Asia

Asia is the world’s largest continent and the most populous, forming the eastern portion of the Eurasian landmass.

Asia is the world’s largest and most populous continent, occupying the eastern portion of Eurasia. It is a vast region of extreme diversity in climate, landscape, and culture.

What it is

Asia is partly a geographic convention rather than a strictly separate physical unit, as it is connected to Europe as part of Eurasia. Its western boundary is often defined by features such as the Ural Mountains, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus, and the Black Sea. It is bordered by the Arctic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Key details

Asia spans a vast range of environments, from tropical and temperate zones to arctic regions. It includes major mountain systems, plateaus, plains, deserts, and extensive island chains. It contains the highest point on Earth (Mount Everest) and the lowest (Dead Sea shoreline).

Why it matters

Asia has the largest population of any continent and includes extraordinary linguistic, ethnic, and religious diversity. Major world religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism originated in Asia. For Canada, Asia is a key partner in immigration, trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.