A

• Afghanistan- Capital-Kabul. Special attractions include Kabul Gorge, Buddhist Cave Site, Bazaars, Ruins of one of the world's oldest Mosques, and the Remains of a fort built by Alexander the Great

• ARCHAEOLOGY in Asia includes many projects. China has many archaeological sites that are also World Heritage Sites. Thre are archaeological sites in other countries including India, Pakistan, Inner Mongolia, Vietnam, and Afganistan/Turmenistan. In Japan there are over 300 thousand registered archaeological sites. Excavations in Nepal have uncovered artifacts dating to the Iron Age. Artifacts dating to the Stone Age have been found in Saudi Arabia . Malayasian has a Maritime Archeological Museum.

• Armenia - Capital Yerevan. Special attractions include Museums, Memorials, Monastaries, and churches. Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world

• Azerbaijan - Capital-Baku. Special attractions include Mausoleums, Mosques, Churches, Palaces, Domes, Historical Places,and Temples, The archeological Museum of history has special exhibits of archeological finds.

B

• Bahrain - Capital-Manama. Special attractions include Museums, Mosques, Temples, a Wildlife Sactuary, The Tree of Life and a Portugese Fort which is an archeological site.

• Bangladesh - Capital-Dhaka. Special attractions include Forts, Museums Mosques, Buddhist Sites, Archeological sites, National Parks, and the longest unbroken beach in the world - Cox's Bazaar.

• BHUTAN - Capital Thimphu. Special attractions include Temples, Museums, Palaces and a National Park. The capital is the only capital without traffic lights.

• Brunei -Capital-Bandar Seri Begawan. Special attractions include unusual animals, Mosques, Museums, an Amusement Park, and a Palace. Kampong Ayer is the world's largest watervillage.

• There are over 3,00 species of Birds in Asia. Some countries have a National Bird. The Bali Bird Park has hundreds of rare and famous birds. The Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary is a refuge for local and migratory birds of Northern Asia. Singapore has a Bird park. Many birds in Asia face extinction.

C

• CAMBODIA - Capital-Phnom Penh. Special attractions include Wats (Temple-Monasteries), Museums, Temples, a Waterfall, and a National Park. The Temple Complex of Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• CHINA - Capital-Beijing. Special attractions include Hong Kong and Victoria Peak, Army of Terracotta Warriors, Cathedrals, Temples, Monte Fort, & Guia Fortress. The Great Wall of China is one of the Forgotten Wonders of the World and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The world's tallest Buddha statue in Sichuan Province is a World Heritage Site. China is credited with many inventions. The Giant Panda Research Center is in China. The city of Shanghai is one of the largest metropolises in the world.

• Each country in Asia has its own CURRENCY. The Japanese Mint dates back to 1871. China currency is the renminbi and it has a second currency called Foreign Exchange Certificate.
• CYPRUS - Capital-Nicosia. Special attractions include Museums, Cathedrals, Mosques, a Palace, a Castle, Tombs of the Kings, and Othello's Tower

• The population in Asia is governed by the CLIMATE The weather varies from country to country. To the north it is cold and dry. Steppe and desert climates dominate most of the regions south of the subarctic. Parts of the north have a warm summer climate. To the south are the humid climate zones of South and Southeast Asia

• Some of the best CASTLES in the world are in Asia in the Middle East. Japan and the Ukraine have many castles. The castle at Kamianets has been occupied for at least a millenium. Cahn Kanichi Castle in China is a historical landmark of Samurai Warriors. Historical castles in the Iranian islands of Queshm and Hormuz are to be rebuilt.

D

• There are thousands of DAMS in Asia and more are proposed. Many of the dams are hydroelectic. The highest dam in the world is Nurek Dam in Central Asia.

• Asia has more DESERTS than any other continent. One of the largest deserts in the world is Kara-Kum which has two deserts. The Arabian Desert is the largest in Asia. The deserts are home to many different animals

• The fossils of DINOSAURS and other interesting fossils have been found throughout Asia. The Singapore Science Centre has one of the largest dinosaur exhibitions in the world. The Lufeng Basin in China has many fossils. Raivoli, Gujarat, India is considered one of the 3 largest dinosarus sites in the world.

E

• Asia is one of the most restless continents and experiences many EARTHQUAKES. More than 150 earthquakes have been recorded at a magnitude of 8.0 or more. The 1976 earthquake in Tanshan, China, was one of the largest in history. The most deadly earthquake in history occured in 1556 in the Shasi Province of China

F

• Many countries have a National FLOWER. Many flowers are native to Asia including the Hollyhock, Filipendula, Chinese Forget-me-not, Patchouli, and the Persian Buttercup. Several species of orchids orchids are grown including the hardy orchid known for its fragrant flowers. Gardening has been popular in Indian from ancient times.

• FIREWORKS originated in Ancient China. The country has several companies that produce fireworks and Liuyang is the fireworks capital of China. Sparklers were first used to celebrate the wedding of England's King Henry VII.

G

• The GLOBAL POSITION of Asia is approximately 50 degrees north to 20 degrees south latitude, and goes into the Arctic Circle and below the equator. The longitude is appproximately 30 degrees east to 180 degrees east. The continent has many natural environments. The highest point in Asia is Mt. Everest which is also the highest point on earth and one of the Natural Wonders of the world. The lowest point in Asia is the Dead Seawhich is also the lowest point on earth.

• Each country has its own form of GOVERNMENT. Most countries belong to International Organizations.

H

• Many countries in Asia have HARBORS and ports. Aden has one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Casablanca and Colombo each have one of the largest artifical harbors in the world. Shanghai Harbor is one of the 10 largest harbors in the world. Morocco has one of the largest manmade harbors in the world. Taiwan has several Taiwan has several ports and harbors. Manila Bay is one of the finest harbors in Asia.

I

• INDIA - Capital New Delhi. Special attractions include Museums, Botanical Gardens, Forts, Temples, Palaces, and the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. The Taj Mahal is one of the Forgotten Wonders of the World & one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Mumbai is the most populous city in the world.

• INDONESIA - Capital-Jakarta. Special attractions include volcanoes, Tropical forests, a nature Reserve, waterfalls, and Massive rivers. Borobudur Temple is one of the Forgotten Wonders of the World

• IRAN - Capital-Teheran. Special attractions include Museums, Palaces, Bazarrs, Mosques, Cathedrals, and the legendary ruins of Persipolis.

• IRAQ - Capital-Baghdad - Although the country has special attractions, travel is not advised.

• ISRAEL - Capital-Jerusalem. Special attractions include Herod's Palace National Parks, Museums, Mosques, Churches, Oases, and Historic Sites. Bethlehem is said to be the birthplace of Jesus.

• Asia has many of the most important ISLANDS . The islands of Southeast Asia reach almost to the coast of Australia. The largest island is Sri Lanka. The Aleutian Islands encloses the Bering Sea. Sakhalin Island and the main islands of Japan set off the Sea of Japan. The Ryukyu Islands enclose the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. The Spratly Islands are in the South China Sea. The Andaman and Nicobar islands separate the Andaman Se to the east from the Indian Ocean. The Indonesia archipelago had been an important trade region from the 7th century. The Philippine archipelago blends into the island of Borneo to delimit the South China Sea. The Kuril Islands is an archipelago that separates the Sea of Okhotsk from the North Pacific Ocean.

J

• JAPAN - Capital-Tokyo. Special attractions include Castles, National Parks, Museums, Temples, Ice Cave, Amusement Parks, and Water Sports - Tokyo is one of the world's largest metropolises.

• JORDAN - Capital-Amman. Special attractions include a restored Roman theatre, an Archaeological Meuseum, and Archaeological sites. The Rock-carved City of Petra is one of the Forgotten Wonders of the World & one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. In 2002 a five thousand year old copper factory was discovered south of the Dead Sea.

K

• KAZAKHSTAN - Capital-Astana. Special attractions include, Trekking, Glaciers, Wild Rivers, Steep valleys, cathedrals, and museums.

• KUWAIT -- Capital-Kuwait City. Special attractions include Museums, Mosques, Palaces, Temples, Archeological sites, and Kuwait Towers.

• KRYGYZSTAN - Capital-Bishken. Special attractions include Thermal Springs, Glaciers, Trekking, a Nature Park and Mountain Climbing

L

• Asia has over 24 major LAKES and 13 seas. Bajkal is the largest sea/lake in Asia and the widest, deepest, and oldest lake in the world. Over 100 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world.

• LAOS - Capital-Vientiane. Special attractions include Temples, Museums, National Monuments, Pak Ou Caves, and Kuang Si Waterfalls.

• LEBANON - Capital-Beruit. Special attractions include Museums, Mosques, Archeological sites, and a Wax Museum.

• Each country of Asia has an official LANGUAGE. English and Spanish are sometimes co/official languages. India has 14 officially recognized languages. Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China and Taiwan and is the most common first language in the world. Half of the 6,000 languages in the world are under threat of extinction.

• Asia has hundreds of LIGHTHOUSES (scroll down to bottom for Asia lighthouses. There are nearly a dozen around St. Petersburg, Russia, and a lighthouse has been at Vladivostok since 1910. There are over 3 dozen lighthouses in and around Japan. The Malayasian Peninsula has over a dozen light houses. Aids to Navigation provides and maintains 350 navigational aids in Hong Kong waters. Guia Lighthouse in Macau is the oldest lighthouse on the China coast. China is producing 5 stamps with historic lighthouses.

M

• MALAYSIA - Capital- Kuala Lumpur. Special attractions include Jungle walks, Waterfalls, Tea plantations, Museums, Temples, Mosques, Fort Cornwallis, Niah Caves, and the Langkawi archipelego - The Petronas Towers, the world's tallest buildings, are one of the Modern Wonders of the World

• MALDIVES - - Capital-Male. This is the smallest Asian country in terms of both population and area. Special attractions include Mosques, Several atolls, and museums including a National Museum in Sultan Park

• MONGOLIA - Capital-Ulan Bator. This is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia.Special attractions include Temples, National Parks, Mongolian Art Gallery, Palace of Culture Museum of Natural History, the Winter Palace, and a Nature reserve for wild horses.
  
• MYANMAR (Burma) - Capital-Rangoon. Special attractions include Monuments, Temples, Shrines, and Pagodas - The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the Forgotten Wonders of the World

• Asia has some of the richest deposits of MINERALS in the world. China has the world's third largest coal deposits. Tajikistan is a unique storehouse of minerals. Most of the world's oil is produced in Southwest Asia around the Persian Gulf. Much of the world's tin comes from Asia

• Asia has had many MONARCHIES. More than half the present monarchies in the world are in Asia. All but one of the world's absolute monarchies is in Asia. Some monararchies are heriditary and some are constitutional. There are several Kings, Sultans, Emirs, and an Emperor. Japan has the oldest existing hereditary monarchy in the world. Morocco is one of the oldest monarchies in the world.

• Asia has several MOUNTAINS. The continent is separated from Europe by the Ural Mountains. Mount Fuji is one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The Khybur Pass through the Hindu Kush Mountain Range is one of the world's most famous passages

• MUSIC - In Asia music and dances are an important part of each local tradition and reflect the history of the continent. Most countries have a National Anthem. The music of Southeast Asia varies from country to country. The countries of South Asia have adopted the music found in the traditions of India. The area is so large that it is difficult to know all the forms of music played and sung in East Asia.

N

• NEPAL - Capital-Kathmandu. This is a landlocked country in South Asia. Special attractions include Palaces, Temples, a National Park, and Devi Falls. Lumbini is said to be the site of the childhood home of Buddah.

• NORTH KOREA - Capital-Pyongyang. Special attractions include Monuments, Temples, Museums, and Kim II Sung Stadium which is one of the largest stadiums in the world.

• Many of the countries in Asia have National Parks. One of the largest is Voldlozero in Russia. Akan National Park in Japan has tiger leopards & sloth bear. Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka has boat & jeep safaris. Some of the rarest wildlife in the world is found in India's National Parks, and Kanha National Park has wildlife safaris.

O

• OMAN - Capital-Muscat. Special attractions include Forts, Museums, and Ancient Ruins. Several meterorites have been found in the deserts of Oman.

• Asia is surrounded on three sides by OCEANS. The Pacific Ocean is to the east, the Arctic Ocean is to the north, and the Indian Ocean is to the south.

P

• PAKISTAN - Capital-Islamabad. Special attractions include Mosques, Cathedrals, National Parks, and Museums.

• PHILIPPINES - Capital-Manila. An island country in southeast Asia. Special attractions include the best beaches in the world, a Volcanic crater, and Banaue Rice Terraces

• The POPULATION of Asia is larger than any other continent. China has the largest population in the world. Asiatic people occupy central and eastern Asia. Arabic people live in southwestern Asia. Indian people live in India and the surrounding coutries of southern Asia. The term "Asian" is preferred to "Oriental" to persons native to Asia or descended from Asian people.

Q

• QATAR - Capital-Doha. This is an Arab emirate in Southwest Asia occupying the small Qatar Peninsula Special attractions include Museums, Forts, Mosques, Ancient Grave Mounds, Aladdin's Kingdom Amusement Park, and a National Museum which includes an aquarium. Qatar is one of the most conservative and traditional societies in the Persian Gulf. Women have been given the vote and it is home to two U.S. college campuses.

• Take a QUIZ about Asia.
  Online geography Quiz*** Countries Wordsearch *** Capital Quiz

R

• RUSSIA - Capital-Moscow. This is a transcontinental country extending over much of northern Eurasia Special attractions include Cathedrals, Red Square, The Kremlin, Museums, and the Trans-Siberian Railway. The country is home of the world's only freshwater seal. Russian Asia accounts for about 3/4 of the territory of the former Soviet Union. It has over a dozen time zones and borders on more that a dozen countries.

• RAINFORESTS can be found in several countries in Asia. The Rainforests have reptiles, birds, and mammals. More than two thirds of the world's plant species are found in the tropical rainforests. Many of the plants are edible

  All of the major RELIGIONS of the world originated in Asia. Islam has become the most widespread on the Asian continent. The Philippines has one of the only dominant Christian populations in Asia.

• Asia has many RIVERS including most of the longest RIVERS in the world. Nearly all of the rivers are navigable. The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia. Rivers that flow to the Arctic are largely uninhabited. Rivers that flow to the east and south have been home to people since the beginning of history. Southeast Asia has great rivers. Southwest Asia has few major rivers.

S

• SAUDI ARABIA, Capital-Riyadh. This is the largest country of the Arabian Peninsula. Special attractions include a Fortress, Mosques, Palaces, Archeological sites, and museums.
• SINGAPORE - Capital-Singapore. This is an island country located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Special attractions include a palace, cathedrals, temples, mosques, gardens, museums, and aquariums.

• SOUTH KOREA - Capital-Seol. This country is known as the "Land of the Morning Calm". Special attractions include national parks, palaces, museums, pagodas, temples, and the 3rd largest tower in the world.

• Sri Lanka - Capital-Colombo. This is an island in South Asia. Special attractions include Museums, Botanical Gardens, Temples, Ancient Cities, an Art Gallery, a Dutch Fort, and a Clock Tower that was formerly a lighthouse.

• SYRIA - Capital-Damascus. An Arab country in Southeast Asia. Special attractions include mosques, a palace, museums, a citadel, a castle, covered souqs, archaeological sites, and Saladin's Mausoleum. Damascus is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities

T

• TAJIKISTAN - Capital-Dushanbe. This is a landlocked country in Central Asia. Special attractions include museums, Ayni Opera & Ballet Theatre, and Mosque & Mausoleum of Sheikh massal ad-din. The City of Khojand was founded by Alexander the Great.

• THAILAND - Capital-Bangkok. This country is in the heart of Southeast Asia. Special attractions include a Grand Palace, rainforest, wats, Temple of the Golden Buddha, Floating Markets, Saovabha Institute Snake Farm, Temple Ruins, and plantions of rubber, cashew nuts, pineapple, and coconut. Ayuthaya's Temples and ruins are a World Heritage Site.

• TIBET - Capital- Lhasa. This is a plateau region in Central Asia and is called "The Rooftop of the World". Special attractions include the Valley of the Kings, monasteries, Patala Fortress, Jokhang Temple, Castle of Yarlong Lakang, Tombs of previus Dalai Lamas, A sacred Mountain (Mt. Kailesh), and a holy lake (Lake Manasarova).

• TURKEY - Capital-Ankara. The country is bordered by 3 other countries. Special attractions include Roman ruins, Freshwater estuary, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Museums, Temple of Diane, Grotto of Seven Sleepers, and Temple of Hadrian. Goreme is called an "open-air museum" and is a World Heritage site.

• TURKMENISTAN -Capital- Ashgabat. Special attractions include museums, remmains of Ancient cities, a hot-water Mineral Lake, Archeological sites, and Sultan Sanjar's Mausoleum. Merv is part of Unesco's Space Archeological Program

• Many countries in Asia have a National TREE. The Gingko is the National Tree of China. The Birch is the National Tree of Russia. The Banyan is the National Tree of India. The King William's Pine is native to Asia. The Rubber Tree grows in Malaysia. The Olive tree is native to Asia, and several species of citrus Trees are native to south or southeast Asia. Many Flowering Cherry trees are native to East Asia. Most Maple trees and the Snowbell Tree are native to China and Japan.

• TRANSPORTATION facilities are being developed thoughout Asia. Many countries have railways. Some countries have International Airports. China has a comprehensive transportation system. Some museums have a transportation theme including the Malayasian Maritime Archeological Museum, Beijing Aviation Museum, and Indian Air Force Museum. Inland waterways provide transportation in some countries

U

• UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Capital Abu Dhabi. Special attractions include beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, Bedouin markets, museums, and forts.

• The United Nations Educational and Cultural Organization UNESCO protects natural and cultural properties around the world. Asia has many UNESCO Sites including The world's tallest Buddha statue in China, and the Temple Complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Halong Bay in Vietnam has 3000 islands and is a UNESCO site. Merv in Turmenistan is part of UNESCO's Space Archeological Program. There are also many UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Asia. New ones include Wudalianchi and Yading in China, Extension to Palava in Czech Republic, Far East Marine in Russia, Julian Alps in Slovenia, and Socotra Archipelago in Yemen,

• UZBEKISTAN - Capital-Tashkent. This is a landlocked country in Central Asia. Special attractions include archaeological sites, mosques, palaces, bazaars, museums, and the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani

V

• Asia has a wide variety of VEGETATION, There are many peatlands, and research is being done on plants. Communities in some parts of Asia harvest medicinal plants. China has 12% of the world's flora. Many plants are endangered.

• VIETNAM - Capital-Hanoi. This country is in Southeast Asia. Special attractions include temples, onuments, pagodas, palaces, and sites dating back to the 2nd century. Ho Chi Minh City is the heart and soul of the country. The most beautiful city is Hue.

• VOLCANOES are located throughout Asia especially Northern Asia and Southeast Asia. Japan has 109 active volcanoes. Two famous volcanoes are Krakatoa and Mt. Fugi. Both volcanoes are Natural Wonders of the World. Indonesia has the most active volcanoes in the world. Klyuchevskoy is the highest active volcano in Asia. The East Coast of Asia is part of The Ring of Fire. In 2002 Papandayan Volcano in Indonesia erupted for the first time since 1942.

W

• Asia has many Waterfalls. Thailand is famous for its waterfalls in the Erawan National Park. The only coastal waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the sea is Jungban Waterfall. There are more than 100 waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

• WEBCAMS are located in many places in Asia.

• Asia is home to many kinds of WILDLIFE including the Siberian tiger, the biggest cat in the world. Northern Siberia has reindeer. Camels live in the desert of Western Asia. The Komodo Dragon lives in the jungels of Indonesia. The giant panda lives in China. Southeast Asia and India have elephants. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphange in Sri Lankan helps orphaned, injured, or abandoned elehants. An Orang Utang Rehabilitation Center is in Malasia. The countinent has many endangered species. The Wildlife Conservation Society works to protect protect them.

• Many WONDERS OF THE WORLD are in Asia. All 7 Wonders of the Ancient World are in Asia. The continent has 9 Forgotten Wonders of the World including The Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, the Rock-carved City of Petra in Jordan, and the Taj Mahal in Indian. There are two Modern Wonders of the World including the Petronas Towers in Malaysia and there are four Natural Wonders of the World incuding 2 famous volcanoes Krakatoa and Mt. Fugi.

X

• XMAS is an abbreviation of Christmas and is celebrated in many parts of Asia much as is it around the world. Each country has public holidays and other celebrations and festivals.

Y

• YEMEN, Capital - Sana. It is located on the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia and includes over 200 islands. Special attractions include Mosques, Souqs, Museums, and remnants of the Great Dam of Ma'rib.

• Many countries in Asia have YMCA programs.

• YOUTH HOSTELS are located throughout Asia. Many countries have Elderhostels

Z

• ZOOS can be found in most of the countries in Asia. The Shangahai Zoological Gardens has raised South China Tigers and Giant Pandas. The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Garden has an education program. The Singapore Zoo has a night safari and is one of the few zoos in the world where moats are used. The Thailand Phuket Zoo has a crocodile farm. The Sriracha Tiger Zoo has Bengal Tigers and crocodiles.