts of Asia were communist controlled with the Soviet Union and
People’s Republic of China, while western allies formed pacts such as CENTO and SEATO. Conflicts such as the
Korean War, Vietnam War and Soviet invasion of Afghanistan were fought between communists and
anticommunists. In the decades after the Second World War, a massive restructuring plan drove Japan to become
the world’s second-largest economy, a phenomenon known as the Japanese post-war economic miracle. The Arab–
Israeli conflict has dominated much of the recent history of the Middle East. After the Soviet Union’s collapse in
1991, there were many new independent nations in Central Asia.

Asia’s history is a treasure trove of stories that continue to shape our world today. It’s a testament to human resilience,
creativity, and the enduring impact of this diverse and multifaceted continent.

Challenges to overcome:
Air Pollution: Many Asian cities struggle with severe air pollution, affecting the health of millions.

Deforestation: Logging and land-use changes contribute to deforestation, leading to habitat loss and climate change
impacts.

Natural Disasters: Asia is prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, leading to frequent natural disasters.
Water Scarcity:
Water Stress: Rapid urbanization and population growth strain water resources in many Asian regions.
Transboundary Water Issues: Water disputes between countries like India and Pakistan, and China and downstream
nations, pose challenges.

Climate Change: Rising Sea Levels: Coastal areas are vulnerable to sea-level rise, impacting
millions of people.

Extreme Weather: Asia faces increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change.

Political Tensions:
Geopolitical Conflicts: Ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, and border disputes affect
regional stability.

Territorial Disputes: Disputes over territories like Kashmir (India and Pakistan) and the Taiwan Strait are sources of
ongoing tension.

Human Rights Concerns:Freedom of Expression: Restrictions on free speech and press freedom exist in many Asian
countries.
Minority Rights: Ethnic and religious minorities often face discrimination and persecution.

Economic Inequality:Income Disparities: Income inequality is a significant challenge, with a gap between rich and
poor in many Asian nations.

Informal Labor: A substantial portion of the workforce is engaged in informal and low-paying jobs.

Healthcare Access:
Access to Healthcare: In some areas, access to quality healthcare remains limited, particularly in rural regions.

Pandemic Preparedness: Asia faces ongoing challenges in managing public health crises, as demonstrated by the
COVID-19 pandemic.

Demographic Shifts:Aging Population: Some Asian countries, like Japan, are grappling with rapidly aging populations,
posing economic and social challenges.

Environmental Degradation:
Biodiversity Loss: Asia’s diverse ecosystems are under threat due to habitat destruction and poaching.Plastic Pollution:
Plastic waste is a growing concern in many Asian countries, contributing to pollution in oceans and land.

Education:
Quality Education: Ensuring quality education for all remains a challenge in many Asian countries, particularly in rural
areas.

Interesting fact about Asia:

1.Both the highest and lowest points on the earth’s surface are in Asia
 Aerial view of Mt. Everest.
The world’s highest mountain (above sea level) is Mt. Everest, located in the Himalayas, along the China-Nepal
border. At 8, 848.86 meters, it’s the highest point on the earth’s surface. The lowest point on the earth’s surface is
located in Southeast Asia, at the Jordan-Israeli border. This is the Dead Sea, at 430 meters below sea level. It’s also one
of the saltiest, making it difficult for any life to survive in it, hence its name. 2. 90% of the world’s rice is consumed in
Asia

Rice is the staple food for most if not all Asian countries. Its very origin can be traced to East Asia, more than 10,000
years ago. That means, before the rest of the world had a taste of this dish, the Asian continent was already
domesticating and cultivating the crop. From fried to steamed rice, rice noodles, or sticky rice, the dish is an essential
one in Asian households. Unsurprisingly, nine out of the 10 world’s biggest rice producers are in Asia, with China,
India, and Bangladesh at the top of the list.

3. Asia is home to the world’s highest number of active volcanoes

The ‘Ring of Fire’ region in the Pacific holds more than 70% of the world’s active volcanoes, and the Asia-Pacific
region is part of the sum. Most of these are in Indonesia, where millions of people live dangerously near volcanoes.
The world’s deadliest volcanic eruptions and related earthquakes have been recorded in Asia as well. In 1815, the
eruption of Mt. Tambora in Indonesia killed around 10,000 people and affected global temperatures resulting in grave
famine.
4. Over 2300 languages are spoken in Asia
That’s a lot of languages but for a continent with about 60% of the world’s population, 2300 is quite reasonable. The
most common one is Mandarin, with over 1.1 billion speakers. It is also the official language in Taiwan, China, and
Singapore. Other commonly spoken languages included Arabic, Malay, Persian, Bangla, and Hindi.

5. Bangkok holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-place name

Okay, let me explain. Bangkok is actually not Thailand’s capital’s real name. Its actual full name is quite long, so take
a deep breath first. Krung Thep Maha Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop
Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam
Prasit. Phew! There you have it, but I’m pretty sure you’ll just stick to Bangkok. It roughly translates to the great city
of angels.

6. Cambodia has the largest religious monument in the world

Angkor wat
The Angkor Wat Temple Complex, located in Cambodia, is the world’s largest. Although originally built as a Hindu
temple, its use has gradually transformed into Buddhist, and the complex is often viewed as a Hindu-Buddhist temple.
 It sits on a massive 402 acres of land. It was built over a period of 28 years, from 1122-1150 CE. The architectural feat
attained, and the decorative aspects of this complex are quite impressive.
7. Two of the Seven Wonders of the World are located in Asia

Taj Mahal

It’s something to be proud of, featuring two out of the chosen seven. These are the Taj Mahal in India, and the Great
Wall of China. The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum, built in 1643 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a
tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It’s considered a ‘jewel of Muslim art in India’ and a masterpiece of Mughal
architecture. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Great Wall of China runs an impressive 21,
196 kilometers, an incredible feat.

9.Bhutan has no use for GDP!

While the rest of the world uses the Gross Domestic Product index to measure the rate of economic growth, Bhutan is
the only country whose national guiding principle in measuring its welfare is Gross National Happiness. The term was
introduced as philosophy in 1972 by the fourth king of Bhutan, King Jigme, who considered it more important than
GDP. It’s a philosophy of holistic sustainable development, centered on the people, and not merely material wealth.

9. The world’s largest flower is found in Asia

With an estimated diameter of one meter, the Rafflesia arnoldii is the world’s largest flower. It is found in most
rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia. It can weigh up to 15 pounds! However, it doesn’t have the
best smell. It has been termed a ‘stinking lily’, as its odor can be compared to rotting flesh.

10. Asia is home to the Komodo Dragon; the world’s largest lizard

In addition to other exotic species such as the Asian tiger, Asia is also home to the Komodo dragon. It is a member of
the monitor lizard family and the largest in the world. The species is found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Gili
Motang, Rinca, and Flores. It has an estimated length of 3 meters and can weigh up to 70 kilograms. Komodo dragons
are considered endangered species and are protected under Indonesian law.
11. Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 Days

Just like anywhere else in the world, New Year comes with the pomp and cheer for new beginnings. In China, the party
goes on for a few more days than in most countries. The celebrations are grounded in symbolism and tradition, hence
are quite a big deal. Dragon dances, pompous red attire, lanterns, red envelopes with money, and fireworks, just to
mention a few, color the celebrations. The Chinese New Year date is worked out by the new moon, hence it doesn’t fall
on the same day every year. It is also known as Spring Festival, as it marks the start of spring. The celebrations end
with the lantern festival, in which people release lanterns in the sky. Beautiful!

12. South Korea has Valentine’s day for singles!

Valentine’s day has some interesting twists in South Korea. Like the rest of the world, February 14 th is Valentine’s day,
but here, the ladies gift men as a sign of affection. Then on March 14th, also known as White Day, the men reciprocate
with more gifts. On April 14th, (known as Black Day), single persons who did not receive anything on the first two
dates, are ideally expected to get together over some black noodles, perhaps vent or get lucky. Pretty interesting, I
think.

13. Thailand was never colonized by Western powers

Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that escaped colonization by the Europeans when all of its neighbors
were either under British or French rule. Interestingly it stood right in the middle of the two powers, but strategically
using negotiations and compromise such as ceding some territory to keep off conquest, Thailand managed to stay
neutral and evade formal colonization. Western influence is however evident in the country’s modern state.

14. Look out for snake wine in Vietnam!

It’s not an uncommon belief that snakes may have medicinal qualities. It’s however not too common to find a whole
snake, preferably venomous for that matter, infused in rice wine as a beverage! Not for most of Southeast Asia,
though. Safely prepared snake wine is considered to have health benefits, and it was first recorded as a drink in the
Western Zhou Dynasty in 771 BC. In Vietnam, and some parts of China, ordering a shot of snake wine is no big deal.
Not my cup of tea though so I’ll pass.

15. Asia has some of the world’s tallest buildings

When it comes to architectural prowess, Asia comes up top quite easily, being home to some of the tallest buildings in
the world. Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, is the world’s tallest, towering at an impressive 828 meters in height, with 165
buildings (2 are below ground). China is home to about half of the world’s tallest buildings, including the Shanghai

Burj Khalifa

Tower (632 meters), Taipei 101 (508 meters), Shanghai World Financial Center (492 meters), and International
Commerce Centre (484 meters). The Petronas Towers located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are the world’s tallest twin
skyscrapers.

In summary, Asia, the world’s largest and most diverse continent, stands as a testament to the beauty of human
diversity and adaptability. From its towering mountains to its sprawling cities, from its ancient traditions to its
cuttingedge innovations, Asia’s journey is a story of resilience and growth. While it grapples with challenges like
environmental degradation, political tensions, and econom ic disparities, Asia’s cultural wealth, technological
advancements, and global influence are undeniable. As it continues to evolve in the 21st century, Asia’s role on the
world stage remains pivotal, offering a tapestry of experiences, lessons, and opportunities for the future.

References:
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/asia/ https://unacademy.com/content/railway-exam/study-
material/static-gk/some-important-facts-to-know-about-asia/ https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/1-
4020-4497-6_23 https://history.unc.edu/what-we-study/asian-history/