Asia is the largest and most populous continent, full of contrasts, ancient traditions, and incredible wonders. We've gathered a few interesting facts that might surprise you.
- The birthplace of all major religions. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism all originated in Asia.
- More people than the rest of the world combined. Asia is home to about 60% of the world's total population. China and India alone have more people than any other region in the world.
- The highest and lowest points on Earth. Mount Everest (8,848 m) in the Himalayas and the shore of the Dead Sea (-430 m) are both in Asia.
- Japan is the land of vending machines. You can buy almost anything from a vending machine here: from hot coffee and soup to live crabs and umbrellas.
- Chopsticks have been used in China for 4,000 years. Initially, they were used for cooking to avoid burning hands, and only later for eating.
- Indonesia consists of 17,508 islands. It is the largest island nation in the world. To visit one island per day, you would need more than 48 years.
- In Thailand, you cannot step on money. The local banknotes and coins feature the king, so stepping on them is considered a sign of disrespect.
- 90% of all rice in the world is eaten in Asia. Rice is a staple food for billions of people.
- There is no "unlucky" 4th floor in South Korea. In many buildings (especially hospitals), the floor after the third is numbered as the fifth, as the character for "four" is a homophone for the word "death."
- The tallest building in the world is in Dubai. The 828-meter-high Burj Khalifa skyscraper is a landmark not only of the UAE but of all modern Asia.