ASIA
Asia is the world’s largest continent and has the world’s two largest countries by population – China and India. The largest continent is a land of extremes. From the ice of the Arctic to the heat of the Indian Ocean islands, Asia takes in treacherous mountains, desolate dunes, treeless steppes, fertile plains, and tropical rainforests. The continent’s 48 countries show many contrasts, with businesses booming in the expanding cities, while rural communities farm the fields. Today, more than 60 per cent of the world’s population calls Asia their home.
- SPORT
There is a long tradition of martial arts in Asia, which includes judo, karate, and sumo wrestling in Japan and kung fu in China. Mongolians and Tibetans were once expert horse-riders and racing remains a common pursuit. India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka excel at cricket, while table tennis is also popular.
- INDUSTRY
By exporting resources of oil and natural gas, Asian nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait have become wealthy. Japan, too, has seen rapid economic growth from its cutting-edge technology. India, China, and other Asian countries have benefitted from mass-producing cars, clothes, and electronics for export.
- WILDLIFE
Some of the world’s most endangered mammals are found in Asia, including the snow leopard, red panda, and Asiatic black bear. The forests of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo shelter elephants, tigers, and orang-utans from the heat. Sharks, turtles, and manta rays live among the reefs off the coast of Southeast Asia.
- FOOD
Asia’s dishes are derived from the rich mix of cultures. Culinary delights from India (unique blends of spices for curries), China (fried rice, meat, and vegetables), Thailand (curries with coconut milk and rice or noodles), and Japan (raw or cooked fish dishes called sushi) have made Asian cuisine a hit with locals and tourists alike.
- CULTURE
India’s successful “Bollywood” film industry produces more than 1,000 films a year from its base in Mumbai. Art, music, and dance are also deep-rooted in Asian culture, with Bhutan’s masked temple dancers, Cambodia’s classical dances, and Indonesia’s shadow puppets.
- RELIGION
All the main religions started in Asia. Although religions differ from country to country, the three faiths most followed today are Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. People worship by chanting or praying, at home, in temples, or in mosques. Buddhism and Hinduism focus is on spiritual enlightenment.
- CITIES
The economic boom in Asia has produced super-cities. Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong are now centers of finance, culture, and tourism, where ancient temples sit next to high-rise offices. Many people leave rural areas for cities, resulting in a combination of slums and luxury living.
Picture Credit : Google
