Last Updated on October 1, 2023 by worldoftravelswithkids

Looking for fun facts about Asia for kids?  Having travelled extensively in Asia with kids – and spending loads of time in China and the South East Asian continent pre-kids, I can give you the most interesting facts about Asia for kids that will make you smile.

Of course, the truth is, Asia is so endlessly fascinating it blew out, and instead of writing just 10 facts about Asia for kids, we ended up with 34 facts about Asia in general.

Just in case you are wondering what the difference is between this list of facts about Asia and other lists –  I have purposely included places I have been in my lifetime  so that I can tell you with all honesty and truth.  These are incredible spots to visit and the history of these places fascinating.

Top 10 Facts About Asia for Kids

I thought, “let’s start with the five interesting facts about Asia” but then I added another 5 facts about Asia, coming to 10 facts in total.  Asia is not just the largest continent on our planet, but it’s also brimming with secrets, stories, and super cool facts.

From towering mountains to busy cities and ancient temples to cutting-edge technology, Asia has it all.

1. Where is Asia?

Asia is the largest continent on our planet both in terms of land area and population.  It’s made up of 12 landlocked countries and includes countries like China, Thailand and Singapore.  Asia is so big; it’s located in the Eastern AND Northern Hemispheres and shares its borders with Europe and Africa.

On one side, Asia has big mountains that it shares with Europe.  On the other side, there are large seas and oceans like the Pacific Ocean.

Asia has many cultures, languages, and yummy foods, which are all what makes these facts about Asia so interesting.

2. What is the Population of Asia: The Largest Continent in the World?

Asia is not only massive in size, but it’s also bursting with people!  Over 4.6 billion to be exact.  That means Asia is the world’s most populous continent.  Although it might be hard to wrap our heads around ; that’s over 60% of the world’s population featuring some of the world’s most populous countries.  Can you imagine that?

China is the most populous country in Asia with an impressive population of 1,354,040,000.  The China population is BIGGER than the population of North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe combined.

3. The Biggest Country in Asia is Russia

When it comes to size, Russia takes the crown!  Spanning two continents, Asia and Europe, Russia is the largest country in the world.  Russia is so big it spans 11 time zones!  However, it’s interesting to note that while most of its land area is in Asia, the majority of its population lives in the European part.

Asia has lots of the largest countries by size in the world!

Did you know that Asia as a continent covers around 30% of earth’s total land area?

4. The Maldives are Asia’s Smallest Country

Although the Maldives make up around 1,200 islands, together, they make up the smallest country in Asia.  Some of the islands are so small you can walk from one end to the other in minutes.

The Maldives are famous for luxury hotels and amazing beaches!

Bonus Fact About Asia: The Maldives are also the world’s lowest country.

5. Mount Everest is in Asia

The highest mountain in the world, the famous Mount Everest, is located in the Himalayan Mountain range in Asia between Nepal and China.

The tallest part of mount Everest is 29 035 feet/8849 metres, and people train for a long time to climb it!  Even reaching Everest base camp is a huge trek.

Bonus Fact: Did you know that the 100 tallest mountains in the world are ALL located in Asia? T he continent has some of the world’s highest mountains.

6. Some Asian Countries are Part of the “Ring of Fire”

Now you’ve read 5 interesting facts about Asia, let’s go through 5 more.

Asia is part of the “Ring of Fire,” an area in the Pacific Ocean with many earthquakes and some of the most impressive and active volcanoes.  Countries with lots of volcanoes include Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines.

The ring of fire has shaped the landscapes and histories of these regions.  Outside of Asia, the Ring of fire stretches all the way to New Zealand and across to Alaska and the West Coast of North and South America.

7. Borneo is the Biggest Island in Asia

Borneo, Asia’s biggest island, is the third largest island in the world.  Spanning 743,330 km², it dwarfs other islands in the region.  Borneo has huge rainforests and lots of wildlife, including orangutans, the pygmy Asian elephant, and the elusive clouded leopards.

Borneo isn’t owned by a single country.  Instead, it’s divided among three nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the tiny nation of Brunei.

Looking for an Asian island holiday – Read our recommendations on the best islands near Singapore here.

8. Two of the 7 Wonders of the World are Located in Asia

Out of the newly announced Wonders of the World (2007), not 1 but 2 are located in Asia.

They are are:

• Taj Mahal in India
• The Great Wall of China

Another of the 7 wonders of the world is Machu Picchu which we have visited many times. You can read our Machu Picchu facts for kids here.

9. The Largest City in Asia is Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan, with a population of over 37 million in the Greater Tokyo area.  It’s one of the most populous cities in the world.

Tokyo is a fantastic place to visit, with tall skyscrapers mixed in with amazing temples and beautiful gardens.

Tokyo, like the rest of Japan is also famous for its timekeeping and cleanliness.  Tokyo’s vast train system, for example, is famed for timings, often running exactly on time.

10. Asia Has a Diverse Climate

Asia is so big it has many different climates, from the deserts in the Middle East (like the Gobi desert, Asia’s largest desert) to the tropical rainforests of South East Asia and the tundra in Northern Russia, where temperatures can reach -50°C.

There is some exciting weather in Asia too!  Much of South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, is influenced by the annual monsoon, which brings heavy rain!

All About Asia for Kids

Ready for more facts?  From the longest river to the highest road and even the age of the Asian continent, here are some more amazing Asia facts for kids.

11. The Dead Sea is The World’s Lowest Point of Land

Located between Jordan and Israel (both Arab countries), the dead sea rests 430m/ (insert feet) BELOW sea level.  It’s one of the world’s largest salt lakes meaning sea creatures cannot survive – hence the name.

Swimming in the dead sea offers a surreal floating experience and its mineral-laden mud is famous around the world for its therapeutic qualities.

12. Asia Has Loads of Islands

Asia has lots and lots of islands!  The continent is dotted with islands of every size. Indonesia alone has 17,500 islands.

The Philippines isn’t far behind, with more than 7,600.  Add to this the islands of Japan, the Maldives, and countless others scattered across the continent – and its true that Asia has a lot of islands!

13. The Yangtze River is the Longest River in Asia

The Yangtze River is the longest river on the Asian continent.  It can be found in China and runs for 3,915 miles/6300 KM.  The river is the third longest river in the world.  The name Yangtze was given to the river by Westerners; the name used in China is the Chang Jiang (“Long River”).

Another amazing river in Asia is the Ob River in the Asian part of Russia.  It is a long river that flows through Siberia and empties into the Arctic Ocean.

If you are interested in other long rivers, check out our Amazon River facts.

14. The Worlds Highest Road is in Asia

Looking for more Asia fun facts?  The world’s highest road is located in the North of India in the Eastern Ladakh area.  The road isn’t just high; it sits at a very high altitude of 19,300 feet/5882 Metres.  That’s higher than the Everest base camp.  The road connects many remote towns in the area as it winds through the Himalayas.  For people who dare travel on the road, there are amazing views!

We travelled overland from Manali to Leh.  The road boasts 4 passes of 4000 metres/13123 feet (and one just under).  The highest pass we crossed, Tanglang La is 5328m/17480 feet and claims to be the second-highest motorable pass in the world.

However, it’s neighbor, Chanlang Pass on the way to Pangong Lake, also makes the same claim.  In fact, the one they claim is actually the highest isn’t either, and these are just the passes in Ladakh.

15. Asia Also Has the Deepest Lake in the World

The deepest lake in the world is Lake Baikal, in the Siberia area of Russia.  The deepest part of the lake being 1,642 meters/5387 feet.

The lake is also the world’s oldest freshwater lake at 25 million years old and holds 20% of the world’s unfrozen water.

The lake is home to the Baikal seal – the world’s only freshwater seal.

16. How Old is Asia?

The huge continent of Asia as we know it today has been in the making for millions of years.  Asia slowly took its shape as different land masses came together.  This is a result of some difficult geography whereby things called tectonic plates collide with each other and form the land (e.g. mountains) we see today.

People started talking about Asia as far back as Greek civilizations.

17. Two Countries in Asia are Also Part of Europe

The countries Turkey and Russia are located in Asia AND Europe.  These countries are called transcontinental countries.

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is split by the Bosphorus Strait, making it both European and Asian.  While a majority of Turkey’s land is in Asia, some of Turkey, including parts of Istanbul, resides in Europe.

The same goes for Russia.  Most of Russia is in Asia, but some places, as well as the huge city of Moscow, are in Europe.

Bonus Fact: The Caspian Sea separates Asia from Europe.

You can read more about the different capital cities in Europe here.

Asia Animals for Kids

Asia has a vast animal kingdom, from real dragons to cute pandas, Asian elephants, a bunny island, and even coconut-eating crabs.  There are lots more Asia facts for kids to discover!

18. The Komodo Dragon – The Worlds Largest Lizard Calls Asia It’s Home

The Komodo dragon lives in the Lesser Sunda Islands in Eastern Indonesia.  Komodo Dragons are part of the monitor lizard family and can grow as heavy as 70kg.  The dragon has sharp teeth and a nasty bite.

19. Most of the World’s Giant Pandas Live in Asia

These fluffy creatures are unique to Asia and are super rare.  Most Asian pandas live in the bamboo forests of China because bamboo makes up most of their diet.

Pandas are known for their playful nature and are loved by people all over the world.

If you want to see giant pandas, the best place to see them is Chengdu, China.

20. Asia is Home to Coconut Crabs

Asia is home to the world’s biggest land crab – the coconut crab.  They are called coconut crabs because they can climb trees and crack coconuts open.

Coconut crabs are mainly found on more remote islands in Asia rather than big cities.

21. Japan Has a Bunny Island

Okunoshima in Japan is known as Rabbit Island because of its friendly bunny residents.  Between 700 and 1000 rabbits live on the island today!

Bunny island became famous in 2014 when a video of a lady being stampeded by rabbits went viral.

If you can’t get enough of our animal facts, you will also like these facts:

Capybara Facts

Fun Facts About Alpacas for Kids

Amazon Rainforest Facts for Kids

Daintree Rainforest Facts for Kids

Facts About Asian Culture for Kids

Here are some more amazing Asia facts for kids!

22. The Leshan Giant Buddha in Asia is the Biggest Buddha Statue in the world

The biggest Buddha statue in the world located in Sichuan in China.  It is a whopping 71 meters/232 feet high!  The statue is so big that multiple people could fit just inside the toes.

The statue took 90 years to build beginning in the year 713 AD with the hope it would calm the touch waters below.  Visitors from all over the world come and see the giant buddha.

23. Asia Truly is the World’s Rice Bowl

Asia is not only the birthplace of rice cultivation but also its leading producer and consumer.  Of the top 10 rice producing countries in the whole world, 9 of them are in Asia.

There are China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines and Japan.

The only country on the list not in Asia is Brazil.  You can read more facts about South America here!

24. Over 2,300 Languages are Recognized in Asia

That’s a lot of languages!  The most commonly spoken language in Asia is Mandarin.

Other popular languages in Asia include Arabic (in most parts of Southwest Asia), Turkish, Malay, Tamil, Indonesian and Thai.

 25. It’s Tradition in Bali for Babies Not to Touch The Ground Until 3 Months Old

Balinese people believe that newborn babies are sacred (who doesn’t?) and cannot become unclean.  Where’s the most unclean place?  The floor.  Or the ground.  Instead, the baby is passed deftly from person to person all day until they are 3 months old.

26. Bali has a day of silence

Nyepi is Bali’s day of silence.  It’s a day of self-reflection and fasting.  As well as being silent, the airport is also closed, and lights should be turned off.

This is a public holiday in Bali.  Everyone closes up their businesses, and this continues for 24 hours.  This happens during New Year (Isakawarsa) on the Balinese calendar.

If you love these facts about Bali, read our facts for kids here.

27. There are Lots of Religions in Asia

There is considerable faith in Asia, and nearly all the world’s major religions are represented.  In Asia, Hinduism took root in India’, and then Buddhism spread from India to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Tibet, and East Asia.

Islam dominates in regions like the Middle East, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia. Christianity, too, has ancient roots in Asia, with early churches established in India, the Middle East, and the Philippines.

Many indigenous faiths are also represented across Asia, from animism in Southeast Asia to shamanistic practices in Mongolia and Korea.

28. Chopsticks Are Used to Eat in Many Places Across Asia

Pop into an eatery in many Asian countries, and you’ll likely be handed a pair of slender sticks instead of a fork and knife.

In Asia, chopsticks are widely used.  The first chopsticks date back 9,000 years ago in China as two sticks used to get things out of cooking pots.  Today, chopsticks are a big part of Chinese culture.

Over time, they’ve travelled and adapted, from the long, pointy ones in Thailand, perfect for noodling around with Pad Thai, to the shorter, flat-ended ones in South Korea made of metal.

Do you love food – check out our Peru food facts.

Fun Facts About Asia

Asia is a treasure chest overflowing with surprises.  Here are some super fun facts about Asia for kids.

29. There is a Childeren’s Day in Japan

Every May, Japan celebrates Children’s Day on the national golden weekend holiday by hoisting “koinobori” – colourful carp-shaped windsocks.  This holiday has been celebrated in Japan since 1948.

In Japanese culture, carp means strength and perseverance because they swim upstream against the direction of the current.  On Childrens day, people celebrating with their children grow up strong and resilient.

30. Asia Has Some World-Famous Tourist Attractions

Asia has some of the world’s best tourist attractions.  Here are some of the most popular:

• Petronas Towers in Malaysia: These towers are the tallest buildings in the city of Kuala Lumpar.  Fun fact – they were once the tallest buildings in the world.
• Great Wall of China: This ancient wall is over 13,000 miles long and goes across much of Northern China.
• Halong Bay in Vietnam: This area is famous around the world for its emerald waters, rainforests and limestone islands.
• Angkor Wat in Cambodia: This is the largest religious monument in the world.

31. There is a Building in Singapore that is Inspired by a Star Wars Robot

If you’re a Star Wars fan, add Singapore to the places you want to visit.  The Sandcrawler building was inspired by a star wars robot.  The building is currently occupied by Lucasfilm as their international headquarters.

Here are some more interesting Singapore facts.

32. Japan Has a Levitating Train

Japan is famous around the world for its amazing technology.  One of the best inventions in Japan is the Shinkansen which we might know as a bullet train.  It doesn’t run on traditional tracks; instead, it ‘floats’ using magnetic levitation technology.

The train is lifted off its guide rails and propelled forward by magnets, which reduces friction and allows for astonishing speeds!

33. Bangkok Has the Longest Place Name in the World

The official Bangkok name has 168 letters!  The full title is:  Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

Locals lovingly refer to it as “Krung Thep,” meaning “City of Angels.”  But for the sake of world records, this Thai capital proudly boasts the title of the place with the longest name on our planet.  Imagine fitting that on a postcard!

New Zealand has a very long place name, too – want to read it?  Read our interesting facts about New Zealand.

34. Thailand is the Only Country in Southeast Asia that Was Never Colonized by a Country in Europe

Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by a European country.  In fact, in the Thai language, the country’s name is Prathet Thai, which means “land of the free”.  Very fitting!  You’ll find the smallest and most giant creatures in Thailand.

In Thailand, they have a day of celebration that is like a giant water fight.  Songkran is celebrated with street parties featuring loud music and a giant friendly water fight.  People collect water in buckets, squirt guns, and anything else they can find, then hit the streets to splash each other!  It’s a good thing April is one of the hottest months of the year in Thailand!

You can read more interesting Thailand facts for kids here.

The Verdict – Facts About Asia

There are so many facts about Asia, and we’ve shared several of them here with you.  Asia is such a huge place it would be impossible to cover all of them.

Asia is one of my favourite places to travel.  You can read more of my guides to Asia here:

5 Day Bangkok Itinerary

Best Singapore Hotels for Families

Legoland Malaysia Review

Do you think that there are other facts about Asia for kids that would be a great addition to this page?  Please let us know if there are other facts on Asia for kids that we have missed!

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