Asia, the largest and most populous of the world’s 7 continents, is home to a multitude of countries. This overview provides insights into the various sovereign states and territories that constitute Asia.
List of countries in Asia
Asia’s list of countries and territories showcases the continent’s vast diversity in terms of geography, culture, and politics. From the vast steppes of Kazakhstan to the bustling cities of India and China, Asia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global dynamics.
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- North Korea
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Geographical Boundaries of Asia
The continent of Asia is defined by several geographical boundaries. The Ural Mountains, Ural River, and Caspian Sea mark the eastern limits, separating Asia from Europe. The Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea further delineate these continents. Countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey have territories in both Asia and Europe. The division between Asia and Africa is generally considered to be the Suez Canal, placing Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula in Asia. The boundaries between Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania are also subject to various interpretations.
Sovereign States in Asia
Asia is home to 49 generally recognized sovereign states, all members of the United Nations. These include countries with significant historical, cultural, and political ties to other continents, such as Russia and Egypt. The list also includes two states with substantial but not general international recognition and four largely unrecognized de facto states.
Key Asian Countries
- China: The most populous country in the world, with a rich history and significant global influence.
- India: Known for its diverse culture and as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
- Japan: An island nation famous for its technological advancements and unique cultural heritage.
- Indonesia: The largest archipelago in the world, known for its diverse cultures and landscapes.
Dependent Territories and Special Cases
Asia also includes several dependent territories and regions with unique political statuses. For instance, Cyprus is geographically in Western Asia but is socio-politically aligned with Europe. Similarly, countries like Armenia and Cyprus, though geographically in Asia, have strong cultural and political ties to Europe.
READ NEXT