East Asia Geography Overview

East Asia

• East Asia is home to the largest country in Asia, China, and the largest desert, the Gobi Desert.
• East Asia encompasses six countries, two of which are Special Administrative Regions (SARs).
• The largest country in East Asia is China.
• The biggest island in East Asia is Japan.
• The longest river in East Asia is the Yangtze River.
• The highest mountain in East Asia is Mt. Jade Mountain (Yushan) in Taiwan.
• The region's major rivers include the Yellow River (Huang He), the Long River (Chan Jiang), and the West River (Xi Jiang).

Taiwan - Republic of China (ROC)

• Taiwan, formerly known as "Formosa", which translates to "beautiful", is surrounded by Japan to the north and the Philippines to the south.
• Taiwan is famous for its pearl milk tea.
• Taipei is the capital of Taiwan.

Japan – Nihon or Nippon

• Japan is known as the “Land of the Rising Sun”.
• Japan experiences four distinct seasons offering spectacular scenery.
• Spring (March to May) is cherry blossom season.
• Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and enjoying onsen (hot springs).
• Summer (June to mid-September) is the best time to experience festivals like the Gion Festival in Kyoto, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
• Fall (September to November) showcases vibrant foliage and colorful leaves.
• Popular Japanese cuisine includes ramen and sushi.
• Sumo, a Japanese-style wrestling, is a popular national sport.
• Budo, which includes Kendo, are Japanese martial arts.
• Tokyo is the capital of Japan.

Hong Kong – Xianggang Special Administrative Region

• Hong Kong, which translates to "fragrant harbor", was a former British colony until 1997.
• It is known as a popular shopping destination for tourists.
• Victoria is the capital of Hong Kong.

Macau – Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China

• Macau, a former Portuguese colony until 1999, is known for its casinos and dubbed the "Las Vegas of Asia".
• Macao is the capital of Macau.

South Korea – Republic of Korea

• South Korea occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
• Seoul, the capital of South Korea, houses significant royal palaces of the Joseon dynasty.
• Korean beauty products are increasingly popular among international visitors.
• Korean cuisine is referred to as "Hansik".
• "Bap" (rice) is traditionally served as a staple food.
• "Banchan", an essential part of a Korean meal, includes multiple side dishes.
• "Kimchi", a fermented and seasoned vegetable, is another prominent side dish.
• "Bulgogi" is thinly sliced marinated meat (beef, pork, or chicken).
• "Bibimbap" is a rice bowl topped with vegetables and meat, served with gochujang sauce.
• "Japchae" is a dish consisting of sweet potato noodles, beef, and stir-fried vegetables.
• "Hanok" is a traditional Korean house.

China – People’s Republic of China (PRC)

• China is the largest country in East Asia.
• Beijing, the capital of China, is an ancient city and a center for economics, politics, and culture.
• Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are prevalent religions and philosophies in China.

Mongolia

• Mongolia is a landlocked country bordered by Russia and China.
• Ulaanbaatar (sometimes spelled Ulan Bator) is the capital and largest city of Mongolia.
• The people of Mongolia practice Buddhism and Shamanism.
• Nomadic lifestyles are still prevalent in Mongolia.
• Mongolia is known for its domestic animals, including camels, sheep, goats, horses, yaks, and cattle.

North Korea – Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

• North Korea occupies the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
• It is bordered by China and Russia.
• North Korea is known for its significant monuments and towers.
• Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea.

South Asia or Southern Asia - The Indian Subcontinent

• The Indian Subcontinent encompasses eight nations.
• All these countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), founded in 1985, to promote the welfare of South Asian people.
• South Asia is the birthplace of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.

Maldives – Republic of Maldives (Island Country)

• Maldives is an island country with Male as its capital.

India – Republic of India

• India is the largest country in South Asia.
• New Delhi is the national capital of India.
• India is the birthplace of Buddhism, epic stories such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and Mahatma Gandhi, a pivotal political and spiritual leader known for his nonviolent independence movement.

Nepal – Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

• Nepal is a landlocked country bordered by India and China.
• Kathmandu is the cultural, political, and largest city of Nepal.
• Hinduism considers cows sacred, therefore consuming beef is forbidden.
• Nepalese culture emphasizes eating with the right hand, and utensils are rarely used.
• Nepal is known as the home of the highest mountains in the world:
  • Mt. Everest
  • Lhotse
  • Annapurna
  • Cho Oyu
  • Manasla
  • Makalu
• Nepalese people typically eat:
  • Bhat (boiled rice)
  • Tarkari (curried vegetables)
  • Mosmos (dumplings)

Bhutan – The Kingdom of Bhutan (Dzongkha)

• Bhutan is known as "Land of the Thunder Dragon" and is a landlocked country bordered by India and China.
• Bhutanese people are referred to as Drukpa.
• Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan.
• Punakha was the previous ancient capital.

Bangladesh – People’s Republic of Bangladesh

• Bangladesh is bordered by India to the west and north, and Myanmar to the east.
• Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh

Sri Lanka – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka was formerly known as Ceylon.
• Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka.

Pakistan – Islamic Republic of Pakistan

• Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, translates to "City of Islam".
• Karachi is the main seaport and largest city of Pakistan.

Afghanistan – Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

• Afghanistan is bordered by Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran.
• Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan.

West Asia or Western Asia

• West Asia is home to many of the world's major religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

Jordan – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

• Jordan is named after the Jordan River.
• This Arab Muslim nation is famous for historical religious sites like Petra, also known as "Rose City", the country's landmark.
• Jordan is mentioned in the biblical Old Testament and is a popular destination for holy land pilgrimages.
• Sand bottles are considered crafts originating in Jordan.
• Jordan is known for its hospitable culture, often expressed through serving food to guests.
• Common ingredients in Jordanian food include cheese, grains, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables.
• Lamb is the primary ingredient in their traditional dish, Mansaf.
• Amman is the capital of Jordan.

Israel – State of Israel

• Jerusalem is often referred to as "The Holy Land" due to its significant religious heritage sites.
• The Holy Land attracts pilgrims from across the world.
• Jerusalem, the capital and center of the Holy Land, is the site where Jesus was crucified and resurrected.
• Pilgrims visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, and walk down the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows).
• Kashrut is a Jewish dietary regulation followed by Jewish people.
• "Kosher", a Hebrew word meaning "fit or proper", refers to foods permitted according to Jewish dietary law.
• Kosher foods are categorized into:
  • Meat (including by-products), which must meet specific requirements.
  • Dairy, including foods containing milk or dairy traces.

Central Asia

• Central Asia is divided into two subregions:
  • High Mountains: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
  • Flat Plains: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan
• These "Stans" (meaning "place of" or "country") were former members of the Soviet Socialist Republic.

Kazakhstan – Republic of Kazakhstan

• Nursultan (formerly Astana) is the capital of Kazakhstan.
• Almaty is the largest city.
• Kazakh cuisine includes:
  • Beshbarmark (the national dish)
  • Meat (a staple ingredient)
  • Tea
• Tea is an essential part of every Kazakh meal.

Tajikistan – Republic of Tajikistan (formerly known as Tajik)

• Tajikistan was formerly known as Tajik.
• Tajikistan is a landlocked and mountainous country in Central Asia.
• The country's literal meaning is "Land of the Tajiks", where "stan" signifies "a place" or "country".
• Tajikistan is home to the Pamir Mountain range, known as "The Roof of the World".
• Tajik cuisine includes:
  • Plov or Osh (lamb with root vegetables)
  • Shish Kebab (kabob - grilled cubed meat)
  • Qurutob (vegetable dish served with flatbread)
  • Green Tea (Tajik's favorite beverage)
• Dushanbe is the capital of Tajikistan.

Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz Republic

• Kyrgyz communities have historically practiced nomadic lifestyles.
• Yurts are traditional dwellings of Turkic nomads.
• The country hosted the first World Nomad Games, an event bringing together nomadic communities from around the world.
• Kyrgyz cuisine heavily features meat and dairy.
• Kymyz or Koumis, a fermented dairy drink from mares, is considered a magic beverage due to its medical benefits and is used to cure gastritis, tuberculosis, and anemia.
• Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Turkmenistan – Republic of Turkmenistan (formerly known as Turkmenia)

• Turkmenistan was formerly known as Turkmenia.
• Turkmenistan is known for its mineral and mud sources, which attract visitors seeking their medicinal benefits.
• Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan.

Uzbekistan – Republic of Uzbekistan

• Uzbekistan is home to Hazrati-Imam Square in Tashkent, located in the city's historic district.
• The square features mosques, mausoleums, and an Islamic institute.
• Uzbek cuisine includes:
  • Palov (a traditional dish prepared and shared by communities)
• Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan.