Asia Overview

As diverse as the country is, so are the possibilities: Asia is a popular travel destination, which couldn’t be more varied in terms of vacation options. Historic sites, gorgeous beaches and adventurous trekking tours – Asia has it all, depending on where you go. Read what there is to discover in Asia.

Geography

Asia is the world’s largest continent. It has an area of ​​around 44.614 million (excluding Russia) and, together with Europe, belongs to the major continent of Eurasia.

Asia makes up a third of the total land mass. This is in the eastern hemisphere, north of the equator, with the exception of the Chukchi Peninsula (eastern Siberia) east of the date line and the southeastern islands in the Mailai archipelago. These are in the southern hemisphere.

The country is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Indian Ocean to the south. There is no clear limit to the west; be most common

  • the Dardanelles
  • the Sea of Marmara
  • the Bosphorus
  • the black sea (south coast)
  • the Caucasus
  • the Caspian Sea
  • the Ural River as well
  • the Ural Mountains

viewed as a border with Europe. In the north of the Red Sea, Asia is connected to Africa via the Sinai peninsula.

Regions

The regional breakdown of Asia is as follows:

  • North Asia
  • Central Asia
  • Middle East (West Asia)
  • South Asia
  • East Asia
  • South East Asia

States

The following table provides an overview of Asia’s states. It should be noted that part of Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey are in Europe. The main part of Egypt is in Africa and Western New Guinea, a part of Indonesia, is in Australia. Sources: Countryaah

STATES OF ASIA
Country Capital Population (2017) Area in km²
Mongolia Ulaanbaatar 3,075,647 1,564,116
Russia
without Crimea
Moscow 143,989,754 17,098,242
People’s Republic of China
with Macau
Beijing 1,381,517,397 9,596,961
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
Taipei 23,626,456 35,980
Japan Tokyo 127,484,450 377,915
Hong Kong Hong Kong 7,100,000 1,104
Korea, north Pyongyang 25,490,965 120,538
Korea, south Seoul 50,982,212 99,720
Bangladesh Dhaka 164,669,751 143,998
Bhutan Thimphu 807,610 38,394
India
with Kashmir
New Delhi 1,339,180,127 3,287,263
Maldives Times 436,330 298
Nepal Kathmandu 29,304,998 147,181
Pakistan
without Kashmir
Islamabad 197,015,955 796,095
Sri Lanka Colombo 20,876,917 65,610
Brunei Bandar Seri Begawan 428,697 5,765
Indonesia Jakarta 263,991,379 1,904,569
Cambodia Phnom Penh 16,005,373 181,035
Laos Vientiane 6,858,160 236,800
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur 31,624,264 329,847
Myanmar Naypyidaw 53,370,609 676,578
Philippines Manila 104,918,090 299,000
Singapore City-state 5,708,844 697
Thailand Bangkok 69,037,513 513,120
East Timor
(Timor-Leste)
Dili 1,296,311 14,874
Vietnam Hanoi 95,540,800 331,210
Egypt Cairo 97,553,151 1,001,450
Armenia Yerevan 2,930,450 29,743
Azerbaijan Baku 9,827,589 86,600
Bahrain Manama 1,492,584 760
Georgia
with Abkhazia
and South Ossetia
Tbilisi 3,912,061 69,700
Iraq Baghdad 38,274,618 438,317
Iran Tehran 81,162,788 1,648,195
Israel
with the Golan Heights
and East Jerusalem,
without the Gaza Strip
and West Bank
Sanaa 28,250,420 527,968
Jordan Amman 9,702,353 89,342
Qatar Doha 2,639,211 11,586
Kuwait Kuwait City 4,136,528 17,818
Lebanon Beirut 6,082,357 10,400
Oman Muscat 4,636,262 309,500
Saudi Arabia Riad 32,938,213 2,149,690
Syria
with Golan Heights
Damascus 18,269,868 185,180
Turkey Ankara 80,745,020 783,562
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus North Nicosia 294,406 3,355
United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi 9,400,145 83,600
Cyprus
with Northern Cyprus
Nicosia 1,179,551 9,251
Afghanistan Kabul 35,530,081 652,230
Kazakhstan Astana 18,204,499 2,724,900
Kyrgyzstan Bishkek 6,045,117 199,951
Tajikistan Dushanbe 8,921,343 143,100
Turkmenistan Ashgabad 5,758,075 488,100
Uzbekistan Tashkent 31,910,641 447,400

Geographical features

Asia has some geographic features. It has:

  • the most populous country( China)
  • the largest share in the largest country( Russia)
  • the deepest water( Dead Sea)
  • the highest mountain range( Himalaya)
  • the oldest and deepest lake(Baikal)

Plants and animals

In Asia there are different vegetation zones that give a home to different plants and animals. One differentiates (from south to north):

  • tropical monsoons where rice is predominantly grown; Farm animals are pigs and poultry
  • tropical rainforests in which, for example, palm oil plantations are grown
  • tropical savannah areas and dry forests (Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia); mainly lions, deer, stag goat antelopes and nilgaun antelopes live here
  • Desert landscapes, mountain landscapes with little vegetation in which mountain grazing animals live; The snow leopard is native to the Central Asian Mountains, while cheetahs, gazelles and wild camels live in the desert regions
  • Steppes and grasslands that are inhabited by wild horses, antelopes and wolves
  • Forests of the temperate zone with coniferous and deciduous forests with Amur leopards, Amur tigers, wild boars, bears, deer and lynxes

Worthwhile excursion destinations and sights

Describing the variety of sights and excursion destinations in Asia is almost impossible, as there are so many regions to discover, all of which offer various highlights.

Maldives

One of the most popular destinations for an island vacation is the Maldives. The island state, which consists of 1190 islands and several atolls, is located in South Asia on the southern tip of India.

87 islands are available for tourists. The range of beach hotels, holiday resorts and bungalows is therefore extensive.

The climate in the Maldives is tropical and consistently hot. Even at night, temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius are rarely recorded. The months of November to April are particularly cheap for a trip to the island nation.

The Maldives as padies for water sports enthusiasts

Bali

The Indonesian island of Bali is one of the most famous travel destinations in the Indian Ocean. Temperatures there are between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius all year round. The months April to September are considered the best travel time.

There is a wide range of beaches, accommodations and leisure activities. So you can

  • sunbathe
  • to bathe
  • Do water sports
  • Take boat tours or

But golfers, trekkers and mountain bikers also get their money’s worth.

Bali as a wellness paradise

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, lies east of India and is about the size of Bavaria. One of the hallmarks of the island is its heavenly white sandy beaches.

For Europeans, the climate in Sri Lanka is more pleasant than in India. Average temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius and the rainy season is limited to November and December.

The most interesting sights of the island include the mystical gardens of Sigriya and the magnificent temples such as the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy. In addition, Sri Lanka offers a unique flora and fauna. The island is also a paradise for divers and surfers.

Burma

In Southeast Asia you can find Burma or Myanmar, a country that is an insider tip when it comes to a trip to Asia. There are especially many temples to discover here; but the pagoda caves are also among the highlights there. You can find more information and travel tips here.

Nepal

Anyone traveling to Nepal should visit the city of Kathmandu. Here you will find the main attraction of the country with Shingha Durbar. It is a magnificent palace that attracts countless visitors every year, as do the many temples. Read here what else there is to see and do in Nepal.

At a glance: Sights worth seeing in the different regions

Depending on the direction of interest in which the trip is intended, other regions are recommended.

Attractions in the Middle East

The Middle East is also known as the cradle of humanity. Many of the regions here come up in biblical stories in particular. There are some historical sights to marvel at.

The Iraq and Saudi Arabia are waiting for the most important Islamic shrines; Mosques in particular can be found here in many areas. If you want to visit the world’s oldest city that is still inhabited today, Damascus in Syria is the right place for you.

The city of Petra (Jordan) is known by many as the wonder of the world. A visit is just as worthwhile

  • of the island state of Bahrain
  • Dubai and
  • of the hilly areas of Yemen.

Turkey is more likely to be associated with a beach holiday. You will find much more than just beaches here. There are numerous sites of hostor importance, such as

  • Troy
  • Hierapolis
  • Pergamon or
  • Ephesus

counting. Find out what else there is to see in Turkey here.

But also in

  • Israelwith Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv
  • Jordanwith the capital Amman or Wadi Rum, one of the most beautiful desert landscapes in the world or
  • Lebanonwith most interesting archaeological sites

are worth the trip.

Sights in Southeast Asia

There are a particularly large number of beach holidaymakers in Southeast Asia; Individual trips also play a major role here. The relaxed beach holiday can be supplemented with dives – there are many paradisiacal diving regions to choose from.

You don’t have to do without culture in this region of Asia. Among the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia are

  • Indonesiawith the popular capital, the island of Bali and various volcanoes
  • Malaysiawith both exciting cities and wonderful landscapes
  • Singaporewith just as many contrasts
  • Thailandwith the Tarutao National Parkand many diving regions or
  • Vietnamwith unforgettable sandy beaches

Attractions in Central Asia

Central Asia, for example, is popular with adventure holidaymakers who want to use their stay for trekking tours or mountaineering.

  • China offers culture, history and modern metropolises
  • Those who are interested in the country’s economy will find what they are looking for in Hong Kong
  • Sports vacationers get their money’s worth in Nepal, where exciting hiking and trekking routes await.

The mentioned selection can only name a fraction of the possibilities that there are to explore in travel destinations in Asia. The diversity of the country is so extensive that it is impossible to present all facets.

Special features to consider when traveling to Asia

Asia is a popular travel destination that is still strange and mysterious, especially for Europeans. The continent impresses with its diversity, beautiful landscapes and cultural treasures. However, one should not fail to prepare in a few areas before going on vacation in Asia.

Health care

This includes getting vaccinated against the most common diseases.

Recommended vaccinations

In most Asian countries, vaccinations are not required by law. Still, it is recommended to get vaccinations against the diseases

  • tetanus
  • diphtheria
  • polio
  • Hepatitis A and
  • Hepatitis B.

to have done.

The standard vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella prescribed in Germany should also be refreshed before a trip to Asia; You can find out when the last vaccination was given on the vaccination certificate. However, vaccination against yellow fever is not absolutely necessary before a vacation in Asia.

What should I have in my first-aid kit?

You should also have a small first- aid kit with you when on vacation in Asia. Especially in India, Malaysia or the Philippines, the very hot temperatures are unfamiliar to Europeans – the body often reacts with defensive reactions.

Diarrhea and vomiting are the most common illnesses on vacation in these countries – so you should definitely have medication with you for these symptoms. Many Europeans are also unfamiliar with the unfamiliar and sometimes very spicy food in the countries of Asia.

In many countries, cleanliness and hygiene are not necessarily a top priority. Hepatitis A, for example, is usually caused by contaminated water and food – getting vaccinated against this disease is therefore particularly important.

Malaria is also common in many countries in Asia; this disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. Special sprays and ointments are also available in pharmacies here.

At night you should protect yourself with a mosquito net. Of course, vaccination against malaria also makes sense.

Against the dreaded dengue fever there is currently no protective vaccination. To prevent this disease, you can only protect yourself against the bites of the diurnal mosquitoes that transmit this disease. It is important to wear long clothing in endangered areas.

Japanese encephalitis is a disease that is particularly common in rural areas of East Asia. You should get vaccinated against this dangerous encephalitis, especially if you are planning a longer trip to Asia.

Food and drinks

The Asian cuisine is so varied and varied that it is hardly possible to filter out a particular specialty. Especially since Asia is so big that there are special features here depending on the country.

The basics: rice and spices

At the top of the list of the most popular ingredients in Asia is of course rice; This is available here in all imaginable variations – rice is served almost every day in Asian countries.

Spices play a very special role in Asian cuisine. Regardless of whether

  • curry
  • coriander
  • Lemongrassor
  • Limes

– the main thing is that the food is pleasantly spicy. The best-known Asian countries, each with their own specialties, are Thailand, China, India and Japan.

Japan

In Japan, one of the delicacies par excellence is sushi, a specialty made from raw fish. For a long time, whale meat was also considered a delicacy in Japan; however, this is no longer very popular with the Japanese.

Tea is also popular in Japanese cuisine. The tea ceremony is part of almost every meal. The national drink of the Japanese is sake.

China

In China, dishes are often cooked with the ingredients tofu and soy sauce. Green tea and rice wine are typical Chinese drinks.

Milk, on the other hand, is hardly ever served in China as many Chinese suffer from lactose intolerance. The unusual eating habits of the Chinese are rather unfamiliar for the European stomach – they also prefer to eat them

  • insects
  • Worms or

Thailand

In Thailand people like to cook spicy too. Gaeng, for example, is one of the most famous Thai dishes. These are all dishes that are prepared with curry; Soups are particularly popular here.

Indonesia

Rice is also the basis of every dish in Indonesian cuisine. But fish and seafood are also on the menu here almost every day. Shrimp are considered a special delicacy; these are often prepared with coconut milk.

What all Asian countries have in common is that meat dishes are rarely on the table. This can often be justified with Buddhism, which is the most widespread religion in Asia; in this, the consumption of meat is taboo. If meat is consumed, it is usually cut into small pieces and eaten with the fingers.

Indonesia