Asia consists of 48 countries and three territories, with a total population of approximately 4.6 billion people. It is also home to the world's largest economy, China, and the most populous country, India.
Asia, the largest and most populous continent on Earth, is a region of immense complexity and diversity. Spanning approximately 44.58 million square kilometres (about 17.2 million square miles), Asia occupies about 30% of Earth's total land area. It is home to over 4.7 billion people, constituting nearly 60% of the global population. The continent is often seen as a land of stark contrasts, where modern megacities exist alongside ancient traditions and diverse landscapes.
Asia is divided into five primary sub-regions, each with its distinct characteristics and countries:
Includes countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Encompasses nations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Features China, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia.
Includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.
Covers Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other Middle Eastern countries.
These sub-regions reflect the continent’s geographical, cultural, and political diversity.
Area | 44.57 million km² |
Population | 4.561 billion |
Number Of Countries | 51 (49 recognised by the United Nations) |
Highest Mountain | Mount Everest |
Longest River | Yangtze (Cháng Jiāng) in China |
Largest Lake | Baikal Lake in Russia |
Number of languages spoken across the continent | 2,300 languages |
Asia is one of the seven continents covering about 30% of the Earth's land. It is also the most populated continent, about 60% of the world's population. Asia is home to many cultures, languages, and geographic features.
From the deserts of the Middle East to the tropical islands of Southeast Asia, the continent is home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations, modern megacities, and fast-growing economies. Overall, Asia plays a critical role in shaping global dynamics.
One fundamental question that often arises when discussing this diverse continent is: How many countries are there in Asia? Understanding the number of Asian countries provides a clearer insight into the continent’s geopolitical makeup and the intricate relationships between its nations.
The answer is straightforward: Asia consists of 49 recognised sovereign states. However, the political map of Asia is not always as clear-cut. Some regions within Asia have disputed sovereignty, while certain countries, like Russia and Turkey, span Asia and Europe, adding complexity to the answer.
Asia’s 49 countries are spread across several distinct regions: East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Western Asia, and Northern Asia. Each region brings its own set of cultural, political, and economic influences that contribute to Asia's unique identity on the world stage.
According to Source, there are 53 countries in Asia, among which:
Here is a list of countries on the Asian continent, including their capitals and populations.
Country | Capitals | Population |
Russia | Moscow | 144,444,359 |
China | Beijing | 1,425,671,352 |
India | New Delhi | 1,428,627,663 |
Kazakhstan | Nur-Sultan | 19,606,634 |
Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | 36,947,025 |
Iran | Tehran | 89,172,767 |
Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | 3,447,157 |
Indonesia | Jakarta | 277,534,123 |
Pakistan | Islamabad | 240,485,658 |
Turkey | Ankara | 85,816,199 |
Myanmar | Naypyidaw | 54,577,997 |
Afghanistan | Kabul | 42,239,854 |
Yemen | Sanaa | 34,449,825 |
Thailand | Bangkok | 71,801,279 |
Turkmenistan | Ashgabat | 6,516,100 |
Uzbekistan | Tashkent | 35,163,944 |
Iraq | Baghdad | 45,504,560 |
Japan | Tokyo | 123,294,513 |
Vietnam | Hanoi | 98,858,950 |
Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | 34,308,525 |
Oman | Muscat | 4,644,384 |
Philippines | Manila | 117,337,368 |
Laos | Vientiane | 7,633,779 |
Kyrgyzstan | Bishkek | 6,735,348 |
Syria | Damascus | 23,227,014 |
Cambodia | Phnom Penh | 16,944,826 |
Bangladesh | Dhaka | 172,954,319 |
Nepal | Kathmandu | 30,896,590 |
Tajikistan | Dushanbe | 10,143,543 |
North Korea | Pyongyang | 26,160,822 |
South Korea | Seoul | 51,784,059 |
Jordan | Amman | 11,337,053 |
United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi | 9,516,871 |
Azerbaijan | Baku | 10,412,652 |
Georgia | Tbilisi | 3,728,282 |
Sri Lanka | Colombo | 21,893,579 |
Egypt | Cairo | 112,716,599 |
Bhutan | Thimphu | 787,425 |
Taiwan | Taipei | 23,923,277 |
Armenia | Yerevan | 2,777,971 |
Israel | Jerusalem | 9,174,520 |
Kuwait | Kuwait City | 4,310,108 |
East Timor | Dili | 1,360,596 |
Qatar | Doha | 2,716,391 |
Lebanon | Beirut | 5,353,930 |
Cyprus | Nicosia | 1,260,138 |
Palestine | Jerusalem | 5,371,230 |
Brunei | Bandar Seri Begawan | 452,524 |
Hong Kong (China) | Victoria | 7,491,609 |
Bahrain | Manama | 1,485,510 |
Singapore | Singapore | 6,014,723 |
Maldives | Malé | 523,787 |
Macao (China) | Macao | 704,150 |
Asia is often described as a cultural mosaic, with a vast array of languages, religions, and traditions. The continent is home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations, such as the ancient Mesopotamians, the Indus Valley Civilisation, and the early Chinese dynasties.
Asia is subdivided into 49 countries, five of them (Georgia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey) are transcontinental countries lying partly in Europe. Geographically, Russia is partly in Asia, but is considered a European nation, both culturally and politically.
Here are some of the interesting facts about the Asia continent and other countries in Asia:
Here’s an overview of some interesting facts about the diverse countries in Asia.
The continent of Asia is made up of 49 countries that differ greatly in their size, culture, and political systems. Each country contributes to the continent's rich tapestry of history, economics, and diversity. Whether looking at the booming cities of East Asia or the rich traditions of South Asia, Asia's countries represent the full spectrum of human civilisation. From the powerful nations shaping global economies to the small island states guarding their cultural heritage, Asia's influence on the world stage is undeniable. Asia is a continent of immense diversity, rich history, and dynamic geopolitical landscapes. While most people recognise 49 countries in Asia, regions like Palestine, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Taiwan contribute to the ongoing debates about the exact number of sovereign states. Regardless of political disputes, Asia continues to be a key player in the global economy, culture, and international relations, with its 51 countries showcasing an incredible range of civilizations, traditions, and modern innovations. The sheer scale of Asia’s population, land area, and economic influence makes it a continent that continues to shape the world in profound ways.
Yes. Understanding the number of countries in the Asian continent is a gateway to understanding the continent’s complexity and significance in global affairs.
Some of the largest and most influential countries in Asia include -- China, India, Russia, Japan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh
India is the second-most populous country in Asia.
Asia also includes a number of smaller nations and island states, such as Bhutan, Maldives,Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste.
There are 49 countries in Asia. However, some sources may list 48 or 50, depending on political recognition of certain territories.
The term "No. 1" is subjective and can refer to various aspects such as size, population, economy, or military power. In terms of population, China is the most populous country in Asia and the world.
Here are the 10 largest countries in Asia by area: Russia (part of Russia is in Asia) China India Kazakhstan Saudi Arabia Indonesia Iran Mongolia Pakistan Turkey (part of Turkey is in Asia)
The smallest country in Asia by area is Maldives, which consists of small islands in the Indian Ocean.
The largest city in Asia by population is Tokyo, Japan, with a metro population exceeding 37 million people.
This would depend on the specific listing of countries you are referring to, but some lists suggest that the 48th country in Asia is Maldives, based on size and recognition.
Yes, there are generally 49 countries recognized in Asia.
Again, this can refer to several different aspects (e.g., size, population, economy). China is No. 1 in Asia in terms of population and economic size.
The largest country in Asia by land area is Russia (with a large portion of its territory in Asia). If considering only the part in Asia, Russia is still the largest, followed by Chi
As mentioned, the largest city in Asia by population is Tokyo, Japan.
The three smallest countries in Asia by area are: Maldives Singapore Bahrain
India is called part of South Asia due to its geographical location on the Indian subcontinent, which is a distinct cultural, historical, and geographic region that includes countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
India is called part of South Asia due to its geographical location on the Indian subcontinent, which is a distinct cultural, historical, and geographic region that includes countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
The three largest cities in the world by population (as of 2023) are: Tokyo, Japan Delhi, India Shanghai, China
Asia is home to a diverse range of languages. Over 2,300 languages are spoken across the continent.
Asia covers about 44.58 million square kilometers (17.2 million square miles), making it the largest continent in terms of area.
As of recent data, the richest country in Asia in terms of GDP per capita is Qatar. Other wealthy nations include Singapore, Brunei, and United Arab Emirates.
Beauty is subjective, but some of the most famous beautiful countries in Asia are: Japan (known for its cherry blossoms, temples, and natural beauty) Thailand (famous for its beaches and vibrant culture) Bhutan (known for its mountainous landscapes and spiritual culture) Indonesia (famous for its islands and natural beauty)
India is ranked as the 2nd largest country by population in Asia and the 7th largest country by area.
Maldives is Asia's smallest country by area.
China and Japan are often considered the most famous countries in Asia due to their large cultural, economic, and historical influence.
There are 195 countries in the world today, including 193 member states of the United Nations and 2 observer states (the Holy See and Palestine). The number can vary depending on political recognition.
No, there are not 243 recognized countries in the world. The correct number is 195.
A few countries straddle both Asia and Europe: Russia (part of Russia is in Asia and part in Europe) Turkey (part of Turkey is in Asia, and part is in Europe) Kazakhstan (partially in both Asia and Europe)
Yes, all of India is in Asia. India is located on the Indian subcontinent in southern Asia.
The title of "No. 1" country in the world depends on the context. In terms of population, China is No. 1. In terms of GDP, the United States is considered No. 1.
English is an official or widely spoken language in 58 countries around the world, including many countries in Asia, such as India, the Philippines, and Singapore.
Some of the most beautiful countries in Asia are: Japan Thailand Bhutan Indonesia Nepal Sri Lanka Vietnam India Malaysia Maldives
Asia is famous for its vast diversity in terms of culture, languages, religions, and geography. It is home to the world's largest populations, most influential economies, and ancient civilizations.
Bangkok, Thailand, is often considered the most visited city in Asia due to its vibrant culture, attractions, and tourism infrastructure.
The smallest country in the world by area is Vatican City.
Afghanistan and Yemen are often cited as some of the poorest countries in Asia, with low GDP per capita and significant socio-economic challenges.
The Yangtze River in China is the longest river in Asia, measuring about 6,300 kilometers (3,917 miles).
Yes, Asia is much larger than China. While China is the largest country in Asia by population, Asia as a continent is more than 40 times larger than China in terms of land area.
There are generally 49 countries in Asia, although some sources may list 48, depending on recognition.
In Asia, Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is one of the smallest cities by population.
The Maldives is often considered the thinnest country in Asia,
There are currently 195 countries in the world in 2025, comprising 193 member states of the United Nations and 2 observer states (the Holy See and Palestine).
Yes, as of January 1, 2025, all countries in the world have entered the year 2025 according to the Gregorian calendar.
No, all countries follow the Gregorian calendar and have transitioned to 2025. No country remains in 2024.
All 195 countries are already in the year 2025.
All 195 countries transitioned to 2025 on January 1, 2025, as per the Gregorian calendar.
The total number of countries remains 195 in 2025.
The total number of countries remains 195 in 2025.
The smallest country in Asia is Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Covering just 300 square kilometres, Maldives comprises 26 atolls, renowned for their pristine beaches and coral reefs. Despite its small size, it holds significant ecological and cultural importance.
The largest country in Asia is Russia, with its Asian part spanning over 13 million square kilometres. Russia is rich in natural resources and plays a key role in regional geopolitics. If considering only countries wholly in Asia, China takes the top spot.
Asia's population is as diverse as its geography. Here’s an overview of the population distribution: • Most populous country: China, with over 1.4 billion people. • Least populous country: Maldives, with around 500,000 people. Asia's population density varies dramatically, with urban hubs like Tokyo and Shanghai contrasting with sparsely populated regions like Mongolia.
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