By Roshni Chakrabarty
Asia, the world's largest and most diverse continent, is a treasure trove of fascinating facts. Here are some major ones that stand out:
Asia is the largest continent, both in terms of land area and population. It covers around 30 percent of the Earth's land area and is home to roughly 60 percent of the world's population.
Asia has 48 countries, mainly located in the eastern and northern hemispheres, and all are members of the United Nations. It also has three territories – Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. It contains the world's largest country, Russia, and the world's two most populous countries, India and China.
Asia is home to the 10 highest peaks including the highest mountain, Mount Everest. It also has the lowest point on Earth's land surface, the Dead Sea, and boasts the world's deepest continental trough, Lake Baikal.
Asia is the birthplace of all major religions— Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Judaism. Two great ancient civilisations -- the Harappan civilisation and the Chinese civilisation were also born here.
Asia has both the highest and the lowest points on the surface of Earth, the longest coastline of any continent, and is subject to the world’s widest climatic extremes.
-Singapore has a building inspired by a Star Wars robot. -There are over 1,600 temples in Kyoto, Japan. -Hong Kong translates to 'fragrant harbor'. -China produces 45 billion pairs of chopsticks each year. -South Korea has a separate Valentine's Day for single people.