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An Overview Of Asia

August 19th, 2010 No comments

Asia is the largest continent when measured by landmass and human population. Following is an overview of Asia.

Asia is considered one of the seven continents. This continental definition, however, is far broader than many people think. Under the seven continent methodology, Asia stretches from Japan in the East through Russia in the West. It encompasses Saudi Arabia and everything above Asia. While it doesn’t always make practical sense, there is no denying this definition of Asia makes it the home of over 60 percent [4 billion] of all humans. China and India, of course, are the locations of a vast majority of these people.

In modern times, geographers recognize there really is no dividing line between Asia to the west and Europe to the East. This has resulted in the entire area being called Eurasia, but thousands of years of terminology aren’t about to pass into antiquity. Today, most people refer to Europe as a continent so far as it extends to the Ural Mountains in Russia. Everything to the east of that mountain range is considered Asia. For instance, Israel is considered a country in Western Asia!

Russia has even picked up on this theme with the two heads on the national flag. The west facing head refers to the European part of Russia while the East facing head refers to the Asian part of the country. Within Russia, it is almost as if there are two countries with Moscow and St. Petersburg having heavy European influences. Cities in the Far East, such as Vladivostok, are much more oriented to China and such.

To resolve the boundary issue, the powers that be have started defining Asia subcontinents. The areas are:

Central Asia – Kazakhstan Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

1. East Asia – China, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, North and South Korea.

2. North Asia – Russia.

3. India Subcontinent – India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

4. Southeast Asia – Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar [Burma], Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

5. Southwest Asia – The Middle East including Turkey, Iran, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon and sometimes Egypt.

Given the problems defining the boundaries of Asia, you can imagine it is also difficult to define certain characteristics regarding the continent. After all, life in Turkey is much different than in China. Conversely, customs in India are completely different than those in China. In fact, most people living in Asia take offence when someone uses the word “Asians” to refer to them. The word implies a similarity among all people in Asia, which simply isn’t true.

Economically, things are a bit easier to categorize. The largest economy in Asia is China as a measure of gross domestic product. Officially known as the People’s Republic of China, this country remains communist in name only when it comes to economic issues. With massive economic growth over the last 10 years, China is the second largest economy in the world after the United States. Another heavily populated area, India, is now the fourth biggest economy in the world, while relatively small Japan is the third. Put in practical terms, Asia is home to three of the four biggest economies on Earth. The three dominant financial centers are Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.

With so many countries, it is hardly surprising to find a wide variety of religious practices in Asia. There are a wide variety of belief systems, but Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam have the largest number of adherents.

Figuring out exactly what constitutes Asia is largely a matter of opinion. Among many assertions about Asia, the undisputable one is it is the home to the largest percentage of humans on the planet.

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The Best Resorts in Remote Places

March 13th, 2009 No comments

With the increased availability to travel to Europe and South America, vacations and travel to these regions of the globe is not as exotic as it once was. Super highways and commuter flights throughout the United States and North America have eased travel and made vacationing in these areas seem dull as well. To visit a locale that is still considered exotic and adventurous, one might try the continent of Asia.

Asia offers a new world of travel and adventure. The myriad of cultures throughout the continent allow travelers the ability to return to the region on multiple vacations without seeing the same thing over and over again. The countries of Asia provide access to some of the world’s largest cities, tallest mountains, and a wide variety of traditions, people and religions.

Some travelers may be out for the lights and business of the city. Hong Kong, China; Bangkok, Thailand; and Tokyo, Japan all offer the familiar look of a large city, but in a completely different manner. Exotic foods mixed with bright city lights will offer an urban adventure to travelers wanting to vacation with all the comforts of large hotels.

Travelers that want something more off the beaten path can find what they want in Asia as well. The Himalayan Mountains of Nepal, India, and Tibet offer some of the most challenging rock climbing adventures known to man. Adventures from a couple of days to weeks can be arranged with personal guides to traverse the dangerous cliffs. Some adventure goers choose to brave the rivers of the region via kayaks. Lessons are even available to those who want to improve their skills.

One must be prepared for not only the difference in cultures, but also the difference in climates. Depending on which region the vacationer chooses, they should research the possible effects of increased humidity levels for destinations such as Thailand and Indonesia, or they need to prepare for the reduced oxygen levels available in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas.

Whether an Asian vacation takes one to the big city or the rural regions, safety and courtesy is always advised to be observed. Read guide books, take a class, or meet people from the region you are going to visit in order to gain better perspective. When you prepare for a vacation overseas, you should do so with care. Another way to prepare for a vacation overseas, is to find a few documentaries, foreign films, and other media that will give you a glimpse into the lives of those you will be visiting. Immersing yourself into the culture before taking a vacation is a way to maintain your excitement. As you learn more about the culture, you should take note of the differences and similarities of cultures so you will be able to get along with people you meet along the way.

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Excellent Time to Visit Hong Kong

March 13th, 2009 No comments

Hong Kong is the city that has lots to offer, and is very promising in so many different regards. The city can be considered for a wonderful and enjoyable visit at different times during the year. Hong Kong is the city that gets many visitors from all around the world especially from Asian countries, and these visitors and tourists keep pouring in throughout the year. The hustle and bustle of the visitors keep the city even more alive than it really is.

Anybody who plans a visit to Hong Kong must make sure that they have all the information related to the weather conditions, and all the other safety measures that anyone needs to take against the weather. Despite the fact that tourism continues for the entire year, there are a few months that are particularly good for visiting Hong Kong.

The months that are considered to be the best for visiting the city are from October to December and January too. At these times of the year, the climate is very pleasurable and there are lesser rains with no fear of gales that might threaten to destroy one’s excitement. In these months of the year, the scene and sights are a must see, and are particularly pleasurable and attractive with the flowers blossomed and multi-coloured sceneries all over.

The best time for anyone to visit the city in fact depends on what they want to see the most there. There are countless people who think that both spring and autumn is a perfect time to go to Hong Kong. Whether you wish to go in spring or autumn, you can the entire time plan a visit after gathering all the essential information.

Although you can go to Hong Kong at anytime you like, you’ll be able to enjoy discounts and free offers if you make a visit in the peak season. In the off-season, there are also many hotels that offer discounts to increase their customer ship.

Another ideal time to plan a trip to Hong Kong is near Christmas and New Year. At this time, the ambience of the whole city is happy and you would be able to relax and have a lot of enjoyment. This is the perfect time to shop since all the malls and shops are fully stocked with the greatest and most modern products.

If you desire to see firecrackers, red envelopes, and dragon dances all along together with all the conventional celebrations, you must go to Honk Kong in February when the Lunar year starts and there are celebrations everywhere.

Though, all seasons are ideal for going to Hong Kong, you must avoid going there in the summers. Because the city has a sultry climate, the summers are extremely hot and moist. If you have a plan to visit Hong Kong at a time that is jam-packed with tourists and visitors, then you should make sure to have flight reservations as well as to arrange your accommodation earlier. This would keep you away from having difficulties whilst making a visit to a city that is full of lights and is almost at all times bustling with people.

Asia Vacations

December 8th, 2008 No comments
by Jimmy Johnson

Although the season for a vacation is just past, there will be many more reason to go for a great vacation in the days and years to come. If you are among those who has not had an opportunity to come to the Asian region, I suggest you make your next vacation an Asian vacation. Not only will you have the time of your life in your Asian vacation, but you will also discover the joys of a whole new culture and way of life. Make that several new cultures, as nearly each country in the Asian region has its own, unique culture which is guarded and zealously protected.

The region of Asia is a great place for Western travellers to visit because it offers fabulous value for money. Every region of Asia is hungry for US dollars, and will offer great exchange rates. Also, Asia is a great place to find deals on clothing and electronics, and the practice of bartering is widely used, so never accept the first price you are quoted as you can probably get an item for less.

One reason to visit Asia is how diverse the country is. From India to China, you will find everything from desert to lush tropical jungles and amazing architecture. While there is no way you will see everything in one visit, you will certainly get your fill on each and every visit. It is advisable that when you visit you choose an angle to sculpt your visit, either to see the historic sites, enjoy the natural beauty, relax at some of the amazing health spas or just amble your way around. Try not to spread your trip out to too big of an area, or you will just feel hurried and you won’t have the time to enjoy everything there is to offer.

China itself offers thousands of different opportunities to see and experience the varied culture. Not only can you visit any of China’s thousands of cities and villages, you could also take a spiritual journey into Tibet, go shopping in Hong Kong, or even take a short trip over to Taiwan and see what it is all about. Don’t forget the beautiful regions of Cambodia and Laos, which offer opportunities to see temples and statues that are hundreds of years old. If you really want a taste of the exotic then you will want to continue on through Burma and Indonesia. It is easy to see why you will need a lot of time to travel around if you want to see different areas of the region, otherwise you will just feel rushed and you won’t be able to enjoy all the sights of Asia.

More contemporary Asian vacations will surely touch upon first world nations in the region like Singapore and Japan. While relatively small, both these nations have a standard of living that is comparably better than even life in the US. And each of them have their own reasons for being a part of your Asian vacation package. While Singapore is a veritable hub for everything, Japan is an exotic, far eastern mystery worth spending time on.

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