Geography of Asia

Asia's geography is incredibly diverse, ranging from the frozen tundra of Siberia in the north to the tropical rainforests of Indonesia in the south, and from the deserts of the Middle East to the lush river valleys of South and East Asia.

Detailed Regional Breakdown

East Asia

East Asia is a region of significant cultural and economic influence. It includes China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia, and Taiwan. The region is characterized by a mix of high mountain ranges, vast deserts like the Gobi, and fertile river plains. The climate ranges from subarctic in the north to subtropical in the south.

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia consists of two geographic regions: the Asian mainland (Indochina) and the island arcs and archipelagoes to the east and southeast. Countries include Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, and Timor-Leste. It is known for its tropical climate, biodiversity, and volcanic activity.

South Asia

South Asia is dominated by the Indian subcontinent and bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, and the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Pamir mountains on the north. It includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The region features the highest mountains in the world and the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Central Asia

Central Asia stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to China in the east and from Afghanistan in the south to Russia in the north. It includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The region is historically tied to the Silk Road and is characterized by steppes, deserts, and mountains.

West Asia

West Asia, often referred to as the Middle East, includes Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Israel, UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Yemen. It is an arid region with vast deserts but also the Fertile Crescent, often cited as the cradle of civilization.