Asia- Political | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Asia	-	Political
Page 2


Asia	-	Political
Asia - Political
July 10, 2025
Asia: Political Map
Asia is the largest continent, covering approximately 44,444,100 square kilome-
ters, with a population of about 4.7 billion, accounting for roughly 58% of the
global population.
1 R egional Divisions of Asia
Asia can be categorized into six distinct ph ysiogr aphic divisions, each char ac-
terized b y its unique geogr aphical and cultur al features. Let’ s explore these di-
visions and the countries they encompass.
1.1 Centr al Asia
Countries: Kazakhstan, K yrgyzstan, T ajikistan, Turkmenis tan, Uzbekistan
Highlights: Rich cultur al heritage, historical Silk Road, expansive steppe land-
scapes
1.2 Eastern Asia
Countries and T erritories: China, Hong K ong (S AR of China), Japan, North K o-
rea, South K orea, Macau (S AR of China), Mongolia, T aiwan (disputed status, func-
tions independently)
Highlights: Ancient civilizations, technological advancements, vibr ant megaci-
ties
1.3 Northern Asia
Country: Russia
Highlights: Pristine wilderness, vast tundr a, Siberian landscapes
1.4 Southeastern Asia
Countries: Brunei, Myanmar , Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mala ysia, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
Highlights: Tropical r ainforests, stunning beaches, diverse ethniciti es
1
Page 3


Asia	-	Political
Asia - Political
July 10, 2025
Asia: Political Map
Asia is the largest continent, covering approximately 44,444,100 square kilome-
ters, with a population of about 4.7 billion, accounting for roughly 58% of the
global population.
1 R egional Divisions of Asia
Asia can be categorized into six distinct ph ysiogr aphic divisions, each char ac-
terized b y its unique geogr aphical and cultur al features. Let’ s explore these di-
visions and the countries they encompass.
1.1 Centr al Asia
Countries: Kazakhstan, K yrgyzstan, T ajikistan, Turkmenis tan, Uzbekistan
Highlights: Rich cultur al heritage, historical Silk Road, expansive steppe land-
scapes
1.2 Eastern Asia
Countries and T erritories: China, Hong K ong (S AR of China), Japan, North K o-
rea, South K orea, Macau (S AR of China), Mongolia, T aiwan (disputed status, func-
tions independently)
Highlights: Ancient civilizations, technological advancements, vibr ant megaci-
ties
1.3 Northern Asia
Country: Russia
Highlights: Pristine wilderness, vast tundr a, Siberian landscapes
1.4 Southeastern Asia
Countries: Brunei, Myanmar , Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mala ysia, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
Highlights: Tropical r ainforests, stunning beaches, diverse ethniciti es
1
1.5 Southern Asia
Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka
Highlights: Himala yan mountain r ange, sacred rivers, spiritual heritage
1.6 W estern Asia
Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahr ain, Cyprus, Georgia, Ir an, Ir aq, Isr ael,
Jordan, K uwait, Lebanon, Oman, State of Palestine, Qatar , Saudi Ar abia, S yria,
Turk ey , United Ar ab Emir ates, Y emen
Highlights: Ancient civilizations, deserts, cultur al crossr oads
2 Major Ph ysical Divisions of Asia
2.1 The Northern Lowlands
The vast plains of Asia offer a contr ast of landscapes and fertile lands that sup-
port agricultur al activities. Some significant lowlands include:
• W est Siberian Plain: Stretching from the Ur al Mountains to the Lena River ,
it is one of the world’ s largest lowlands, covering approximately 1,040,000
square miles.
• Manchurian Plain: Situated in northern China, it spans an area of about
135,000 squa re miles.
• Great Plains of China: F ormed b y the Huang He and Y angtze rivers, it
covers around 1 58,000 square miles.
• Tigris-Euphr ates plains, Ganga plains, Irr awaddy plains, and more.
2.2 The Centr al Mountains
Centr al Asia boasts prominent mountain r anges that shape its topogr aph y and
influence its climate. The k ey mountain r anges include:
• Pamir and Tian Shan Ranges: These r anges extend across sever al coun-
tries, including Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, K yrgyzstan, T ajikistan, and
Uzbekistan. They are renowned biodiversity hotspots, encompassing vari-
ous ecosystems and habitats.
2.3 The Centr al and Southern Plateaus
Plateaus, char acterized b y elevated and flat terr ains, pla y a vital role in Asia’ s
geogr aph y . They include:
• Tibetan Plateau: Often referred to as the ”Roof of the W orld,” it is the high-
est and largest plateau globally , situated in Centr al Asia. It spans an area
of approximatel y 2.5 million square kilometers.
2
Page 4


Asia	-	Political
Asia - Political
July 10, 2025
Asia: Political Map
Asia is the largest continent, covering approximately 44,444,100 square kilome-
ters, with a population of about 4.7 billion, accounting for roughly 58% of the
global population.
1 R egional Divisions of Asia
Asia can be categorized into six distinct ph ysiogr aphic divisions, each char ac-
terized b y its unique geogr aphical and cultur al features. Let’ s explore these di-
visions and the countries they encompass.
1.1 Centr al Asia
Countries: Kazakhstan, K yrgyzstan, T ajikistan, Turkmenis tan, Uzbekistan
Highlights: Rich cultur al heritage, historical Silk Road, expansive steppe land-
scapes
1.2 Eastern Asia
Countries and T erritories: China, Hong K ong (S AR of China), Japan, North K o-
rea, South K orea, Macau (S AR of China), Mongolia, T aiwan (disputed status, func-
tions independently)
Highlights: Ancient civilizations, technological advancements, vibr ant megaci-
ties
1.3 Northern Asia
Country: Russia
Highlights: Pristine wilderness, vast tundr a, Siberian landscapes
1.4 Southeastern Asia
Countries: Brunei, Myanmar , Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mala ysia, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
Highlights: Tropical r ainforests, stunning beaches, diverse ethniciti es
1
1.5 Southern Asia
Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka
Highlights: Himala yan mountain r ange, sacred rivers, spiritual heritage
1.6 W estern Asia
Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahr ain, Cyprus, Georgia, Ir an, Ir aq, Isr ael,
Jordan, K uwait, Lebanon, Oman, State of Palestine, Qatar , Saudi Ar abia, S yria,
Turk ey , United Ar ab Emir ates, Y emen
Highlights: Ancient civilizations, deserts, cultur al crossr oads
2 Major Ph ysical Divisions of Asia
2.1 The Northern Lowlands
The vast plains of Asia offer a contr ast of landscapes and fertile lands that sup-
port agricultur al activities. Some significant lowlands include:
• W est Siberian Plain: Stretching from the Ur al Mountains to the Lena River ,
it is one of the world’ s largest lowlands, covering approximately 1,040,000
square miles.
• Manchurian Plain: Situated in northern China, it spans an area of about
135,000 squa re miles.
• Great Plains of China: F ormed b y the Huang He and Y angtze rivers, it
covers around 1 58,000 square miles.
• Tigris-Euphr ates plains, Ganga plains, Irr awaddy plains, and more.
2.2 The Centr al Mountains
Centr al Asia boasts prominent mountain r anges that shape its topogr aph y and
influence its climate. The k ey mountain r anges include:
• Pamir and Tian Shan Ranges: These r anges extend across sever al coun-
tries, including Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, K yrgyzstan, T ajikistan, and
Uzbekistan. They are renowned biodiversity hotspots, encompassing vari-
ous ecosystems and habitats.
2.3 The Centr al and Southern Plateaus
Plateaus, char acterized b y elevated and flat terr ains, pla y a vital role in Asia’ s
geogr aph y . They include:
• Tibetan Plateau: Often referred to as the ”Roof of the W orld,” it is the high-
est and largest plateau globally , situated in Centr al Asia. It spans an area
of approximatel y 2.5 million square kilometers.
2
2.4 Peninsulas
Asia is home to sever al notable peninsulas that jut out into the surrounding seas.
These peninsulas include:
• Ar abian Peninsula: Located in W estern Asia, it is the largest peninsula
on Earth, covering about 3.2 million square kilometers. It is known for its
vast deserts, including the Rub’ al Khali, and its rich historical and cultur al
significance.
• Indochinese Peninsula: Situated in Southeastern Asia, it comprises coun-
tries such as Myanmar , Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This penin-
sula is renowned for its tropical r ainforests, diverse wildlife, and iconic
landmarks l ik e Angk or W at.
• K orean Peninsula: Located in Eastern Asia, it is shared b y North K orea
and South K orea. This peninsula is known for its political division, rich
history , and uniq ue cultur al heritage.
2.5 Deserts
Asia is home to some of the world’ s most expansive deserts, char acterized b y
arid landscapes and extreme temper atures. Notable deserts include:
• Gobi Desert: Located in Northern and Northeastern China, as well as South-
ern Mongolia, it is one of Asi a’ s largest deserts. It features vast stretches of
barren terr ain, s and dunes, and unique desert wildlife.
• Ar abian Desert: Situated on the Ar abian Peninsula, it is Asia’ s largest desert,
extending across sever al countries including Saudi Ar abia, Oman, Y emen,
and the United Ar ab Emir ates. This desert is known for its iconic sand
dunes, camel c ar avans, and ancient tr ade routes.
2.6 Islands
Asia is home to numerous islands, scattered across its surrounding seas and
oceans. Some prominent islands include:
– Indonesian Archipelago: Comprising more than 17,000 islands, In-
donesia is the world’ s largest archipelago. It is known for its stunning
beaches, diverse marine life, and iconic destinations lik e Bali and K o-
modo Island.
– Japanese Archipelago: Made up of thousands of islands, Japan is fa-
mous for its unique blend of ancient tr aditions and modern innova-
tions.
2.7 W ater R esources
Asia is endowed with significant water bodies that pla y a vital role in its
ecosystems an d economies. Notable water bodies include:
– Caspian Sea: The world’ s largest inland body of water , located be-
tween Asia and Europe, bordered b y countries such as Kazakhstan,
3
Page 5


Asia	-	Political
Asia - Political
July 10, 2025
Asia: Political Map
Asia is the largest continent, covering approximately 44,444,100 square kilome-
ters, with a population of about 4.7 billion, accounting for roughly 58% of the
global population.
1 R egional Divisions of Asia
Asia can be categorized into six distinct ph ysiogr aphic divisions, each char ac-
terized b y its unique geogr aphical and cultur al features. Let’ s explore these di-
visions and the countries they encompass.
1.1 Centr al Asia
Countries: Kazakhstan, K yrgyzstan, T ajikistan, Turkmenis tan, Uzbekistan
Highlights: Rich cultur al heritage, historical Silk Road, expansive steppe land-
scapes
1.2 Eastern Asia
Countries and T erritories: China, Hong K ong (S AR of China), Japan, North K o-
rea, South K orea, Macau (S AR of China), Mongolia, T aiwan (disputed status, func-
tions independently)
Highlights: Ancient civilizations, technological advancements, vibr ant megaci-
ties
1.3 Northern Asia
Country: Russia
Highlights: Pristine wilderness, vast tundr a, Siberian landscapes
1.4 Southeastern Asia
Countries: Brunei, Myanmar , Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mala ysia, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
Highlights: Tropical r ainforests, stunning beaches, diverse ethniciti es
1
1.5 Southern Asia
Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka
Highlights: Himala yan mountain r ange, sacred rivers, spiritual heritage
1.6 W estern Asia
Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahr ain, Cyprus, Georgia, Ir an, Ir aq, Isr ael,
Jordan, K uwait, Lebanon, Oman, State of Palestine, Qatar , Saudi Ar abia, S yria,
Turk ey , United Ar ab Emir ates, Y emen
Highlights: Ancient civilizations, deserts, cultur al crossr oads
2 Major Ph ysical Divisions of Asia
2.1 The Northern Lowlands
The vast plains of Asia offer a contr ast of landscapes and fertile lands that sup-
port agricultur al activities. Some significant lowlands include:
• W est Siberian Plain: Stretching from the Ur al Mountains to the Lena River ,
it is one of the world’ s largest lowlands, covering approximately 1,040,000
square miles.
• Manchurian Plain: Situated in northern China, it spans an area of about
135,000 squa re miles.
• Great Plains of China: F ormed b y the Huang He and Y angtze rivers, it
covers around 1 58,000 square miles.
• Tigris-Euphr ates plains, Ganga plains, Irr awaddy plains, and more.
2.2 The Centr al Mountains
Centr al Asia boasts prominent mountain r anges that shape its topogr aph y and
influence its climate. The k ey mountain r anges include:
• Pamir and Tian Shan Ranges: These r anges extend across sever al coun-
tries, including Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, K yrgyzstan, T ajikistan, and
Uzbekistan. They are renowned biodiversity hotspots, encompassing vari-
ous ecosystems and habitats.
2.3 The Centr al and Southern Plateaus
Plateaus, char acterized b y elevated and flat terr ains, pla y a vital role in Asia’ s
geogr aph y . They include:
• Tibetan Plateau: Often referred to as the ”Roof of the W orld,” it is the high-
est and largest plateau globally , situated in Centr al Asia. It spans an area
of approximatel y 2.5 million square kilometers.
2
2.4 Peninsulas
Asia is home to sever al notable peninsulas that jut out into the surrounding seas.
These peninsulas include:
• Ar abian Peninsula: Located in W estern Asia, it is the largest peninsula
on Earth, covering about 3.2 million square kilometers. It is known for its
vast deserts, including the Rub’ al Khali, and its rich historical and cultur al
significance.
• Indochinese Peninsula: Situated in Southeastern Asia, it comprises coun-
tries such as Myanmar , Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This penin-
sula is renowned for its tropical r ainforests, diverse wildlife, and iconic
landmarks l ik e Angk or W at.
• K orean Peninsula: Located in Eastern Asia, it is shared b y North K orea
and South K orea. This peninsula is known for its political division, rich
history , and uniq ue cultur al heritage.
2.5 Deserts
Asia is home to some of the world’ s most expansive deserts, char acterized b y
arid landscapes and extreme temper atures. Notable deserts include:
• Gobi Desert: Located in Northern and Northeastern China, as well as South-
ern Mongolia, it is one of Asi a’ s largest deserts. It features vast stretches of
barren terr ain, s and dunes, and unique desert wildlife.
• Ar abian Desert: Situated on the Ar abian Peninsula, it is Asia’ s largest desert,
extending across sever al countries including Saudi Ar abia, Oman, Y emen,
and the United Ar ab Emir ates. This desert is known for its iconic sand
dunes, camel c ar avans, and ancient tr ade routes.
2.6 Islands
Asia is home to numerous islands, scattered across its surrounding seas and
oceans. Some prominent islands include:
– Indonesian Archipelago: Comprising more than 17,000 islands, In-
donesia is the world’ s largest archipelago. It is known for its stunning
beaches, diverse marine life, and iconic destinations lik e Bali and K o-
modo Island.
– Japanese Archipelago: Made up of thousands of islands, Japan is fa-
mous for its unique blend of ancient tr aditions and modern innova-
tions.
2.7 W ater R esources
Asia is endowed with significant water bodies that pla y a vital role in its
ecosystems an d economies. Notable water bodies include:
– Caspian Sea: The world’ s largest inland body of water , located be-
tween Asia and Europe, bordered b y countries such as Kazakhstan,
3
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Ir an. It is often referred to as a lak e
due to its landlock ed nature.
Source: EduRev
4