Top 50 Surprising Facts About Asia
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Top Surprising Facts About Asia: The birthplace of many traditions, civilisations, cultures, and languages, Asia is as fascinating as it gets. The more you dig into the facts of Asia continent, the more surprised you become. Read this article for some of the most interesting and unique facts about the Asia continent.
Asia is a vast continent, leading the other continents in terms of its total land area. However, it is not just the land area which gives Asia an edge over the other continents. The continent also leads in terms of its agricultural produce, great infrastructure, mouth-watering cuisines, different languages and maximum life expectancy. If you wish to study abroad at a top university in Asia then, chances are that you may also be curious to learn about some educational, linguistic and geographical facts about Asia which will help you to explore more. If you wish to learn about several such things about Asia, read this article till its end. This article lists some of the most astonishing facts about Asia continent. But first, let us go through the best universities in Asia 2024.
List of Top 10 Universities in Asia
Students curious to study in Asia must be aware of the top universities in Asia as this will help them select only the best university for themselves according to their preferences. Below we have listed the top 10 universities in Asia by the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2024.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
| University Names, Location | QS World University Rankings: Asia 2024 |
|---|---|
| Peking University Beijing, China (Mainland) |
1 |
| Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR |
2 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) Singapore |
3 |
| Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) Singapore |
=4 |
| Tsinghua University Beijing, China (Mainland) |
=4 |
| Hangzhou, China (Mainland) |
6 |
| Shanghai, China (Mainland) |
7 |
| Seoul, South Korea |
8 |
| Seoul, South Korea |
9 |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR |
10 |
List of Top 50 Interesting Facts About Asia
If studying in Asia is your dream and you want to know some interesting facts about this majestic continent, then read through the top 50 interesting facts about Asia continent below.
Asia Geography and Nature Facts
1. The Continent of Extremes: Asia is home to the highest and lowest points on land, i.e. Mount Everest, standing at 8,848 meters, and the Dead Sea, located at -430 meters.
2. Island Paradise: Indonesia, a nation consisting of countless islands, is renowned as the largest island country in the world, encompassing over 17,500 islands.
3. A Land of Diverse Animals: Asia is home to a wide range of fascinating wildlife, from the elusive snow leopards in the Himalayas to the world's longest venomous snake, the king cobra in Southeast Asia.
4. Hospital Cave: Asia is home to famous landmarks and beautiful natural wonders, like Vietnam's Ha Long Bay. This stunning destination has emerald waters and impressive limestone formations, including a cave that was used as a shelter and medical facility during the American-Vietnam War, with 17 rooms. This unbelievable hospital cave is believed to have been in use until 1975.
5. Oldest Cave: Son Doong, the world's largest cave, is located in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam. This incredible natural wonder, formed millions of years ago, was discovered by accident.
6. Time Paradox: China, despite its vast size of 3,705 million square miles, operates in a single time zone, which means that the whole of this country runs on a single date and time. In contrast, the United States, which is similar in size to China, is divided into six different time zones. This can result in situations where one may step outside for lunch and find darkness, or regularly have dinner late into the night.
Asia Culture and Tradition Facts
7. Language Labyrinth: Asia is home to many languages, with over 2,000 distinct languages and numerous dialects.
8. Extraordinary Health Alternatives: In Vietnam, snake wine is believed to improve one's health. This traditional beverage contains whole snakes soaked in rice wine. Indeed one of the astonishing facts about Asia!
9. Puppetry Beyond Entertainment: Puppetry traditions, like Wayang Kulit in Indonesia and Bunraku in Japan, go beyond entertainment and serve as cultural storytellers and knowledge keepers.
10. Festival Extravaganza: Asia is renowned for vibrant festivals like Diwali, the "Festival of Lights" in India, and Songkran, the Thai New Year, known for playful water fights.
Curious about studying at the top Universities in Asia? Check out the top Asian universities below.
- Northwestern Polytechnical University, China
- Seoul National University, South Korea
- Novosibirsk National Research State University, Russia
- James Cook University - Singapore (JCU Singapore)
11. Different Beliefs for a New Year: While the celebration of a new year in China lasts for 15 days; in Vietnam, Tet, the traditional New Year celebration, holds the significance of a collective birthday for numerous citizens. As accurate birth records are not available for many individuals, Tet assumes the role of a symbolic event where everyone ages together. Truly peculiar things about Asia!
12. A Law that Keeps You in Shape?: In Japan, it is illegal to exceed a certain weight limit according to the Metabo Law.
13. Want Your Name to be Remembered by Many? Here’s How: In China, it is a common tradition to give children names based on important events. However, it is fascinating to note that there are more than 4,000 individuals named Aoyun, which translates to "Olympic Games".
Asia History and Heritage Facts
14. Cradle of Civilisations: From the Indus Valley Civilisation in present-day Pakistan and India to the Mesopotamian Civilisation in Iraq, Asia is the birthplace of several ancient civilisations.
15. Ancient Wonders: Beyond the Great Wall of China which is the largest man-made project in the world and the Angkor Wat of Cambodia which is the largest religious structure in the world, Asia also boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines, showcasing the ingenuity of indigenous communities.
16. Enduring Craft Traditions: Batik, a process of dyeing fabric using wax and vibrant colours, and Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, are examples of traditional crafts preserving cultural heritage. Truly, only in Asia thing!
17. Unique Writing Systems: Beyond the Latin alphabet, Asia features diverse writing systems like Chinese characters, Japanese Kana and Kanji, and the Arabic script used in various regions.
18. The matter of Pride: Thailand remains the only country in Southeast Asia that was not colonised by the European powers.
Asia Art and Entertainment Facts
19. Musical Mastery: Asia is a treasure trove of traditional music forms, from the Peking Opera in China to the Gagaku court music in Japan, known for its serene melodies.
20. Artistic Expressions: From intricate calligraphy in China to vibrant silk paintings in Vietnam, Asia boasts a rich artistic heritage reflecting cultural identity, passed down through generations.
Excited to study in Asia yet? Here are the top courses in Asia for Indian students:
- BBA in Asia for Indian Students- Universities, Colleges, Fees 2024, Deadlines
- MBA in Asia for Indian Students- Universities, Colleges, Fees 2024, Deadlines
- B.Tech in Asia for Indian Students- Universities, Colleges, Fees 2024, Deadlines
21. Masters of Martial Arts: Asia is the birthplace of numerous martial arts, like karate, kung fu, judo, and taekwondo, which transcend physical training and promote discipline, respect, and cultural heritage.
22. Ban on Dancing, Really?: Dancing was banned in Japan according to the Fueiho Law which was implemented in 1948. This means that several public-gathering places needed to apply for a special dancing license to get their customers dancing, at least legally on their premises.
Asian Food and Cuisine Facts
23. Ramen, the favourite of many for a Reason: Ramen was introduced in Japan by some Chinese immigrants and later became an important dish in Japan as it served people during the postwar times of hunger.
24. Manners through Food?: According to the Chinese culture, if a fish is being served, the head of the fish has to be directed towards the elders or the guest of honour.
25. Unique Culinary Experiences: Beyond street food, Asia offers fine dining experiences showcasing culinary artistry, like Kaiseki in Japan, a multi-course meal prepared with seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation.
26. Yielding Capacity: Vietnam is responsible for exporting over 33% of the global supply of cashew nuts. Additionally, India is recognised as the top global producer of Mangoes, producing around 12 million tons of this delicious fruit every year. Its contribution makes up about 52% of the world's total production of mangoes, which is 23 million tonnes (2002-03).
27. Ever Purchased a Can of Fresh Air?: In China, canned fresh air is commonly sold due to extensive industrialisation causing widespread air pollution.
28. India is the leading producer of mangoes in the world with over 21 million metric tons of mangoes produced in 2023 (reports as per Statista).
Asia Modern Life and Innovation Facts
29. Tech Titans: Several Asian countries, particularly Japan and South Korea, are at the forefront of technological innovation, from high-speed internet and bullet trains to cutting-edge electronics and robotics.
30. Economic Powerhouse: Asia boasts two of the world's leading economies: China, the second largest, and Japan, the third largest, significantly influencing the global market.
Are you willing to study at the top university in Asia but worried about managing your finances? Don't worry! Check out the list of some top scholarships in Asia that will help you manifest your study in Asia dream!
Asia Religion and Spirituality Facts
31. Religious Tapestry: Asia is a land of diverse religious beliefs, with major religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism practised across the continent. Asia even gave birth to several religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.
32. Spiritual Retreats: With Kyoto in Japan, which hosts over 1600 temples, serene monasteries in Bhutan to vibrant Hindu temples in South India, Asia offers sanctuaries for spiritual seekers, fostering meditation practices and pilgrimage journeys.
Asia Sports and Entertainment Facts
33. Beyond the Olympics: Traditional sports and games like Kabaddi, a South Asian team sport, and Sepak Takraw, a Southeast Asian sport played with a woven rattan ball, showcase athleticism and cultural values.
34. Evolving Entertainment Industry: From Bollywood in India to K-pop in South Korea, Asia boasts vibrant entertainment industries with global influence, shaping trends in music, film, and television.
35. Also known as the "Goat-grabbing game", the national sport of Afghanistan is “Buzkashi”, which involves horse-mounted players attempting to place a goat or calf carcass in a goal.
Asian Education and Youth Facts
36. A Hub of Learning: The Nalanda University in India, Asia was the first university in the world. The university was said to have over 300 lecture halls along with various labs and libraries.
37. English is not the Most Spoken language in the World and here’s why: Mandarin Chinese, spoken by over 1.3 billion people worldwide, surpasses English as the most widely spoken language globally.
Unique Facts about Asian Experiences
38. Hidden Gems: Home to hidden beauties like Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, the vast tea plantations in Munnar, India, or the majestic sand dunes of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, Asia has some of the major tourist destinations in the world.
39. Top sky-scrappers: The continent also has a notable advantage when it comes to tall building structures, as it possesses 9 out of the top 10 tallest buildings in the world, including famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Shanghai Tower in China. Additionally, Singapore has a building inspired by the Star Wars robot, named “the Sandcrawler”.
Beyond the Tourist Trail
40. Trekking Adventures: Asia is home to various major landmarks of the world so you can embark on a challenging yet rewarding trek through the Himalayas in Nepal, the rice terraces of Banaue in the Philippines, or the ancient Inca trail in Peru.
Thinking of what job you should do after studying in Asia? Here's the list of top jobs with high salaries:
- Job Prospects for Indian Students in Singapore
- Popular Job Sectors in UAE for International Students 2024
41. Learn a Craft: Asia is home to several traditional crafts like Batik dyeing in Indonesia, Kintsugi pottery repair in Japan, and silk weaving in Vietnam.
Fascinating Facts About Asia
42. Chewing Gum Ban: Singapore has a ban on chewing gum, with exceptions only for medical purposes.
43. World's Tallest Building: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, holds the title of the world's tallest building, standing at 828 meters (2,717 ft) tall.
44. Spicy Delights: India holds the record for the world's hottest chilli pepper, the Bhut Jolokia, also known as the Ghost Pepper.
45. Maximum Number of Countries: Asia is home to over 48 countries, all of which are members of the United Nations (UN). Asia is also home to the largest country in the world, i.e. Russia.
46. Highest in Population: Ruling in terms of the most land area among all other continents in the world, Asia is also home to a staggering 60% of the world's population, with over 4.4 billion people residing within its borders, majorly in India and China. This number exceeds the combined population of all other continents.
47. The continent of the riches: Tokyo has a greater number of millionaires in comparison to Paris, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. Additionally, Asia has the highest number of billionaires in the world.
48. China let alone produces 45 billion pairs of chopsticks each year.
49. There is a separate Valentine’s Day for singles in South Korea.
50. Japan, located in Asia, is known for having the highest life expectancy in the world, with a significant number of individuals living past the impressive age of 100 (92,139 people in 2023 - published in a report by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of the Japanese government).
These were some of the top facts of Asia continent. To read more such blogs, stay tuned to Shiksha Study Abroad. However, if you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.
Top Interesting Facts About Asia FAQs
Q. Why is Asia unique?
A. Asia's uniqueness stems from a vibrant combination of its diverse history, geography, and cultures. It is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world, displaying rich artistic traditions and groundbreaking advancements.
With its towering mountains, vast deserts, and intricate river systems, Asia offers breathtaking landscapes teeming with unmatched biodiversity. This continent pulsates with a blend of ancient customs and modern energy, making it an unquestionably extraordinary destination.
Q. What are some interesting facts about Asia for kids?
A. Several interesting facts about Asia for kids are given below.
- Asia is a land of contrasts, with everything from snow-capped mountains and lush rainforests to vast deserts and busy megacities.
- Asia is home to some of the world's most amazing animals, including Pandas, Tigers, Elephants, and Komodo dragons.
- Asia is home to many different cultures, languages, and religions. There are over 2,300 languages spoken in Asia, and the major religions of the world, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism, all originated in Asia.
Q. What is Asia also known as?
A. While not widely used, Asia is sometimes referred to as the eastern constituent of Eurasia. This reflects its geographical connection to Europe, forming a single landmass called Eurasia. Although, the Asia continent is also sometimes referred to as the “land of extremes” for its various geographical, cultural and religious distinctions.
Q. Who gave Asia its name?
A. While the exact origin is debated, the name "Asia" most likely comes from the ancient Greek word "Ἀσία" (Asia), first used around 440 BCE. It may have been derived from an even older Hittite term for the region.
Q: Can Indians apply for BITS Dubai?
Indian students who wish to study at BITS Dubai can apply for admission easily. Applicants have to submit the online application by the deadline for BITS admission. Students must meet the BITS Dubai admission requirements as per the program. Mentioned below are BITS Pilani Dubai admission requirements for International students:
BITS Dubai requirements for first-degree programs:
- Complete 12th Grade or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall aggregate of marks and a minimum aggregate of 60% in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/ Biology/ Computer Science or any other vocational subjects with at least 50% marks in each subject.
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
BITS Dubai requirements for higher degree programs:
- Complete a bachelor's degree with a minimum aggregate of 60% in relevant disciplines.
- Candidates will be required to appear and successfully clear the Interview to qualify for higher degree admission
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
Q: How hard is it to get into University of Tokyo?
Yes, it is slightly hard to get into the University of Tokyo because of its moderatly high acceptance rate. The University of Tokyo acceptance rate is around 34%, which means out of 100 applicants only 34 are accepted. Applicants has to meet the admission requirements and submit all the required documents to get admission at Tokyo University.
Q: Is Singapore Management University hard to get into?
According to various sources, Singapore Management University has an acceptance rate of around 45% which makes it moderately selective for international student admissions. Some of the general admission requirements at the university are given as follows:
- Academic Transcripts
- International Qualifications that are equivalent
- Standardized Test Scores
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
After the student receives an offer letter, they are required to give the admission interview to be enrolled.
Q: Is it hard to get into Uni Teknologi Malaysia?
University of Teknologi Malaysia is a moderately competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 60%. This figure tells us that almost 60 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is more than half of all the applicants. Therefore, once an applicant fulfills University Teknologi Malaysia Johor admission requirements i.e.; competitive grades, standardized test scores, English language requirements as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission to the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to the university within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.
Q: Is Manipal Dubai worth it?
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) - Dubai Campus is one of the best universities in Dubai which is famous for its high-quality education and has received several accolades. It is a 5-star rated university as per the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) International Higher Education Rating 2022. The university is also ranked 3rd in the Middle East for its MBA programme by Forbes Middle East Magazine. Additionally, it has been ranked among the top 200 universities in Asia. So doing a bachelor's, master's, or any certificate programme at Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai is worth it for international students.
Q: How much does University of Tokyo cost for international students?
The University of Tokyo cost for international students is low for undergraduate and graduate study. Students can complete their degree under 3 L. The below table includes the University of Tokyo fees for Indian students:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS (3 courses) | INR 3 L | Duration: 2 years |
MA (2 courses) | INR 2 L | Duration: 2 years |
MArch (1 course) | INR 3 L | Duration: 2 years |
MEng (1 course) | INR 3 L | Duration: 2 years |
Q: What are the best things for University Technology Malaysia students to do on weekends?
According to some of student reviews over an unofficial source, students can take part in the following activities:
- You can go out of the campus and explore different types of food and go for shopping
- In the campus, you can play all kinds of sports such as cricket, football, tennis, basketball, etc.
- Enjoy watching movies at the theatres
- Have barbecue in Desaru beach
- Enjoy Kota Tinggi waterfall
- Check out different malls like Paradigm Mall, Aeon Mall, Central Square, etc.
- Visit Danga Bay
- Try hiking at Tanjung Piai
Q: What would you need to get accepted into Tokyo University?
International students have to meet the University of Tokyo admissions requirements to get admission. These admission requirements will vary from one programme to another. International applicants whose first language is not English must meet below English language proficiency test score:
English Language Tests | Score Required |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | 100 |
IELTS | 7.0 |
We have provided below the general admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate admission at Tokyo University:
University of Tokyo Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Submit your official high school transcripts
- Meet the English language proficiency test requirements
- Additional test scores for ACT/SAT (optional)
- Submit two letters of recommendation
University of Tokyo Graduate Admission Requirements
- Must complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
- Meet the English language proficiency test requirements
- Additional test scores for GMAT/GRE
- A Resume?
- Provide Two Letters of Recommendation
- The university also asks you to submit Two Essays
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