ASIA- POLITICAL DIVISIONS, LOCATION, PHYSICAL FEATURES,
CLIMATE, VEGETATION, WILDLIFE
Overview of Asia
- Asia is the largest continent, constituting one-third of the land area and home to
60% of the world's population
- It is known for its extreme geographical features, including the highest point (Mount
Everest at 8,848 meters) and the lowest point (the Dead Sea, 400 meters below sea
level)
- The continent includes the plateau of Tibet, the highest and largest plateau in the
world, and Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake (1,637 meters)
- Asia is divided into 49 political countries, ranging from large (China, India) to small
(Bhutan, Maldives)
Geographical Extent
● Longitudinal Extent: Asia lies between longitudes 25° East and 170° West
● Latitudinal Extent: It spans from 10° South to 80° North
● Widest Extent: The continent's great longitudinal extent results in a time difference of 11 hours
between its easternmost and westernmost points
Coastline
● Length of Coastline: Asia has a relatively smooth coastline with many wide openings,
Countries
● Largest Country: Russia is the largest country in Asia, spanning both Europe and Asia, with its
Asian part often referred to as Asiatic Russia
● Smallest Country: The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives
Industrialization
● Most Industrialized Country: Japan is recognized as the most industrialized country in Asia,
known for its advanced technology and manufacturing sectors
Physical Features
● Highest Plateau: The Plateau of Tibet, often referred to as the "roof of the world," is the highest
and largest plateau in the world
● Coldest Place: Oymyakon in Russia is noted as the coldest inhabited place on Earth, with winter
temperatures reaching as low as -70°C
● Warmest Place: Regions in the Middle East, such as Kuwait and Iraq, are known for extreme heat
Notable Locations
● Longest Strait: Strait of Malacca
Physical Divisions of Asia
1 Northern Lowlands
- Comprises the Siberian Plain, the largest continuous lowland in the world, and
the Turan Plain
- Bordered by the Ural Mountains and drained by major rivers like the Ob, Lena,
and Amu Darya
- The land is marshy and slopes gently towards the Arctic Ocean
2 Central Mountain Belt
- Features major mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Tian
Shan
- The Himalayas contain Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world
- Influences the climate and hydrology of Asia, giving rise to significant rivers
3 Southern Plateaus
- Comprises three main plateaus: the Plateau of Arabia, the Plateau of Peninsular
India, and the Plateau of Shan and Yunnan
- The Arabian Plateau is dry with no rivers, while the Peninsular India plateau has
several rivers flowing eastward
- Characterized by old, hard crystalline rocks
4 Great River Valleys
- Fertile alluvial plains that are densely populated
- Major river valleys include the Euphrates and Tigris (Mesopotamia), Indus Valley,
and Ganga-Brahmaputra Valley
- The Great Plain of China is formed by the Yangtze, Yellow, and West-flowing
rivers
5 Island Groups
- Include the Kuril Islands, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia
- The Malay Archipelago is the largest system of island groups between the Indian
and Pacific Oceans
- Significant for biodiversity and cultural diversity
Climate, Vegetation, Wildlife
1. Equatorial Climate (Malaysia, Indonesia) – Hot, humid (30°C–27°C). Dense
forests (mahogany, ebony). Wildlife: monkeys, sloths, snakes.
2. Monsoon Climate (South Asia, Myanmar) – Cool winters, heavy rains (25–
250 cm). Deciduous forests (teak, sal). Wildlife: elephants, tigers, monkeys.
3. Tropical Desert Climate (Arabian Desert, India, Pakistan) – Hot days, cool
nights. Sparse vegetation (cacti, shrubs). Wildlife: camels, scorpions, lizards.
4. Mediterranean Climate (Turkey, Mediterranean region) – Hot, dry summers;
mild, wet winters. Evergreen and fruit trees. Limited wildlife.
5. Temperate Grassland Climate (Ukraine to Mongolia) – Cold winters, hot
summers, low rain. Short grasses. Wildlife: antelopes, wolves, horses.
6. Temperate Desert Climate (Gobi Desert) – Hot summers, cold winters,
minimal rain. Sparse vegetation. Wildlife: rodents, lizards, insects.
7. China Type Climate (China, Japan, Korea) – Hot summers, mild winters,
moderate rain. Mixed forests (oak, magnolia). Wildlife: apes, monkeys, foxes.
8. Manchurian Climate (Northeast China, Japan) – Warm summers, cold
winters. Coniferous forests (spruce, fir). Wildlife: bears, foxes, squirrels.
9. Taiga Climate (Russia, Siberia) – Long winters, short summers. Coniferous
forests (pine, fir). Wildlife: lynx, mink, sable.
10. Tundra Climate (Northern Russia) – Long, cold winters, cool summers.
Mosses, lichens. Wildlife: Arctic foxes, polar bears, seals.
