ASIA

Continent Size: 44,579,000 sq km (17,212,000 sq miles) Percent of Earth's Land: 30% Population: 3,879,000,000 (2008
est)

Asia has three important recognized political divisions: The Middle East, (or West Asia) countries are colored a lighter shade of
gray; Southeast Asia (or South Asia) countries are colored a medium shade of gray, and North Asia countries are colored a
darker shade of gray. Note that European Russia is also considered a part of the Asian Continent. To select a country in Asia -
just point and click - or use the drop down menu to the right.

Description

As the planet's largest continent, Asia covers about 30 percent of the world's landmass and includes (44) countries and
assorted islands and/or dependencies.
Significant features of the continent of Asia include the world's tallest mountain, Mt Everest in Nepal (and China), rising to
29,035 ft (8,850m). It also includes the world's lowest point, found in the Dead Sea, Israel/Jordan, at 1,286 ft (392m)
below sea level.
In addition, the continent includes the world's most populated countries, China and India; the world's longest coastline, the
world's deepest lake; Lake Baykal, and some of the most important rivers on the planet.

Asia Geography Notes

Burma: Military authorities have promoted the name Myanmar since 1989 as the conventional name for their state. That
decision was not (and is not) approved by any sitting legislature in Burma, and is not accepted by the U.S. government.
However, Myanmar is widely accepted by numerous countries, and by the United Nations.
European Russia: The Russian landmass west of the Ural Mountains is commonly referred to as European Russia in most
educational atlases, and by the vast majority of geography experts.
It is not a separate country, but rather called that because of its political, cultural and geographical blendings with Europe.
For reference purposes it is shown above to the west of the dashed-line, however, the entire country (as a whole) is still
considered part of the continent of Asia.
Middle East: Countries considered part of the Middle East (or West Asia) are shown in a lighter shade of gray. Note that they
are all still a part of the continent of Asia.
Taiwan is still considered by China to be its 23rd province, and not an independent country. Very few other country
governments accept China's claims of sovereignty over Taiwan.
Opinions vary as to what countries make up the modern definition of Asia and the Middle East. Historically, Armenia and
Azerbaijan have been long associated with the Middle East, but in recent years, some sources now consider them to be more
closely aligned with Europe based on their modern economic and political trends. We have moved in that direction, and the
same can be said for the island country of Cyprus.
Turkey is officially, politically and geographically considered part of both Asia and Europe. The small northwestern portion of
Turkey named (Thrace) is a recognized part of Europe, while the largest part (Anatolia) is located in the Middle East, a part of
Asia.

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/as.htm