Asia
Information about countries
Are you looking for an overview of Asia and ways to get visa for this place? In this article, we will provide you with some requirements for getting a visa, list all the countries as well as some attractions that visitors should come here. Let’s get started!
Getting a visa for Asia
Quick facts about Asia
Here are some quick facts about Asia:
| Category | Fact |
| Total area | 44.8 million km2 |
| Number of countries | 51 (49 United Nations recognized) |
| 2024 population | 4.9 billion people |
| Share of world population | 59.5% |
| Number of languages | 2,300+ |
| Most populous country | China (1.46 billion people) |
| Largest country by area | China (9.6 million km2) |
| Highest mountain | Mount Everest (8,848 m) |
| Longest river | Yangtze River (6,300 km) |
| Largest lake | Lake Baikal (31,500 km2) |
| Largest desert | Gobi Desert (1.3 million km2) |
| Longest coastline | Indonesia (54,716 km) |
| Largest religion | Islam (1.3 billion adherents) |
| Highest GDP | China ($19.5 trillion) |
| Most visited country | China (167 million visitors) |
Countries in Asia
Here is an overview of the countries in Asia:
Area and population in Asia
| Country | Area (km2) | Population (2024) |
| Afghanistan | 652,864 | 42,333,396 |
| Armenia | 29,743 | 2,950,728 |
| Azerbaijan | 86,600 | 10,400,991 |
| Bahrain | 760 | 1,810,893 |
| Bangladesh | 147,570 | 182,302,393 |
| Bhutan | 38,394 | 772,899 |
| Brunei | 5,765 | 458,882 |
| Cambodia | 181,035 | 17,624,444 |
| China | 9,596,961 | 1,460,500,108 |
| Georgia | 69,700 | 4,076,078 |
| Hong Kong | 2,755 | 7,604,299 |
| India | 3,287,263 | 1,525,768,610 |
| Indonesia | 1,904,569 | 280,622,160 |
| Iran | 1,648,195 | 91,286,426 |
| Iraq | 438,317 | 44,752,413 |
| Israel | 20,770 | 9,388,707 |
| Japan | 377,915 | 123,741,393 |
| Jordan | 89,342 | 11,290,648 |
| Kazakhstan | 2,724,900 | 19,347,199 |
| Kuwait | 17,818 | 4,598,685 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 199,951 | 6,827,062 |
| Laos | 236,800 | 7,650,898 |
| Lebanon | 10,400 | 6,955,768 |
| Macau | 118 | 692,878 |
| Malaysia | 329,847 | 34,358,789 |
| Maldives | 298 | 577,693 |
| Mongolia | 1,564,116 | 3,407,466 |
| Myanmar | 676,578 | 56,890,418 |
| Nepal | 147,181 | 31,494,504 |
| North Korea | 120,538 | 26,213,177 |
| Oman | 309,500 | 5,663,048 |
| Pakistan | 881,913 | 264,780,413 |
| Palestine | 6,220 | 5,666,554 |
| Philippines | 343,448 | 116,319,004 |
| Qatar | 11,586 | 3,118,206 |
| Saudi Arabia | 2,149,690 | 38,108,941 |
| Singapore | 697 | 6,084,888 |
| South Korea | 100,210 | 51,329,899 |
| Sri Lanka | 65,610 | 21,975,811 |
| Syria | 185,180 | 20,076,851 |
| Taiwan | 36,193 | 23,571,776 |
| Tajikistan | 143,100 | 10,459,764 |
| Thailand | 513,120 | 67,445,412 |
| Timor-Leste | 14,874 | 1,372,435 |
| Turkey | 783,562 | 91,698,278 |
| Turkmenistan | 488,100 | 6,515,518 |
| United Arab Emirates | 83,600 | 10,641,123 |
| Uzbekistan | 447,400 | 36,191,800 |
| Vietnam | 331,212 | 104,653,236 |
| Yemen | 527,968 | 32,989,205 |
Language spoken in Asia
| Language | Regions | Number of speakers (2024) |
| Chinese Mandarin | China, Singapore | 1.26 billion |
| Hindi | India | 605 million |
| Russian | Russia, Abkhazia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, South Ossetia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan | 258 million |
| Indonesian | Indonesia | 255 million |
| Arabic | Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen | 246 million |
| Bengali | Bangladesh | 257 million |
| Persian | Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan | 139 million |
| Japanese | Japan | 121 million |
| Punjabi | India, Pakistan | 109 million |
| Filipino | Philippines | 104 million |
Best countries to visit in Asia
Japan
Japan seamlessly blends modernity with protected ancient traditions and customs. Visitors are enthralled by the contrast between its kinetic urban centers and tranquil natural landscapes.
- Tokyo: Tokyo dazzles as a futuristic megacity where neon-lit skyscrapers coexist with tranquil temples and gardens.
- Kyoto: With over 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto provides an atmospheric glimpse into old Japan.
India
- Taj Mahal, Agra: This marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife has become India’s most recognizable landmark.
- Varanasi: Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is India’s holiest city. Witness Hindu rituals along the ghats or embankments, then explore the old city’s sacred temples.
Thailand
From golden temples and flavorful cuisine to tropical beaches and jungle adventures, Thailand has been attracting Asia travelers for decades.
- Bangkok: Thailand’s sprawling capital blends opulent temples, vibrant street life, and modern luxuries.
- Phuket: Phuket features some of Thailand’s most famous beaches with powder-soft sand and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Most popular tourist attractions in Asia
Here are the popular attractions in Asia:
Taj Mahal, India
Perhaps India’s most recognizable landmark, the stunning 17th-century Taj Mahal is a white marble monument of immense beauty and symmetry. Some key facts and highlights include:
Design
- Combines elements of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles
- Symmetrical layout with identical buildings flanking the main structure
- Four minarets surround the tomb, leaning slightly outwards to avoid collapse
- Translucent white marble intricately inlaid with jasper, jade, turquoise, sapphire and other gemstones
Visiting tips
- Appears in different colors at dawn, daylight, dusk, and nighttime due to varying light
- Get there early to beat crowds and see it at sunrise bathed in soft morning light
- The closest entry from East Gate and West Gate
- Night viewing is available for an hour on full-moon nights
Great Wall of China, China
Running 13,170 miles across northern China, the Great Wall is one of humanity’s most legendary constructions. Some key facts about the Great Wall include:
Structure
- Includes walls, watch towers, garrison stations, signal towers, and shelters
- The winding path follows the landscape across deserts, grasslands, and mountains
- The most visited section is Badaling, 40 miles from Beijing with cable cars
- Parts of the original wall have eroded over time
Visiting tips
- Hiking the wall is challenging due to steep, uneven steps
- Bring snacks, water, sun protection, and proper shoes
- Choose less touristed sections like Mutianyu or Jinshanling for fewer crowds
- Plan to visit in spring or fall – summers are very hot and winters are intensely cold
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
As the largest religious monument ever constructed, 12th-century Angkor Wat is an architectural masterpiece spanning over 400 acres. Highlights include:
Design
- Surrounded by an enormous moat measuring 650 feet x 200 feet
- Walls depict stone bas-reliefs illustrating Hindu mythology, battles, daily life
- Columned galleries feature carvings of devatas (female deities) and apsaras (heavenly dancers)
- The central spire rises 213 feet high surrounded by 4 smaller towers
Visiting tips
- Best seen at sunrise to watch glowing light hit the towers
- Purchase a multi-day pass to explore the many temples of Angkor’s Archaeological Park
- Wear breathable clothing, and bring water – it gets very hot
- Watch the sunset over the temple’s silhouette reflected in pools
Petra, Jordan
This ancient city, carved from rose-hued sandstone cliffs, served as a thriving desert crossroads metropolis. Highlights include:
Design
- The entire city is intricately carved out of sandstone cliffs, mountains, and canyons
- Nabateans mastered water collection with dams, cisterns, aqueducts, and pipes
- Features ruined temples, royal tombs, a theater, churches, passageways
- The most iconic structure is the elaborate façade of the Treasury, which greets visitors entering through the Siq gorge
Visiting tips
- Purchase a two-day Jordan Pass for easy access – includes Petra, Jerash, and other sites
- Stay overnight in Wadi Musa village to enjoy Petra before & after the crowds
- Bring good walking shoes – getting through Petra requires a lot of walking on uneven terrain
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
With its emerald waters dotted with over 1600 limestone islands and islets, UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay looks like a mystical landscape. Here are some key attractions:
Landscape
- Over 1600 islands of varying sizes, mostly uninhabited
- Caves, secluded beaches, lagoons to explore
- Kayaking through dramatic seascapes are popular
- Luxury cruise boats offer on-water accommodations
Visiting tips
- Avoid summer months when the bay is crowded with tour groups
- Take an overnight multi-day cruise to soak in the scenery
- Pack motion sickness medicine if prone – waters can get choppy
- Hike up Ti Top Island for panoramic views of the bay
Borobudur, Indonesia
One of the world’s largest Buddhist monuments, Borobudur is a stunning 9th-century temple boasting remarkable Buddhist art and adornments. Highlights include:
Design
- Consists of 6 square and 3 circular platforms, topped by a dome
- Adorned with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues
- Considered a giant three-dimensional mandala representing Buddhist cosmology
- One of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world
Visiting tips
- Sunrise viewing when morning light hits the temple is magical
- Purchase combination ticket to include nearby Buddhist temple Mendut
- Choose a guide to truly understand the complex symbolic narrative
- Well worth the climb up – wear proper shoes as some stones are uneven