List of Countries in Asia (Alphabetical Order) – Countryaah.com (2024)

As the world’s largest and most populous continent, Asia has an area of 44,579,000 square kilometers which represents 29.4 percent of the Earth’s land area. With population of around 4.46 billion (2020), Asia constitutes about 60 percent of the world’s population. Politically, Asia is often divided into 6 regions:

1. North Asia
2. Central Asia
3. East Asia
4. Southeast Asia
5. South Asia
6. West Asia

How Many Countries in Asia

As of 2020, Asia consists of 48 countries, of which two (Turkey and Russia) are also located in Europe. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia can also be considered to be located in both continents.

The largest country in Asia is China, followed by India. And the smallest is the Maldives.

Location Map of Asia

Alphabetical List of All Countries in Asia

The following table lists 48 independent nations in Asia in alphabetical order. Hong Kong and Macao are two special cities of China. Taiwan, formerly known as Republic of China, is now widely recognized as a province of China.

Facts about Asia Continent

• Asia contains most of the Earth’s deserts: from Arabia (Saudi Arabia), Syria, Thal (Pakistan), Thar (or Great Indian Desert), Lut (or Desert of Iran), Gobi (Mongolia), Taklamakan (China), Karakum (Turkmenistan), Kerman (Iran), Judea (Israel), Negev.
• Asia contains 11 time zones.
• Asians were also the inventors of paper, gunpowder, compass and printing press.
• Asia’s main trading blocs are: Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Asia-Europe Economic Meeting, Association of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN), Closer Economic and Trade Relations Agreements (China with Hong Kong and with Macao), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
• The so-called “Asian Tigers” (South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong) are the largest economic and financial powers of the continent.
• On the Asian continent, the urban population is 40% while the rural population is 60%.
• Asia has 48 independent countries.
• The main religions of the Asian continent are: Muslims (21.9%) and Hinduists (21.5%).

Brief History of Asia

Ancient Civilizations

Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley

Asia is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations. In the region known as Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), the Sumerians established one of the first complex societies around 3500 BCE. They developed writing (cuneiform), built monumental architecture like ziggurats, and made significant advances in law and administration.

Simultaneously, the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500-1900 BCE) flourished in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. This civilization is noted for its urban planning, with well-laid-out cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, sophisticated drainage systems, and extensive trade networks.

Ancient China and the Shang Dynasty

Ancient China saw the rise of the Shang Dynasty around 1600 BCE. The Shang are credited with the earliest known Chinese writing, found on oracle bones used for divination. They established a feudal society and made significant advancements in bronze casting, which played a crucial role in their military and ritualistic practices.

The Rise of Empires in Persia and India

The Persian Empire, established by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE, became one of the largest empires of the ancient world. It spanned from the Indus Valley in the east to the borders of Greece in the west. The Persians are known for their administrative genius, developing an effective bureaucracy and infrastructure such as the Royal Road.

In India, the Maurya Empire emerged in the 4th century BCE under the leadership of Chandragupta Maurya. His grandson, Ashoka, is particularly notable for his conversion to Buddhism and efforts to spread Buddhist principles across Asia.

Classical and Medieval Periods

The Han Dynasty and the Silk Road

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) marked a golden age in Chinese history, characterized by territorial expansion, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing. During this period, the Silk Road was established, connecting China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This network facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.

Gupta Empire and the Golden Age of India

The Gupta Empire (c. 320-550 CE) in India is often referred to as the Golden Age of India. It was a time of significant achievements in art, literature, science, and mathematics. The concept of zero, advancements in astronomy, and classical Sanskrit literature like the works of Kalidasa were developed during this period.

The Rise of Islam and the Caliphates

In the 7th century CE, Islam emerged in the Arabian Peninsula. The subsequent expansion of Islamic caliphates, particularly the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, brought vast regions of Asia under Muslim rule. The Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE) saw a flourishing of science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy, with Baghdad becoming a center of learning and culture.

The Mongol Empire and Beyond

The Mongol Conquests

In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan became the largest contiguous empire in history. The Mongols unified much of Asia, from China to Europe, and facilitated unprecedented cultural and economic exchanges. The Pax Mongolica ensured safe passage for traders, travelers, and missionaries along the Silk Road.

The Ming Dynasty and Maritime Exploration

After the fall of the Yuan Dynasty (established by the Mongols), the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) came to power in China. The Ming era was marked by strong centralized control, economic prosperity, and maritime exploration. Admiral Zheng He led seven major expeditions between 1405 and 1433, reaching as far as the east coast of Africa.

The Mughal Empire in India

In the early 16th century, the Mughal Empire was established in India by Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. The Mughal period (1526-1857) is renowned for its cultural and architectural achievements, including the construction of the Taj Mahal. The Mughals introduced administrative reforms and a centralized government that influenced the region for centuries.

Colonialism and Modern Era

European Colonialism

From the 16th century onwards, European powers began to establish colonies in Asia. The Portuguese, Dutch, British, French, and Spanish competed for control of trade routes and territories. The British East India Company played a significant role in the colonization of India, leading to the establishment of the British Raj in 1858. Southeast Asia saw Dutch, French, and British colonization, which significantly impacted the region’s political and economic landscape.

Japan’s Meiji Restoration

In the late 19th century, Japan underwent the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912), a period of rapid modernization and industrialization. Japan transformed from a feudal society into a major world power, adopting Western technologies and administrative practices while maintaining its cultural identity. This transformation allowed Japan to emerge as a significant imperial power in Asia.

Independence Movements

The 20th century saw a wave of independence movements across Asia. India gained independence from British rule in 1947, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The decolonization process continued throughout Asia, with countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines achieving independence from European colonial powers.

Contemporary Asia

Economic Growth and Challenges

In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, many Asian countries experienced significant economic growth and development. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore became known as the “Asian Tigers” due to their rapid industrialization and economic success. China’s economic reforms since the late 1970s have transformed it into a global economic powerhouse.

However, Asia also faces significant challenges, including political conflicts, social inequalities, and environmental issues. The region is home to some of the world’s largest and most densely populated cities, which presents unique challenges in terms of infrastructure, governance, and sustainability.

Regional Cooperation

Efforts towards regional cooperation have been made through organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). These organizations aim to promote economic integration, political stability, and cultural exchange among member countries.