Asia is the largest and most populous of the Earth's seven continents, located primarily in the Eastern and Northern Hemispheres.
The origin of the name is unknown, though it seems probable that it was at first used with a restricted local application, gradually extended to the whole continent.
The original distinction between Europe and Asia was made by the ancient Greeks. They invented Asia and Europe to name the two sides of the Hellespont (now Dardanelles).
Some of the oldest human civilizations began in Asia, such as Sumer, China, and India. Asia was also home to some large empires such as the Persian Empire, the Mughal Empire, the Mongol Empire, and the Ming Empire
Within the continent of Asia, there are 48 generally recognized sovereign states plus two states (Palestine and Taiwan) with substantial, but not general, recognition.
Some countries are variously located in both Europe and Asia. Namely: Cyprus, Georgia, Russia and Turkey.
Some of the oldest human civilizations began in Asia, such as Sumer, China, and India. Asia was also home to some large empires such as the Persian Empire, the Mughal Empire, the Mongol Empire, and the Ming Empire
Within the continent of Asia, there are 48 generally recognized sovereign states plus two states (Palestine and Taiwan) with substantial, but not general, recognition.
Some countries are variously located in both Europe and Asia. Namely: Cyprus, Georgia, Russia and Turkey.
Asia is the largest of the continents, occupying 30% of the total land surface of the world.
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| By Koyos + Ssolbergj Wikipedia |
The continental mainland stretches from the southern end of the Malay Peninsula to Cape Chelyuskin in Siberia. Its westernmost point is Cape Baba in NW Turkey, and its easternmost point is Cape Dezhnev in NE Siberia. The continent’s greatest width from east to west is about 8,500 km (about 5300 mi).
Asia hosts 60% of the world's current human population with a population of around 4.5 billion (as of 2015).
During the 20th century Asia's population nearly quadrupled.
Seven of the ten largest cities in the world are located on the Asian continent.
Less than one-sixth of Asia’s land is arable. In general the basic unit of production is the village rather than the farm.
During the 20th century Asia's population nearly quadrupled.
Seven of the ten largest cities in the world are located on the Asian continent.
Less than one-sixth of Asia’s land is arable. In general the basic unit of production is the village rather than the farm.
Asia contains both the world's highest mountain (Mount Everest 29,118 ft ) and the world's lowest point below sea level (The Dead Sea at -1,293 ft).
The Asian continent has been the birthplace and cradle of all the world’s most prominent religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and many others.
Sources Wikipedia, Hutchinson Encyclopedia © RM 2011. Helicon Publishing is division of RM.
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