The area of Asia together with the islands exceeds 44 million square kilometers. Together with Europe, they form a single continent - Eurasia. There are more than 50 states on the territory of Asia, and they are all so different: India, China, the Philippines, Russia, Uzbekistan. Each of them has its own customs and orders.
The term "Asia" itself came from the ancient Greek language. Greek mythology, like any other, personified natural phenomena and the surrounding world. The name Asia was borne by one of the Oceanids, the wife of Prometheus. Hence the name of the mainland appeared. By the time of Herodotus, this name was firmly entrenched on the mainland, and the Scythians who lived beyond the Caspian Sea were called Asians.
2. So attractive and different
Asia itself is very diverse and contrasting: there are deserts and forests, steppes and mountains, jungles and tundra. It is in Asia that the highest mountain on the planet is located - Everest and the lowest place on land - the Dead Sea. The climate here is different: in the south it is warm and humid, in Siberia it is cold.
There are also striking differences in culture, religion and the level of the economy.
So, for example, there are civilizations, the history of which goes back thousands of years: Chinese, Japanese, Indian. It was here, on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, that the very first states were born. Today in Asia there are countries with highly developed technologies (for example, Japan), and there are those where the inhabitants still lead a nomadic lifestyle (for example, the inhabitants of the Andaman Islands). Here are the most luxurious and richest cities, as well as the worst and poorest slums.
And even women in Asia for every taste. So, in Muslim countries, they do not even show their faces, and in Thailand the number of prostitutes is one Thai more than in any other state.
3. Interesting Facts about Asia
Fact # 1_. It is in Asia that the largest reserves of gold, oil and other minerals are located.
Fact # 2_. 60% of the world's population lives in Asia.
Fact no. 3_. Asia's area is larger than the area of the moon.
Asia is not only a homeland ancient civilizations, but also the largest structure made by human hands - the Great Wall of China.
Fact # 5_. The Middle East is considered the homeland of Islam, but most of the Muslims live in Asia.
Fact # 6_. One of the most populous countries in the world is located in this part of the world. This is Bangladesh. Here 85% are Muslims.
Fact # 7_. The ten most high mountains are located in Asia.
There is a forecast that by 2025, 7 of the 10 largest cities in the world will be located in this part of the world.
Fact no. 9_. Real girls-goddesses live in Nepal. They are called Kumari.
Fact # 10_. Three religions dominate in Asia: Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism.
Fact no. 11_. In some Asian languages, green and blue do not differ lexically. So, in Japan for their designation up to the twentieth century they used one word - "aoi".
Fact # 12_. The cow is considered a sacred animal in most of Asia.
Fact no.13_. Many countries have their own unusual laws and procedures. So, for example, in Japan it is officially forbidden to be fat. A man's waist should not exceed 85 centimeters, and a woman’s 90 centimeters. This is prescribed by law. This is because thin people are healthier. Therefore, if a Japanese suddenly gets fat, he needs to follow a diet, and a company where many overweight people work must pay a fine.
Fact no. 14_. Asia is the fastest growing continent.
Asia certainly has a huge impact on the Western world in many ways, but despite this, we see only a small part of what is really going on there. Having looked the truth in the eyes, we will understand that we do not know anything about this amazing part of the world, it continues to remain a secret for us behind seven locks. TravelAsk wants to introduce you to some centuries-old traditions and modern trends in Asia that will leave you scratching your head in bewilderment. Here are 10 of the most unusual facts about Asia.
Universal birthday
Vietnamese New Year is a birthday for everyone.
The Vietnamese New Year (or Tet) is celebrated annually at the end of winter and lasts several days. It starts on the first day of the lunar calendar. In addition to many other traditions of this holiday, it is considered a birthday. Just like Koreans, Vietnamese count their age by the number of Lunar New Years they have experienced. So the child will officially turn one year old on his first Tet, even if he was born a few days before.
Thailand water showers festival
Thai New Year (Songkran) is celebrated from 13 to 15 April and is the oldest festival that marks the change of the year and the Thai "astrological transition". The main ritual during the celebration is pouring a mixture of water, flour or talcum over each other. Initially, the celebration had a spiritual meaning: people poured water on the statues of Buddha, and then they collected the water that flowed from the statues, and poured it on their loved ones for good luck. Nowadays, this ritual is performed with the help of water pistols, from which they water everyone who passes by.
Largest shopping center
In 2005, Chinese billionaire Alex Hu Guirong began building the world's largest shopping mall in Dongguan City. On seven million square feet, there was room for 2,350 stores, not to mention a full-size indoor roller coaster, a 1.3-mile water channel (complete with gondolas) and an 82-foot replica of the Arc de Triomphe. The only problem is that no one wanted to open their own store in this center. From 2005 to the present, only about 1% of the retail space has been occupied. One of the biggest reasons for this failure is the location of the mall: Dongguan County has a population of just 10 million, most of whom are poor factory workers.
Merry Christmas!
North Korea is celebrating their own version of Christmas.
In North Korea, Christmas is not celebrated in its usual sense. Instead of Christmas holidays, North Koreans celebrate the birth of Kim Jong Il's mother, who was born on December 24th. On December 27, celebrations on the occasion of Constitution Day are held here, and on New Year's, marches are held to the tomb of Kim Il Sung, where the body of the leader rests in an imperishable form.
China has only one time zone
Although China has 5 time zones, there has been only one national time zone since the 1949 Chinese Civil War. This was done in order to give the population a sense of unity and cohesion. When the sun rises in Beijing at 6 a.m., the western territories do not see daylight for another 2 hours, so they created their own unofficial time zone. The Chinese government does not recognize him.
It's illegal in Japan to be fat
The Japanese are considered to be the thinnest industrialized nation in the world, and this is because it is illegal to be fat here! Japanese laws require that the waist of men over 40 should not exceed 85 cm in girth.Women are given a little more freedom: their waist should not be more than 90 cm.According to the official version, thin people are healthier, thus the law is aimed at combating high cholesterol levels and hypertension. People who violate this law must undergo counseling, following which they are assigned a government-approved diet. And companies that employ a large number of overweight people are required to pay fines. This money will be transferred to a health fund: for medical care for the elderly.
World population
Throwing children - for good luck
In the holy mountains in India, newborns are subjected to a ritual designed to bring the child good luck, courage and health. The children are carried to the top of the 50-meter tower and then thrown down onto a stretched cloth held by the monks. This Muslim custom has been practiced for over 500 years and continues to this day. While many people are terrified of the ritual, locals claim that no one has been hurt yet.
Watch your hands
Hindus eat with their right hand and dry themselves with their left.
One of the most interesting customs in India is that the locals eat with their right hand only. The fact is that they don't use toilet paper in the toilets, they put a little water in their left hand and use it to dry themselves off. In India, it is quite difficult to find a restroom with toilet paper, apart from hotels and restaurants serving Western customers. It is also considered offensive to do anything with your left hand, such as handing over money or holding out to greet.
Chinese children
Chinese children are named after the events.
In 1992, China applied to host the 2000 Olympics. In the same year, 680 Chinese people named their newborn babies Aoyun (literally translated as "Olympic Games"). More than 4,000 people gave their children this name over the next 15 years. According to the Chinese registry, other common names are “Protecting China” and “Building a Nation”. Some of the kids are called Space Travel.
Asia occupies one of the largest parts of the world. Moreover, it is here that practically the bulk of the population lives. Power and influence only grows every year Asian countries in the world. It is here that the world's leading manufacturers tend to locate their production plants because of the cheap labor. Asia has everything for a comfortable life and relaxation. People come here to work, rest and study. Therefore, we further suggest reading more interesting and mysterious facts about Asia.
1. Asia in terms of population and area is considered the largest continent on the planet.
2. More than 4 billion people make up the population of Asia, in percentage terms it is 60% of the total population of the Earth.
3. India and China have the largest populations in Asia.
4. In the west, Asia extends from the Ural Mountains to the Suez Canal.
5. In the south, Asia is washed by the Black and Caspian Seas.
6. The Indian Ocean washes Asia in the south.
7. In the east, Asia borders the Pacific Ocean.
8. The Arctic Ocean washes the shores of Asia in the north.
9. Asia can be divided into seven sub-continents.
10. India, Japan and China are considered to be some of the leading economies in Asia.
11. Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo are the three dominant financial centers.
12. Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism are the main religions in Asia.
13. More than 8527 km width of Asia.
14. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in Asia.
15. The Dead Sea, which is located in Asia, is the lowest point above ground level.
16. It is Asia that is considered the cradle of human civilization.
17. Asia has more than ten of the longest rivers.
18. Asia has a huge number of the highest mountains.
19. Shallow inland sea Indian Ocean called the Persian Gulf.
20. 85% of the territory of Siberia is occupied by permafrost.
21. Tejen is the longest river in Asia.
22. The world's largest reservoir is located on the Angara River.
23. Bamboo is the tallest plant on Earth.
24. Indian rattan palm is the longest plant in the world.
25. In the Indian mountains on the very high point plants grow in the world.
26. Similar natural conditions have two neighboring islands Sumatra and Java.
27. People of Asian countries are not afraid to settle at the foot of functioning volcanoes.
28. The New Year is considered the birthday of every Vietnamese.
29. New Year in Thailand is called Sonkran.
31. The largest shopping center is located in the Chinese city of Dongguan.
32. North Korea is celebrating its version of Christmas.
34. Five time zones can cover the territory of modern China.
35. In one time zone, there is a sense of the unity of the Chinese people.
36. Being overweight is prohibited by Japanese law.
37. One third of the world's population is India and China.
38. More than 500 years of Muslim traditions.
39. There is only the right hand - this is an exotic custom in India.
40. In honor of important events, names are given to children in China.
41. Analytical and individual thinking is more characteristic of the inhabitants of oriental cultures.
42. Inhabitants of Asian countries are subject to the collectivist-holistic trend.
43. In some Asian countries, there is no separate designation for green and blue.
44. In Asian countries, a variety of spices and spices are worth their weight in gold.
45. A large garbage pit is located in the Pacific Ocean area.
46. Residents of Asia with ease of different weights are able to carry objects on their heads.
47. The population of India exceeds the number of South and North America.
48. It is in Asia that the future tense will be located The largest city the world.
49. Istanbul is the most unusual city in Asia.
50. The famous Bosphorus Bay crosses the Asian expanses.
51. Oriental women are distinguished by modesty and purity.
52. The cow is considered a sacred animal in most Asian countries.
53. The spell of the snake is considered a fairly ancient profession.
54. The famous sushi dish originated in South Asia.
55. Uzbekistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of gold reserves.
56. The five world cotton producers include the Asian country Uzbekistan.
57. The seventh place in the world is occupied by the countries of Asia for the amount of uranium.
58. Asia is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of copper mining.
59. The largest TV tower in Asia is considered to be the Tashkent TV tower.
60.Mercedes buses make up almost all public transport in Tashkent.
61. Mirzachul melons are considered the most delicious in the world.
62. At night you can see the clear starry sky in Tashkent.
63. It is in Asia that fresh and natural fruits can be found.
64. India is considered to be a great Asian paradise.
65. Turkey is famous for its unique combination of western and eastern traditions.
66. The Philippine Islands are comprised of over 7000 islands.
67. Today, Singapore is considered a developed city-state.
68. Indonesia is considered one of the most popular destinations in the world.
69. The girl goddess can be found in Nepal.
70. China is considered one of the most ancient civilizations.
71. South Korea is famous for its rich heritage and culture.
72. In industrial terms, Taiwan is considered the most industrialized country.
73. In "Nippon" the Japanese name their country.
74. Asia is considered the fastest growing continent.
75. The territory of South Asia is considered to be contrasting and unique.
76. Southeast Asia is considered the most populous part of the world.
77. More than 600 dialects can be found in Asian countries.
78. Tourists consider Nepal to be the kingdom of spirits and mystics.
79. The country of monks is Myanmar.
80. Best Resort Asia is Thailand.
81. The island of Bali will delight guests with exotic nature and optimal climate.
82. The life of orangutans can be observed on the island of Sepilok.
83. The Komodo dragon lives on the island of Komodo.
84. The largest marine aquarium is located in Singapore.
85. Rainforests and mountains occupy the largest part of Asia.
86. Asia is considered the place of love and romance.
87. The Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia.
88. Vietnam has the cheapest diving in the world.
89. Malaysia is a great place for servers.
90. The most mud and thermal springs are located in Sri Lanka.
91. Bali's beaches are considered the best for surfing.
92. The islands of Sumatru, Taiwan and Borneo are the most populated islands in Asia.
93. The largest river in the world runs through Asia.
94. Some of the best minerals in the world are found in Asia.
95. Once part of Asia was considered under the control of the USSR.
96. The Silk Road once passed through the former part of Asia.
97. There is a rare endangered species of tigers in Asia.
98. There are more than a hundred exotic species of pandas in Asia.
99. The peoples of Asia were once ruled by the Taliban.
100. Japan is considered the most developed country in Asia.
Asia is associated in our minds with a multitude of exotic pictures, a variety of national cultures and obscure traditions of the peoples living on its territory.
Asia still remains the most mysterious part of the world, scientists from different countries the world. The most contradictory traditions and principles of existence have long been combined in the latitudes stretched under the sultry sun. Every Asian country, every tribe and nationality has long historical traditions, which are often very difficult for Europeans to understand.
1. "Traditional" winter holidays in North Korea
It's hard to find someone who doesn't like the Christmas holidays. All over the world, the approach of December is associated with the imminent onset of the winter fairy tale and the expectation of gifts. But North Koreans have been deprived of the pleasure of gathering together on winter Christmas evenings for family holiday meals. For them, Christmas is no different from the rest of the days. While Catholics and Orthodox Christians from all over the world rejoice at the birth of Jesus Christ, admire the colorful Christmas lights in the windows of houses and shop windows, the streets of North Korean cities are filled with darkness and sadness. Locals During this period, we must remember with sorrow the "eternal president" - Kim Il Sung, who died in 1994.
It is also forbidden to celebrate Valentine's Day. In general, the question of religiosity in this country is posed rather harshly. Those who value their own life will not talk openly about God. Instead of traditional religious holidays, on December 24, Koreans celebrate the birthday of Kim Jong Il's mother, and the celebration of the General's Birthday on February 16 replaces Valentine's Day.
2. The happiest children are in India
Legends about the harshness of a Spartan upbringing have long faded into oblivion. It would seem that today in most countries democracy rules, and all national canons concerning the upbringing of the younger generation have long been adapted to the Convention on the Rights of Children. Surely many have heard of the Spartan tradition of throwing newborns with physical defects from a high cliff. Who would have thought that a terrible ritual "survived" to this day. In India, in one of the temples of the Solapur district, there is still a tradition of throwing small children from the tower. But today such actions are motivated by other goals. The parents of the baby absolutely calmly hand their child over to the minister of the church, who, after reading the prayer, throws off the child on a blanket spread at the foot of the fifteen-meter tower. Other attendants who are holding the veil taut must catch the baby.
It is believed that after such a ritual, the child will grow up healthy and happy. This is a local tradition that frightens not only European parents, but also residents of other Indian regions.
3. Chinese children with great destinies
The Chinese are a very interesting and unusual people, constantly striving for self-development and self-improvement. It is not surprising that they teach their children from the very first days of their lives on the "true path." In China, it is believed that a correctly chosen name promises a child a great and bright future. That is why the widespread circulation of such names as "Civilization", "Raise China", "Great Country", "Defender of China" is not considered something unusual.
The Chinese also have a tradition of giving names to children depending on the large-scale events taking place. For example, when the country applied to host the Olympic Games in 2000, most of the newborns were named “Olympian”, “Olympic Games”, “Winner”.
4. Features of Hindu etiquette
It is noteworthy that Hindus hold cutlery and eat only with their right hand. The right hand is always considered clean and the left hand dirty. Taking food with your left hand is considered bad taste. Such a tradition is associated with hygienic features: it is with the left hand that the Indians wash their bodies, washing away impurities from it.
5. Ban on Japanese obesity
There are practically no obese people among the Japanese. It is very difficult to meet even a person with a dense figure on the street, because the Japanese strictly adhere to generally accepted canons in nutrition, by this taking care not only of appearance but also about physical health.
The legislation of this country has established criteria for people over 40 years old. The waist circumference of men should not be more than 85 centimeters, and women - 90 cm. People whose physical parameters exceed these indicators are forced to attend consultations with nutritionists and limit themselves to food.
6. The "longest" city in the world
Many people love sunny Thailand and are happy to go to Bangkok for another vacation. Those who are lucky enough to visit a sultry and exotic country believe that they know everything about Thailand and its capital. Imagine their surprise when they learn that Bangkok has another name, consisting of 147 letters of the Latin alphabet. Thanks to its long name, the city even got into the Guinness Book of Records.
7. Vietnamese New Year
Everyone is looking forward to the New Year. This holiday is associated with the beginning of a new life, which will begin after the birth of the New Year. In the literal sense, the word "birth" is understood in Vietnam. There, along with the celebration of the New Year, it is customary to celebrate the birthdays of all people at the same time. It is believed that if a person has lived to see the New Year, then one year can be safely added to his experience.
8. After World War II, the Japanese were saved from hunger by ordinary fast food
Although the trend of healthy eating is gaining more and more popularity every year, the addiction of people to the usual fast food has not been canceled. Instant noodles remain among the favorite fast food products. Few people know that this product was invented by the Japanese Andro Momofuki in 1958. It was in this Asian country that instant noodles solved many of the post-war food problems. It is noteworthy that initially this product was not very popular, but as soon as the Japanese appreciated it, the "fashion" for the use of analogs of the modern "doshirak" rapidly spread all over the world.
9. The Japanese have figured out how to solve the problem with pets
For hygienic reasons, the authorities prohibit residents of some Asian countries and cities from keeping animals at home. Lovers of four-legged friends have found a wonderful way out of the situation. In Japan and Taiwan, cafes with animals are gaining popularity. Feeling the need to pet a cat or play with a dog, a person can simply come to a cafe, where he will be given a choice of a pet with which he can play as much as he wants.
10. Where did the fashion of buying piggy banks come from?
Today, the piggy bank performs not only its traditional function, but also creates coziness in the room. But not every owner of such a toy knows where and under what circumstances the fashion for piggy banks arose. The answer lies in the traditions of some exotic Asian countries. The fact is that even the ancient Chinese considered the pig as a symbol of family and financial prosperity. In addition, in Malaysia and Indonesia, archaeologists have found small figurines of pigs that the owners kept in their homes. Later people thought of cutting a hole in the “symbol of prosperity” and keeping money there.
North Korea's official name: Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The local population calls it "Joseon" ("Country of morning freshness").
Fun facts about India
India is the “big paradise” in Asia. Exotic culture, priceless art, modern cities, national natural parks and friendly people - all this allows us to call the country an excellent tourist destination with vast expanses of indescribable beauty. Until the 21st century, India has managed to maintain a traditional lifestyle. It regularly hosts the Festival of Laxmi, one of the most famous Hindu religious festivals. Laxmi is the goddess of peace and prosperity. This festival plays a significant role in the lives of many Indians. India has gone down in history as the birthplace of Mohandas K. Gandhi, whose legacy is democracy. Once Gandhi said: "We ourselves must become the changes that we want to see in the world."
Turkey is a Eurasian country stretching from the peninsula of Asia Minor (or Anatolia) in western Asia to Thrace (Rumelia) in the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. It is thanks to its strategic location that Turkey is famous for its unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions. Turkey is surrounded by eight countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. From the south of Turkey are the Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus, from the west - the Aegean Sea and its archipelago, and from the north - the Black Sea. Continue reading this article for more interesting information about Turkey.
The Philippines (officially the Republic of the Philippines) is an archipelago of 7,107 islands lying in the Pacific Ocean. This island nation in Southeast Asia is surrounded by countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau and the Republic of China. The Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia that does not have common land borders with its neighbors.
Singapore today is a developed city-state, a capital and a republic at the same time, but only 50 years ago this country was considered one of the poorest, and the majority of the population sympathized with the communists. Local political leader Lee Kuan Yew took power into his own hands and, with a handful of patriotic saratniks, brought order to the country.
As the Japanese poet Murasaki Shikibu, who lived in the 9th century, said, “It's hard to find someone who really understands you. Usually people judge only by their own yardsticks. " The hardest thing for us to understand is the Japanese themselves.
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Goddess girls are not uncommon in Nepal. They are the living embodiment of the goddess Taleju. To get into the goddess, you need to go through a competitive selection according to 32 parameters. The selected one lives in the palace without any problems. But as soon as the girls start menstruating, they are expelled from the palace.