Asia and its countries' descriptive names, culture, economy and history.

1. Singapore Malaysia

7. makabayan

8. Asia – From Greek word “Asu” (Rising Sun)
- is the Earth's largest and most populous continent.
(30% of Earth's land area and 61% planet's human
population).
Location: Eastern and northern hemispheres.

9. Boundary of Asia:
Being the biggest continent in the world, Asia includes 50
independent countries surrounded by the Arctic Ocean from
the north, by the Pacific Ocean from the east and by the
Indian Ocean from the south, it is separated from Africa by
Suez Canal. The Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea separate
Asia from Europe, its overland bordered by the Caucasus
Mountains, the Caspian Sea, the Ural River and Ural
Mountains. This boundary crosses through the territory of
Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, so
these states are in both continents.
Armenia and Cyprus geographically are in Asia, but
politically and culturally they also are considered as a part of
Europe.

10. List of countries in Asia
Armenia and Cyprus geographically are in Asia, but politically and
culturally they also are considered as a part of Europe.
The largest of the Asian countries by area is Russia, which occupies
about 30% of the total territory of the continent.
A
Afghanistan
Armenia
Azerbaijan
B
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
C
Cambodia
China
Cyprus
G
Georgia
I
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
J
Japan
Jordan
K
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
L
Laos
Lebanon
M
Malaysia
Maldives
Mongolia
Myanmar (Burma)
N
Nepal
North Korea
O
Oman
P
Pakistan
Palestine
Philippines
Q
Qatar
R
Russia
S
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Syria
T
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Turkey
Turkmenistan
U
United Arab
Emirates
Uzbekistan
V
Vietnam
Y
Yemen

12. People in Asia
1. Mongoloid

13. 2. Caucasoid

14. 3. Negroid

15. Top 10 Most Populous Countries
1. China- 1,370,793,000
2. India- 1,299,499,000
3. Indonesia- 255,462,000
4. Pakistan- 191,785,000
5. Bangladesh- 158,762,000
6. Japan- 126,891,000
7. Philippines- 102,965,000
8. Vietnam- 91,812,000
9. Iran- 78,778,000
10.Turkey- 78,214,000

16. Major Rivers in Asia
 Yangtze - 6,300 km - 3,915 miles (6,301 km)
 Yellow River (Huang He) - 5,464 km - 3,395 miles
(5,464 km)
 Mekong River - 4,909 km - 3,050 miles (4,910 km)
 Lena River - 4,400 km - 2,734 miles (4,400 km)
 Irtysh River - 4,248 km - 2,640 miles (4,250 km)
 Yenisei River - 4,090 km - 2,540 miles (4,090 km)
 Ob River - 3,650 km - 2,268 miles (3,650 km)
 Nizhnyaya Tunguska River - 2,989 km - 1,857 miles
(2,989 km)
 Indus River - 2,900 km - 1,800 miles (2,900 km)
 Brahmaputra River - 2,900 km - 1,800 miles (2,900 km)
 Amur River - 2,824 km - 1,755 miles (2,824 km)
 Salween River - 2,700 km - 1,749 miles (2,815 km)
 Euphrates River - 2,800 km - 1,740 miles (2,800 km)
Ganges River - 2,510 km - 1,560 miles (2,510 km)

17. Yangtze
China's Yangtze is the longest river in Asia, and
the fourth longest in the world at 3,915 miles
(6,301 km). The Yangtze drains one-fifth of the
land area of the People's Republic of China and
its river basin is home to one-third of China's
population.

18. Yellow or Huang Ho
The Yellow River is the second-longest river in
China and the sixth longest in the world at 3,395
miles (5,464 km) in length. It's called "the cradle
of Chinese civilization" as its basin – specifically,
the Wei valley – was the birthplace of ancient
Chinese civilizations and the most prosperous
region in early Chinese history.

19. Mekong
The Mekong is the world's 10th-longest river and
the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is
3,050 (4,909 km) and it provides inland
transportation for the millions living along its
banks, and tributaries

20. Lena
The Lena is the easternmost of the three
great Siberian rivers that flow into the Arctic
Ocean (the other two being the Ob River and
the Yenisei River). It is the 11th longest river
in the world at 2,734 miles (4,400 km).

21. Ob
The Ob is a major river in western Siberia,
Russia. The Ob is used mostly for irrigation,
drinking water, hydroelectric energy, and
fishing. It's 2,268 miles (3,650 km) in length.

22. Indus
The Indus River originates in Tibet and flows through India
and Pakistan. It provides water resources for the economy
of Pakistan - especially the Breadbasket of the southeast,
which accounts for most of the nation's agricultural
production. It is 1,800 miles (2,900 km) in length.

23. Ganges
The Ganges is the most sacred river to Hindus
and is also a lifeline to millions of Indians who
live along its course and depend on it for their
daily needs. It is 1,560 miles (2,510 km) in

24.  Afghanistan- highways of ancient invaders
Armenia- Historical Landmarks of Turkish Assault
Azerbaijan- Dreamland of Brave Fighters
Bahrain- land between two seas
Bangladesh- land of the bengalis
Bhutan- land of the thunder dragon
Brunei- richest nation in southeast asia
Burma (Myanmar)- land of the golden pagodas
Cambodia- land of the khmers
China (PRC)- Red Dragon of Asia/Sleeping Giant
Cyprus- fertile island of the mediterranean
East Timor- Timor Leste
Georgia- wealthiest per capita of the former USSR
India-birthplace of buddhism and hinduism
Indonesia- largest archipelago in the world
Iran- land of the great persian
Iraq- land between two riversempire
Israel- birthplace of christianity and judaism
Japan- Land of the Rising Sun
Jordan -Kingdom of Jordan
Kazakhstan- land of a promising oil industry
Kuwait- landmark of the historical desert storm
Kyrgyzstan- north asia's mountainous country
Laos- land of a million elephant
Lebanon- harbringer of an ancient civilization
Malaysia- land of the indigenous malays
Maldives- tiny island of south asia
Mongolia- Land of the Horsemen
Nepal- land of the great himalayan mountain range
North Korea- Red Dragon of East Asia
Oman- tiny kingdom of powerful monarchs
Pakistan- land born out of india
Palestine- ?
Philippines- pearl of the orient seas
 Qatar-land of the largest oil reserves
Russia-Land where the sun never rises
Saudi Arabia birthplace of islam
Singapore-land of shipbuilders
Sri Lanka-land of the jewels
South Korea -The Rising Industrialized
Country of East Asia
Syria-land of saladen
Taiwan (ROC)-Illah Formosa (Beautiful
Island)
Tajikistan-rebel state of the former
soviet union
Thailand-land of the free
Turkey-land of the ottoman turks
Turkmenistan-land of turkish assault
United Arab Emirates
seat of the seven sheikdoms
Uzbekistan - center of ancient silk road
Vietnam-tiny dragon of southeast asia
Yemen-land of sheba

25. Regions in Asia

27. Western Asia

28. Eastern Asia

29. Northern Africa

31. SOUTHEAST
ASIA

32. Southeast Asia or Southeastern Asia is Southeast
Asia consists of two geographic regions (11
COUNTRIES):
Maritime Southeast Asia,
comprising Indonesia, East Malaysia,
Singapore, Philippines, East Timor, Brunei,
and Christmas Island.
Mainland Southeast Asia, also known
as Indochina, comprising
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar
(Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, and West Malaysia

33. Brunei: Richest Nation in Southeast Asia
A tiny oil-rich sultanate on the island of Borneo. Officially
the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the
Abode of Peace. Brunei has the second highest Human
Development Index among the South East Asian countries
after Singapore, and is classified as a Developed Country.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Brunei
is ranked 4th in the world by gross domestic product per
capita at purchasing power parity.
Descriptive Name: Richest Nation in Southeast Asia
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Population: 400.000
State religion: Islam
Languages: Bahasa Melayu
Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND)
Landmark: Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

34. Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

36. Cambodia: Land of the Khmers
Cambodia is home to the Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious
building. The country is still recovering from decades of war and
devastation under the Khmer Rouge. Cambodia was colonized by France in
the mid-19th century, and gained independence in 1953. The Vietnam War
extended into Cambodia, giving rise to the Khmer Rouge, which took
Phnom Penh in 1975. After years of isolation, the war-ravaged nation was
reunited under the monarchy in 1993. Cambodia is now quickly gaining
reputation as a tourist destination. Rebuilding from decades of civil war,
Cambodia has seen rapid progress in the economical and human resource
areas. The country has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with
economic growth growing an average 6.0% for the last 10 years.
Descriptive Name: Land of the Khmers
Capital: Phnom Penh
Population: 14.8 million
State religion: Theravada Buddhism
Languages: Khmer
Currency: Riel (KHR)
Landmark: Angkor Wat

37. Angkor wat- is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia.
Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park
contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire,
from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat
and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.

38. East Timor: Timor Leste
One of the world’s newest and poorest states, at the eastern tip of Timor.
The country was colonized by Portugal (in the 16th century), but declared
its independence in 1975. East Timor was subsequently invaded by
Indonesia, and ruled as Indonesia’s 27th province until 1999. East Timor is
the youngest state in Southeast Asia. East Timor became the first new
sovereign state of the 21st century on May 20, 2002. East Timor is one of
the only two Roman Catholic Southeast Asian countries, the other being
the Philippines. The country continues to suffer the aftereffects of a
decades-long independence struggle against Indonesia, which damaged
infrastructure and displaced thousands of civilians.
Descriptive Name: Timor Leste
Capital: Dili
Population: 1 million
State religion: Roman Catholic
Languages: Tetum and Portuguese
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Landmark: Cristo Rei de Dili

39. Cristo Rei de Dili
Located at the eastern end of Dili is the 27 meter tall statue of Jesus, Cristo Rei de
Dili (Christ the King of Dili). It was modeled on Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer.
The statue was opened by President Soeharto in 1996 and was given to the East
Timorese people as a present to mark the 20th anniversary of the country’s
integration with Indonesia. Now expats and locals flock to the statue in the early
morning and evening for exercise. You too can pound (or walk) up the steps to get to
the top of the statue.

40. Indonesia: Largest Archipelago in the World
Southeast Asia and the world’s largest archipelago: Over 240 million Indonesians
inhabit over 18.000 islands, spanning three time zones. 300 languages are spoken,
although the lingua franca Bahasa Indonesia, is spoken by almost everybody.
Indonesia bore the grunt of over 350 years of colonization by the Dutch. Japanese
occupation during World War II ended Dutch rule, but subsequently took over the
reins, resulting in four million casualties as a result of famine and forced labor.
Two days after the surrender of Japan in August 1945, Sukarno, an influential
nationalist leader, declared independence and was appointed president. The
Netherlands tried to reestablish their rule, and an armed and diplomatic struggle
ended in December 1949, when in the face of international pressure, the Dutch
formally recognized Indonesian independence. The island of Java is the most
densely populated, its large, hectic cities attracting labor migrants from far and
wide. Bali, the small Hinduistic island to the west of Java, is the main port of call
for most tourists.
Descriptive Name: Largest Archipelago in the World
Capital: Jakarta
Population: 240 million
State religion: Islam
Languages: Bahasa Indonesia
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (RP)
Landmark: Prambanan and Borobudur Temple Compounds

41. Prambanan Temple Compounds - Built in the 10th century, this is the
largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia. Rising above the
centre of the last of these concentric squares are three temples decorated
with reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana, dedicated to the three
great Hindu divinities (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma) and three temples
dedicated to the animals who serve them.

42. Borobudur Temple Compounds- This famous Buddhist temple, dating from
the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central Java. It was built in three
tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a
cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The
walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total
surface area of 2,500 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork
stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha.

43. Laos: Land of a Million Elephant
Laos is the forgotten, but growing, country of Southeast Asia, landlocked
by Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. It is a mountainous
country that is becoming more and more popular on the backpacker trail.
Laos traces its history to the Kingdom which existed from the 14th to the
18th century when it split into three separate kingdoms. In 1893, it became
a French protectorate. It briefly gained independence in 1945 after
Japanese occupation, but returned to French rule until it was granted
autonomy in 1949. Laos became independent in 1953, with a constitutional
monarchy under Sisavang Vong. Shortly after independence, a long civil war
ended the monarchy, when the Communist Pathet Lao movement came to
power in 1975.
Descriptive Name: Land of a Million Elephant
Capital: Vientiane
Population: 7 million
State religion: Theravada Buddhism
Languages: Lao
Currency: Kip (LAK)
Landmark: Pha That Luang

44. Pha That Luang is a 16th century Buddhist stupa located in the Vientiane City, Laos. It was built
by the Emperor Setthathirat in the 16th century on the remains of Khmer temple belonging to
the 13th century. It is believed that the Khmer temple stands on a 3rd century temple which
was built by Buddhist missionaries who were sent to this place by the Emperor Ashoka to house
the relics of Buddha.
In the 16th century the Emperor Setthathirat made the Vientiane City as the capital of Laos. In
the year 1566 the construction of the Pha That Luang had begun and the entire complex was
covered with golden leafs.

45. Malaysia: Land of the indigenous Malays
Malaysia is a multicultural country covering the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur and the
jungle headhunters of Borneo. Malaysia spans a peninsular area bordered by Thailand
in the north and two states (Sarawak and Sabah) on the island of Borneo, which it
shares with Brunei and Indonesia. The large majority of the population (over 20
million) live on the Peninsula. Malaysia has its origins in the Malay Kingdoms present
in the area which, from the 18th century, became subject to the British Empire. The
territories on Peninsular Malaysia were first unified as the Malayan Union in 1946.
Malaya was restructured as the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and achieved
independence on 31 August 1957. Malaya united with Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore
on 16 September 1963, with si being added to give the new country the name
Malaysia. However, less than two years later in 1965, Singapore was expelled from
the federation. Since independence, Malaysia has had one of the best economic
records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5% for almost 50 years.
Descriptive Name: Land of the indigenous Malays
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Population: 28 million
State religion: Islam
Languages: Bahasa Melayu
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Landmark: Petronas Twin Towers

46. The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers,
are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

47. Myanmar (Burma): Land of the Golden Pagodas
Myanmar/ Burma is the second largest country in Southeast Asia. Burma is probably
the least known country in Southeast Asia. Thanks to decades of military
dictatorship it is also the least developed country with a population of 60 million
people. Burma is home to some of the early civilizations of Southeast Asia including
the Pyu and the Mon. In the 19th century, following three Anglo-Burmese Wars,
Burma was colonized by Britain. Since independence in 1948, the country has been
in one of the longest running civil wars among the country’s myriad ethnic groups
that remains unresolved. From 1962 to 2011, the country was under military rule.
The military junta was dissolved in 2011 following a general election in 2010 and a
civilian government installed. Burma is a resource rich country. However, since the
reformations of 1962, the Burmese economy has become one of the least developed
in the world. Burma’s GDP stands at $42.953 billion and grows at an average rate of
2.9% annually.
Descriptive Name: Land of the Golden Pagodas
Capital: Naypyidaw/Nay Pyi Taw
Population: 60 million
State religion: Buddhism
Languages: Burmese
Currency: Kyat (MMK/K)

48. The Shwedagon Pagoda; officially named Shwedagon Zedi Daw
and also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda and the Golden
Pagoda, is a gilded stupa located in Yangon, Myanmar.

49. Pyu Ancient Cities- Pyu Ancient Cities includes the remains of three brick, walled
and moated cities of Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra located in vast irrigated
landscapes in the dry zone of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River basin. They reflect
the Pyu Kingdoms that flourished for over 1,000 years between 200 BC and AD 900.

50. Philippines : Pearl of the Orient Seas
This Southeast Asian country is a unique fusion of the Asian traditions of hierarchy combined
with the Spanish culture of romance and sophistication. It is the largest Christian nation in the
region with over 7,107 islands and an estimated population of about 94 million people. Its
location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and its tropical climate make the Philippines prone to
earthquakes and typhoons but have also endowed the country with natural resources and made
it one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world. The Philippines is categorized broadly
into three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Its capital city is Manila.
Multiple ethnicities and cultures are found throughout the islands. The Philippines were ruled
by Spain for over 300 years. In the 20th century, the Philippines in quick succession went
through the Philippine Revolution which spawned the short-lived First Philippine Republic, the
Spanish-American War, and the Philippine–American War. In the aftermath, the United States
emerged as the dominant power. Aside from the period of Japanese occupation, the United
States retained sovereignty over the islands until the end of World War II when the Philippines
gained independence. Since independence the Philippines has had an often tumultuous
experience with democracy, with popular “People Power” movements overthrowing a
dictatorship in one instance but also underlining the institutional weaknesses of its
constitutional republic in others.
Descriptive Name: Pearl of the Orient Seas
Capital: Manila
Population: 94 million
Religion: Roman Catholic
Languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog) & English
Currency: Peso (PHP)
Landmarks:Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

51. Boracay-

52. Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park- This park features a
spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the
river's distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its
lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a
significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full
'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in
Asia. It has also been designated as one of theNew7Wonders of Nature.

53. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park- The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers
130,028 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an
atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as
a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of
a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive
lagoons and two coral islands.

54. Singapore: Land of Shipbuilders
Singapore is a clean and orderly island-city state. Multicultural shopping paradise &
gastronomic melting pot offset by stringent rules and regulations. Made up of 63
islands, Singapore is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, yet highly urbanized.
Population is around 5 million, Chinese, Malay and Tamil are the official languages.
Singapore had been a part of various local empires since it was first inhabited in
the second century AD. Modern Singapore was founded as a trading post of the East
India Company by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 with permission from the Sultanate
of Johor. The British obtained full sovereignty over the island in 1824 and Singapore
became one of the British Straits Settlements in 1826. Singapore was occupied by
the Japanese in World War II and reverted to British rule after the war. It became
internally self-governing in 1959. Singapore united with other former British
territories to form Malaysia in 1963 and became a fully independent state two years
later after separation from Malaysia.
Descriptive Name: Land of Shipbuilders
Capital: Singapore
Population: 5.2 million
Religion: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Taoism and Hinduism.
Languages: English, Malay, Chinese, Tamil
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Landmark: Merlion

55. The Merlion is the national personification of Singapore.
Its name combines "mer" meaning the sea and "lion". The fish body
represents Singapore's origin as a fishing village when it was called Temasek,
which means "sea town" in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore's
original name—Singapura—meaning "lion city" or "kota singa".

57. Singapore Botanic Gardens- Situated at the heart of the city of Singapore, the site
demonstrates the evolution of a British tropical colonial botanic garden that has
become a modern world-class scientific institution used for both conservation and
education. The cultural landscape includes a rich variety of historic features,
plantings and buildings that demonstrate the development of the garden since its
creation in 1859. It has been an important centre for science, research and plant
conservation, notably in connection with the cultivation of rubber plantations, in
Southeast Asia since 1875.

58. Thailand: Land of the Free
Thailand is officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand,
formerly known as Siam. The Land of Smiles with frenetic cities
and chilled-out beaches, the most popular destination in the
region with probably the most well established tourist
infrastructure. Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city dotted with
temples. The islands in the southeast and west are proven
holidaymakers.
Descriptive Name: Land of the Free
Capital: Bangkok
Population: 64 million
State religion: Buddhism
Languages: Thai
Currency: Thai Baht (TB)
Landmark: Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, Historic
City of Ayutthaya

59. Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns- Sukhothai was
the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. It
has a number of fine monuments, illustrating the beginnings of Thai
architecture. The great civilization which evolved in the Kingdom of
Sukhothai absorbed numerous influences and ancient local traditions; the
rapid assimilation of all these elements forged what is known as the
'Sukhothai style'.

60. Historic City of Ayutthaya- Founded c. 1350, Ayutthaya
became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. It was
destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Its remains,
characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic
monasteries, give an idea of its past splendour.

61. Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex- The site is home to more than 800
species of fauna, including 112 mammal species (among them two species of gibbon),
392 bird species and 200 reptile and amphibian species. It is internationally
important for the conservation of globally threatened and endangered mammal, bird
and reptile species, among them 19 that are vulnerable, four that are endangered,
and one that is critically endangered. The area contains substantial and important
tropical forest ecosystems, which can provide a viable habitat for the long-term
survival of these species.

62. Vietnam: Tiny Dragon of Southeast Asia
Vietnam is firmly marching down the road to
capitalism as one of the world’s fastest growing
economies. One of the more popular tourist
destinations in the area. Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, wondrous
scenery at Ha Long bay. Its gruesome past is displayed
in museums and the countryside.
Descriptive Name: Tiny Dragon of Southeast Asia
Capital: Hanoi
Population: 90.5 million
State religion: none
Languages: Vietnamese
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Landmark: Ha Long Bay

63. Ha Long Bay is situated in north Vietnam round a 120 kilometer long coast
line and is literally translated as “Bay of Descending Dragons”. The top
tourist attraction in Vietnam, Ha Long Bay features thousands of islands,
each topped with thick jungle vegetation, forming a spectacular seascape of
limestone pillars. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves,
others islands include lakes and some support floating villages of fishermen.