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ASIAThe largest continent is a land of extremes. From the ice of the Arctic to the heat of the Indian Ocean islands, Asia takes in treacherous mountains, desolate dunes, treeless steppes, fertile plains, and tropical rainforests. The continent’s 48 countries show many contrasts, with businesses booming in the expanding cities, while rural communities farm the fields. Today, more than 60 per cent of the world’s population call Asia their home.

Petronas Towers in

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A traffic jam in

Delhi, India’s

second largest city

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FOOD

Asia’s dishes are derived from the rich mix of

cultures. Culinary delights from India (unique

blends of spices for curries), China (fried rice,

meat, and vegetables), Thailand (curries with

coconut milk and rice or noodles), and Japan

(raw or cooked fish dishes called sushi) have made

Asian cuisine a hit with locals and tourists alike.

RELIGION

All the main religions started in Asia.

Although religions differ from country to

country, the three faiths most followed today

are Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. People

worship by chanting or praying, at home,

in temples, or in mosques. Buddhism and

Hinduism focus is on spiritual enlightenment.

CULTURE

India’s successful “Bollywood” film industry produces more than 1,000 films a year from its base in Mumbai. Art, music, and dance are also deep-rooted

in Asian culture, with Bhutan’s masked

temple dancers, Cambodia’s classical

dances, and Indonesia’s shadow puppets.

CITIESThe economic boom in Asia has produced

super-cities. Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong

Kong are now centres of finance, culture,

and tourism, where ancient temples sit next to high-rise offices. Many people leave rural areas for cities, resulting in a combination of slums and luxury living.

Dragon masks make a

colourful sight at

dragon boat festivals and Chinese New Year

The bright lights

of Hong Kong,

home to 7.4

million people

China grows the most tea in the

world, followed by India. In India, the plants are grown

in the cooler hill regions

of the north

Bathing on the banks of the River Ganges at Varanasi is a holy act for Hindus

At the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Jewish people gather to offer prayers

“Bollywood” films take their name from of the

“B” of Bombay, now

called Mumbai

Sushi

Golden Buddha

Pho Bac,

beef noodle soup

SRI LANKA•

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