How Many Countries Are There in Asia?

Geography of Asia

Cape Fligely, in Russia’s Franz Josef Land, is Asia’s northernmost point. The southernmost point in Asia is located on Panama Island in Indonesia. The continent’s easternmost point is Russia’s Big Diomede, while its westernmost point is Turkey’s Cape Baba. Mount Everest, located on the Nepal-China border, is the world’s tallest peak. With a length of 3,915 miles, China’s Yangtze River is Asia’s longest river.

The Largest and Smallest Countries of Asia by Size

In terms of land area, Asia comprises some of the world’s biggest countries. Russia, the biggest country in the world, is also Asia’s largest, accounting for 6.592 million square miles, or 38.63% of the continent’s total area. With a geographical size of 3.705 million square miles, China is Asia’s second largest country. India is Asia’s third largest country, with an area of 1.269 million square miles. The five smallest nations in Asia are Palestine, Brunei, Bahrain, Singapore, and the Maldives. The Maldives is Asia’s smallest country, a tiny island republic of 115 square miles.

Population of Asian Countries

Asia’s total population is expected to reach over 4.516 billion people. China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are the top five Asian countries in terms of population. With an estimated population of 1.387 billion people, China is the world’s most populous country, accounting for 31.35% of Asia’s total population. In terms of population, Timor-Leste, Bhutan, Maldives, Brunei, and Macau are the bottom five nations (Macau’s sovereignty has yet to be established). Singapore has the highest population density of any Asian country with 20,194 people per square mile, followed by Bahrain at 5,038 people per square mile. Mongolia has the lowest population density in Asia, with only five persons per square mile.

Boundaries of Asia

Asia’s boundaries have been a source of contention for hundreds of years. The Europe-Asia boundary, in instance, has been altered several times throughout history. Some transcontinental states, such as Russia and Turkey, are now considered part of the Asia-Europe split. Cyprus is the only Asian country that is also an official member of the European Union. The Africa-Asia boundary stretches along the Red Sea, including the Suez Canal and Egyptian territory on the Sinai Peninsula. The Bering Sea and the Bering Strait in Eastern Russia form the border between Asia and North America. The Malay Archipelago is sometimes seen as the boundary between Asia and Oceania.