Henry's Home: Asia Facts

There are many Asia facts relating to ancient cultures and religions. Some examples include the Sumer civilization in Mesopotamia, which dates to 7000 years ago, and the Indus Valley civilization in India, which dates to 6000 years ago. It’s no wonder that the region in Mesopotamia around the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is commonly referred to as the cradle of civilization.

Pop Culture Isn’t a True Representation of Asia

When most people think of Asia facts, they tend to think of people living in China, Japan and Korea. However, this is a limited perception of Asia, as promoted by current pop culture. The truth is that Asia is far more diverse in its population. Perhaps your view of Asia will be transformed when you consider the fact that Asia also includes, amongst others, Russian Siberians, Iraqi Arabs, Indians in South East Asia, and even New Guineans north of Australia.

Asia Has the Most Varied Landscape

Although any continent has a great variety in its landscape, one of the indisputable Asia facts is that this continent can be said to have the greatest diversity of all. When you stop to consider it, it’s a remarkable fact that Asia is home to both the highest and lowest points on Earth. These points are Mount Everest at 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) and the Dead Sea at -997 feet (-395 meters), respectively.

Pandas, Tiger and Other Interesting Animals Are Found in Asia

When it comes to the natural environment, there are many interesting Asia facts. There are many fascinating animals that are native to this continent. Animals that call Asia home include the giant panda, Asian elephant, tiger, Bactrian camel, king cobra, reticulated python, yak, Indian rhinoceros and the Komodo dragon.

7 of the World’s 10 Most Densely Populated Cities are in Asia

One of the most incredible Asia facts is that this continent is home to seven of the world’s ten largest cities (by population). These cities are: Shanghai, Beijing, Istanbul, Karachi, Mumbai, Guangzhou and Delhi.

Asia’s Population Is Larger than the Rest of The World Combined

One of the most well-known Asia facts is that China and India are the two countries with the largest populations in the world. However, a lesser-known fact is that if you combine all the countries in Asia, this population exceeds that of the rest of the world combined. This is not so surprising when you consider the huge populations in just five of these Asian countries: China is 1.35 billion, India is 1.22 billion, Indonesia is 250 million, Bangladesh is 163 million, and Japan is 127 million.

Asia is Home to 9 of the World’s 10 Tallest Buildings

One of the most astounding Asia facts is that 9 of the world’s 10 tallest buildings are located on this continent. The tallest building currently is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which stands at an impressive 2,717 feet. This is closely followed by the Shanghai Tower at a no less imposing 2,073 feet. However, both these buildings will be dwarfed by another Asian skyscraper in 2019. The Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia is currently under construction. When it is complete, which it is projected to be by 2019, this tower will stand at a whopping 3,300 feet. That’s one kilometer high!

The 10 Largest Malls in the World Are All Found in Asia

It would certainly seem that the Asian population knows how to shop when you consider Asia facts pertaining to their shopping malls. Incredibly, the 10 largest shopping malls in the world are all located in Asia. The largest shopping mall in the world is the New South China Mall in Dongguan China. This shopping center has a total leasable area of 7,100,000 square feet, or 659,612 square meters, accommodating a potential 2,350 shops. It also has an 82-foot replica of the Arc de Triomphe, a full-size indoor roller coaster, as well as a 1.3 mile canal with gondolas. However, 99% of this mall is vacant, with very few retailers or shoppers entering its walls.

China Is the World’s Third Largest Country yet it Has Only One Time Zone

One of the most surprising Asia facts is that China has only one time zone. This is almost unbelievable when you consider the fact that China is the third largest country in the world and stretches 3,200 miles (5,016 kilometers) longitudinally. As least there’s no confusion or jet lag when traveling from one side of the country to the other!

The Japanese Are the Second Oldest People in the World

Of all the Asia facts about population, one of the most striking is that Japan has the second oldest population in the world. The only other country with an older population is Monaco. The median age of the Japanese population is 44.6 years old. Incredibly, there are over 50,000 people living in Japan who are over 100 years old!

Over 4,000 Chinese Children Are Named ‘Olympic Games’

Yes, you read that correctly! One of the more bizarre Asia facts is that parents in China often tend to name their children after values, events, and even slogans that they deem to be important. Over the past 15 years, more than 4,000 children have been named Aoyun, which translates to Olympic Games. Other names that have been given to children in China include Defend China, Build the Nation, and even Space Travel.

India Produces 12 Million Tons of Mangoes Every Year

India produces more mangoes every year than any other country in the world. The fact that it produces 12 million tons of mangoes every year is one of the most astonishing Asia facts, when you consider that mangoes are available for just three to four months of the year. There is a huge market in India for mango flavored drinks – so much so that people regard mangoes as a national obsession in India!

It’s Illegal to Be Fat in Japan

According to Japanese law, a man over the age of 40 cannot have a waistline larger than 33.5 inches, and women of the same age cannot have a waistline exceeding 35.4 inches. This law, known as the Metabo Law means that all Japanese citizens over the age of 40 have to have their waists measured by government officials. There is no penalty for being found to be overweight (according to this criterion), but there are suggested steps to be taken to get your health in check, such as counseling and government approved diets. And it seems to be working: Japan is the thinnest industrialized country in the world.

In India, You Eat with Your Right Hand and Wipe with the Left

Of all the Asia facts that seem strange to Westerners, this Indian custom is one of the most, well, foreign. It is tradition that you eat with your hand, but only your right hand. This is because the left hand is used to wipe yourself with water after going to the toilet – you simply won’t find toilet paper in most of the toilets throughout the country. And so it follows that it’s insulting to use your left hand for just about anything, including shaking hands and passing something to someone.

All Vietnamese Share the Same Birthday

There are many Asia facts about various traditions. One bewildering tradition is that everyone in Vietnam shares the same birthday: the Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tet. Tet starts on the first day of the lunar calendar, which is in late winter, usually in late January or early February. This celebration lasts for several days and, amongst other things, is a nation-wide birthday celebration. This is because the Vietnamese measure a person’s age according to the number of Tets they have lived through. In other words, all babies will turn one on their first Tet, regardless of how old they are according to conventional calendars.

The National Game in Afghanistan Is Goat Grabbing

One of the lesser-known Asia facts is that buzkashi, or goat grabbing, is the national game of Afghanistan. This rugged equestrian sport is particularly violent. At first glance it resembles polo, until you realize that the participants are vying not for a ball, but a headless animal carcass. Originally there were only two rules: you may not intentionally hit another player with your whip or knock him off his horse. More recently, more rules have been added in an effort to regulate the game. This was largely part of an effort to get buzkashi accepted as an Olympic sport.

Bhutan Is the Only Country in the World That Bans the Sale of Tobacco

Bhutan means land of the thunder dragon, so you’d think they would be used to flames and smoke. Not so. Bhutan is the only country throughout the world to ban the sale and production of tobacco and tobacco products. The Tobacco Control Act states that anyone found guilty of selling tobacco can face imprisonment for anywhere from three to five years.

It’s Possible to Buy Canned Fresh Air in China

Due to high levels of air pollution in China, it is now possible to buy cans of fresh air. This novel concept is the brainchild of entrepreneur Chen Guangiao. The idea is for people to be able to inhale, or even drink, the fresh air contained in these cans. What’s more, there are several varieties of air from various sources, including locations in Tibet and Taiwan. The aim of this endeavor is not to make a profit, but rather to draw attention to the dangerous levels of air pollution that plague China.

The Thai Celebrate New Years with Water Pistols

The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated from 13 to 15 April. It is called the Songkran festival, which means astrological passage. The original celebrations involved water being poured over statues of Buddha, which people then collected as it dripped down, pouring it in turn over their loved ones for good luck. However, the modern version involves people hosing down everyone in the vicinity with water pistols. Typically, the water is mixed with either flour or talcum powder, and anyone is fair game. Water guns are sold on every corner, ensuring that everyone joins in the fun!

Newborns in Solapur are Thrown from a 50 Foot Tower for Good Luck

One of the most disconcerting Asia facts centers on a Muslim tradition in Solapur, India. Newborn babies are carried to the top of a 50-foot tower. They are then dropped off the edge, falling onto a stretched sheet held by monks standing at the foot of the tower. This ritual is believed to give the babies luck, courage, and good health. It has been happening for more than 500 years and, according to the local Musti villagers, no baby has ever sustained any injury.

Asia Facts – Facts about Asia Summary

Asia is the largest continent, and has an endlessly varied landscape and an interesting array of animals. Its densely populated cities are home to some of the world’s tallest buildings and largest shopping malls. There are many different cultures and religions in Asia, giving rise to a wide range of traditions, rituals, laws and beliefs.

Asia Facts

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Friday, May 15, 2015