Presentation of the countries of southwest Asia. Report. Interesting facts about Asia 20 facts about South Asian countries
Geographic data.
Türkiye is located in the eastern hemisphere. Its area is 779,452 square meters. km. Part of Turkey's territory - 97% - is located in Asia and 3% in Europe. Geographical feature Turkey is located at the crossroads of important routes connecting Europe with Asia since ancient times. Nowadays, highways and railways run through the territory of Turkey, connecting Europe with many Asian countries.
On three sides it is washed by seas: in the north - the Black Sea, in the west - the Aegean, in the south - the Mediterranean. In the southern part of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn Bay there is one of the most beautiful cities peace and most Big city Turkey - Istanbul (formerly Constantinople).
Minerals.
There are more than 100 types of minerals in Turkey. The country has many types of ore, mining, chemical, fuel and energy raw materials. First of all, we should mention tungsten, copper ores, borates, marble, coal, etc. Turkey accounts for 25% of the world's mercury reserves.
Climate.
Türkiye is a predominantly mountainous country. In this regard, the country's climate is on average mountainous in nature and features continental climate. Summers in Turkey are universally hot and dry, winters are snowy and cold.
Population.
The main population of the country is Turks. The country has never conducted a population census based on ethnic composition.
More than half a million Arabs live compactly in the southeast of Turkey. In large cities, especially in Istanbul, Assyrians are also numerous. The Jews of Turkey, who make up approximately 0.1% of the population in Turkey and live in large cities, consider themselves Turks who profess Judaism. Greeks, Albanians, Georgians, Azerbaijanis and representatives of many other nations live throughout the country, mainly in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and other large cities. Several thousand Russians permanently live in Turkey.
By religion, Turks are Muslims.
Ankara is the capital of Turkey.
Ankara, capital of the Republic of Turkey and administrative center province of the same name. The second largest city and an important political and economic center of the country.
Mausoleum of Atotürk.
Of course, the Ataturk Mausoleum is the most visited and attractive attraction in Ankara. Located on the territory of a carefully protected huge park. The best craftsmen from Egypt, Spain, Italy and Germany worked on its creation.
The features of ancient Egyptian tombs are clearly visible in the architectural details and decorative design of this structure. WITH observation platforms The mausoleum offers a magnificent all-round panorama of the central part of Ankara. In the halls of the Mausoleum, in addition to the tomb with the ashes of Ataturk, there are several museum exhibitions, including cars that the beloved leader of the Turkish people liked to ride in.
Ataturk died on November 10, 1938 at the fifty-seventh year of his life. Founder Turkish Republic, The great leader of the Turkish War of Liberation and the man who implemented great reforms, Ataturk spent his life fighting for the independence of the Turkish people and for Turkey to reach the level of progressive countries. It was under his leadership that Türkiye with its state system reached the level of modern civilization. The idea arose of building a mausoleum that would emphasize the greatness of this man with its entire appearance, reflecting his principles and ideas aimed at the development of the country. This was the desire of the Turkish people, mourning the loss of the Great Leader.
Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran is a state in southwest Asia. The capital is the city of Tehran. Iran is one of the oldest states in the world. Iran is one of the most technologically developed countries in the region.
Iran has an arid climate. Along the coast of the Caspian Sea - subtropical. In the north of the country, in winter the temperature often drops below 0°, in July it occasionally reaches 30°. In summer, temperatures in deserts can exceed 40°. In the west of Iran, in the Zagros Mountains, winter temperatures are almost always below 0°, with heavy snowfall and strong winds. On the plains along the Persian Gulf, winters are generally mild and summers are hot and humid.
Main cities.
Tehran is the capital and The largest city Iran and one of the largest cities in Asia. Political, economic, transport, trade, financial and cultural center of the country.
Mashhemd is a city in northeastern Iran, the administrative center of the Razavi Khorasan province. Population: more than 2.5 million people.
Keremj is a city in northern Iran, a suburb of Tehran, located at the foot of the Elbrus Mountains. Population - 1223 thousand inhabitants. Keredj is an important transport center through which all cargo heading to Tehran from the Caspian Sea passes.
Isfahamn is a city in Iran on the banks of the Zayandeh River, located 340 km south of Tehran. The administrative center of Isfahan province, the third largest city in Iran. Population - 1583 thousand people
Tabriz is a city of 1.4 million people near Lake Uremia in Iran, the administrative center of the Iranian province of East Azerbaijan.
Shiraz is a city in southern Iran, the administrative center of Fars province. Shiraz is located in the valley of the small Khoshk River in the Zagros Mountains at an altitude of more than 1500 meters above sea level.
Qom is a city in Iran. Population: more than a million inhabitants. Godfather - holy city Shiites, the city is growing rapidly. The school of Muslim theology in Qom is considered the second most important among Shiites after the school in Najaf.
Ahvaz is a city in western Iran, the administrative center of Khuzestan. Located on the banks of the Karun River. Population - about 841 thousand. Important center metallurgical industry.
Iraq
The Republic of Iraq is a state in the Middle East, in the Mesopotamian lowland, in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Iraq has large oil and natural gas reserves.
The climate in Iraq is continental, with dry, hot summers and relatively rainy, cool winters, subtropical in the north, tropical in the south. Average January temperatures increase from north to south from 7 to 12?C, average July temperatures are 34?C everywhere. Annual precipitation is 50-150 mm on the plains and up to 1500 mm in the mountains. Dust storms are common in the south in summer.
Capital Baghdad.
Baghdad is located almost in the center of Iraq, on the banks of the Tigris River, not far from the mouth of the Diyala River. Natural vegetation is represented mainly by comb grass, date palm, and in the coastal zone - salt marsh grasses, reeds, reeds, and willow. The population of Baghdad before the start of hostilities with the United States was over 5 million people. However, as a result of the death of some of the city’s residents, as well as the emigration of Baghdad residents to other cities of the country and beyond, the number of the urban population has decreased significantly; there is currently no exact data. National composition The city's population is represented mainly by Arabs, as well as Kurds, Turks, Assyrians, Armenians, Jews, etc. State language Arabic is a widely spoken language, and Kurdish has received official status.
Syria
The Syrian Arab Republic is a state in the Middle East. The population of Syria is 20 million people. The capital is Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The climate is generally arid. The average annual precipitation does not exceed 100 mm. average temperature in January - 7°, in July - 26.
Capital Damascus.
Damascus is the capital of Syria. One of oldest cities peace.
Sights of Damascus:
Sayida Zeinab Mosque
Sayida Rakaya Mosque
Umayyad Mosque - the largest mosque in Syria
Damascus Cathedral
Cathedral of the Virgin Mary
House of Saint Ananias
St. Paul's Chapel
Roman Catholic Cathedral
St. John's Church
Lavra of St. Paul
Sanctuary of St. George
Old houses
Azem Palace
Bayt al-Akkad
Maktab Anbar
Bayt al-Mamluk
Lebanon
Lebanon is a small mountainous state in the Middle East. The population of Lebanon is about 4 million people. The republic stands out in the Arab world for its extreme religious diversity.
Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate. In coastal regions, winters tend to be cool and summers are humid and hot. In winter, in the mountains the temperature drops below 0°, and snow is possible. Although the average annual rainfall in Lebanon is much higher than in neighboring countries, in the northeast, an arid climate prevails, as the mountains block the flow of moist air from the sea. Sand and dust storms occur frequently.
In ancient Lebanon a huge number forests of Lebanese cedar grew, which became a symbol of the country. For centuries, trees were cut down without replanting as the main material in shipbuilding. This led to the fact that by the 20th century, only isolated islands of greenery remained in place of the richest forests.
Capital Beirut.
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, a large sea port. Beirut is the most important financial and banking center in the entire Middle East. In addition, many international organizations are based in Beirut. The population is 70% Muslim and 30% Christian.
Currently, the city center has been largely restored, and city architects are building a new Beirut with high-rise buildings, commercial complexes and cultural centers.
Jordan
Jordan is an Arab state in the Middle East. About 90% is desert and semi-desert.
Tourists visiting Jordan can visit the beaches and coral reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba, where undersea world You can see the beauty of the Dead Sea and ancient monuments almost from the shore. But the largest number of tourists is attracted by one of the new seven wonders of the world - Petra.
Museums and libraries.
The national heritage is preserved in three small museums in Amman: Archaeological Museum, located in the city's citadel, the Folklore Museum, located in the lower galleries of the Roman amphitheater in the city center, and the National Art Museum, which houses the work of local artists. In Madaba, the museum, which occupies several old city buildings, houses a collection of late Byzantine mosaics.
Pemtra - ancient city. Located on the territory of modern Jordan, at an altitude of more than 900 m above sea level and 660 m above the surrounding area, the Arava Valley, in the narrow Siq canyon. The territory of Petra occupies large area. From the center, where the ruins of numerous buildings are well preserved, no longer rock-built, but built in the traditional way, from stone, it extends for several kilometers.
Capital Amman
Ammamn is the capital of Jordan and the largest city in the country. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Population: 2.5 million people.
Geography.
The city is located 65 km east of Jerusalem, on seven hills, which are represented on the Jordanian flag by a seven-pointed star.
Kingdom of Bahrain - Island state on the archipelago of the same name in the Persian Gulf in South-West Asia, the smallest Arab state. Capital Manama.
Geography
Area - 620 km?.
Coastline: 161 km.
Bahrain occupies three relatively large and many small islands 16 km east of the coast of Saudi Arabia and is connected to this country by a road bridge.
Qatar is a state in southwest asia, located on the Qatar Peninsula in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
Population.
40% of the population are Arabs. There are also people from Pakistan, India, Iran, and other countries. Official language- Arabic, English is widely spoken. State religion- Sunni Islam, Iranians - Shiites.
Almost the entire territory of the country is desert. In the north there is a low sandy plain with rare oases, covered with moving sands; in the middle part of the peninsula there is a rocky desert with areas of salt marshes; in the south there are high sandy hills. The climate is continental tropical, dry. In summer, temperatures often rise to 50 °C. The peninsula is poor in water. There are no permanent rivers most water has to be obtained by desalination of sea water. Underground springs fresh water and oases are located mainly in the north of the country. Animal world poor, dominated by reptiles and rodents.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a state in southwest Asia in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
Geography.
The United Arab Emirates occupies an area shaped like the horn of a rhinoceros, which protrudes into Persian Gulf from the northeastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. The UAE borders Saudi Arabia in the south and west, and with Oman in the east.
The climate of the country is tropical desert. There are often sandstorms. The temperature in summer is 35-40 degrees C, often reaching 50, and in winter in the daytime it is 20-23 degrees, colder at night, but frosts are extremely rare, precipitation is irregular.
Population.
Population of the United United Arab Emirates is approximately 4.5 million people, of whom ethnic Arabs make up only a third and indigenous people 11%. The rest are from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other south Asian countries who immigrated to the UAE as temporary workers. 85% of people living in the country are not its citizens. Arab immigrants are represented mainly by Palestinian refugees.
Oman is a state in Southwest Asia, in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula.
Geographic data.
In the northeast of the country, along the coast of the Gulf of Oman, the coastal plain of Al Batinah, the most developed and densely populated part of the country, stretches in a narrow strip. A vast area to the west of this plain is occupied by the El-Hajar-el-Gharbi mountains. Some peaks reach 3000 m (the highest point is 3353 m). In the middle part of the country there is a low plateau, largely covered with sand. Its average height is 500 m. In the southern part of the country, Dhofar, mountains rise, the highest along the southern coast - up to 1678 m. There are no permanent rivers in Oman. All rivers have only periodic flow, mainly in winter.
Vegetation is poor. There are groves of tamarisk, fig, plane and oak in the mountains, but their total area is small. There are savannas in the foothills. In the northern and south coast there are palm groves.
In the middle part of Oman there is a desert; there are areas completely devoid of any vegetation.
The fauna is quite diverse. Lots of sand gazelles and rodents. Predators live here: striped hyena, jackal, fox. Lots of birds. There are very numerous reptiles - agamas, foot-and-mouth disease, geckos, chameleons, as well as arachnids - phalanges, scorpions.
The capital is Muscat.
Muscat is the capital and largest city of the Sultanate of Oman. The territory of Muscat with its suburbs covers an area of about 1500 km². Since Oman's modernization began in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructure development and urbanization, and, as is common in other cities around the world, neighboring towns have gradually merged into the metropolis.
Attractions.
Sultan Qaboos Mosque - In 1992, Sultan Qaboos decreed that his country of Oman should have its own Grand Mosque. A competition was held in 1993, construction began in 1995. Construction works took six years and four months.
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Asia- the largest and most populated part of the world our planet, part of the continent of Eurasia. The area of Asia is larger than all total area Moons: 37 versus 44.5 million square kilometers respectively.
Lives in India alone more people than in North, South and Central America combined! Lives in Asia 60 percent all people on Earth. More than half of Asia's total population lives in China and India. Today, Asians are moving to cities, so by 2025 it is predicted that 7 of the 10 largest cities in the world will be located in Asia.
Contrasts of Asia
One of the most unusual cities peace - Istanbul in Turkey located partly in Asia and partly in Europe. The European and Asian parts are crossed by the famous Bosphorus, through which hundreds of ships sail every day. The city can rightfully be called "a city of contrasts", as it harbors the incredibly overlapping cultures of East and West.
Photo from the European part of Istanbul overlooking the historical center, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara
Bridge from Europe to Asia. One of the bridges over the Bosphorus in Istanbul - Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge
Asia has always been considered a world of contrasts, where you can find the poorest and richest people in the world. The richest and luxury cities and resorts of the planet, the poorest slums, the most technologically the developed countries and even countries where primitive tribes live - you will find all this in Asia.
Shanghai garbage man filmed at work
Taming nature with man: artificial Palm Islands in Dubai
Typical for the capital North Korea Pyongyang city public transport
One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore with a giant rooftop pool and the most expensive casino
Neighborhoods of the cultural capital of Pakistan, the city of Islamabad
Asian landscapes of incredible beauty, which became the inspiration for the creators of the world of Pandora in the movie "Avatar"
The most polluted cities in the world are in Asia, and more precisely in China. In some places people have to wear masks like this
Not all Eastern women are modest. If in Muslim countries of the East a woman cannot even show her face, then in other countries sexual liberation breaks all records. In Thailand, for example, number of prostitutes per capita more than any other country in the world.
Cultural barrier: unusual eastern traditions
Residents of some European countries may feel the shock Having visited Asia, the culture, customs and traditions there are so different. However, Asians themselves are no less shocked when they come to Europe for the first time.
For example, some Japanese have been diagnosed with the so-called "Paris syndrome", a mental disorder that manifests itself after visiting France. The problem is mainly caused by mismatch of ideas Asians about Europeans. Coming to Europe, they expect hospitality and kind treatment, but are met with rudeness, arrogance and lack of culture.
Inemuri- a practice adopted at work in Japanese institutions that allows employees take a nap during the workday. If you sleep at work, no one will judge you or fire you; on the contrary, by doing so you will show that you work so hard that You don’t even have time to sleep at home. Moreover, it has been proven that short-term sleep during the day helps to relax and gain strength, therefore a person will work more efficiently.
It is known that in Asia certain animals are highly revered, and in some cultures they don't eat them at all. In the old days, due to the vegetarian diet, it was impossible even to use animal manure as fertilizer in agriculture, so in Japan they got the hang of using it for these purposes. human excrement. The feces of rich people were more valuable and worth more than the feces of poor people, since the rich ate a more varied diet.
Sacred cow in India
Moreover, in India, for example, in some places you can purchase cow urine in bottles- everything is sacred among cows. People buy it to drink, rub it on their skin like oil, and even bathe their children!
Cows on the streets of Indian cities and towns are as common as stray dogs and cats in our country.
Snake Charm
A very ancient profession in India - snake spell. However, the cobras that can often be seen in performances are completely don't hear the pipe snake charmer. The snake does not move in accordance with the music, but in time with the movements of the instrument. The caster hits the snake with a pipe, and it, afraid of receiving another blow, tries to be on the alert. Today, the profession of snake charmers is no less popular, since attracts a large number of tourists.
These cobras are completely safe, since their poison is removed in advance.
Famous Japanese dish sushi was born in South Asia, and it is prepared from the main ingredients of oriental cuisine - rice and fish. The Japanese have been so accustomed to this dish for many generations that they even there are unique microbes in the intestines, which process seaweed carbohydrates better than people of other nationalities.
The largest mosaic of sushi and rolls made by the Chinese...they love sushi too
Eastern festivals and holidays
In Japan every year you can get to the festival... of crying children. The festival is a competition among sumo athletes, who must take children in their arms and make them cry as quickly and loudly as possible. In Japan they believe that evil spirits are afraid of children crying, so the child will be healthy and happy.
The Crying Children Festival has been held annually in Tokyo for over 400 years.
In February it is held in Japan Hadaka Matsuri festival – Naked Men Festival who want to attract good luck in the new year. Many rituals and fights are carried out, for example, in a cramped room you need to find a sacred incense stick thrown into the crowd and swim in the icy water of the Yesiya River.
U dwarfs of China there is a high chance of finding Good work- in an amusement park "Kingdom of the Little People". In that theme park There are only dwarfs working, who amuse and entertain the audience. Some people criticize the organizers that they created a zoo of people, but if not for this park, more 100 dwarfs would remain unemployed.
The original tradition exists in Thailand. In one of the provinces local residents annually throw a banquet for...monkeys. The tradition is associated with the legend that an army of monkeys helped the god Rama defeat his enemies. Monkeys are loved and revered here, so they organize a holiday in their honor. Monkeys don't complain.
In Japan, the coming of age day is 20 years.. The national holiday Coming of Age Day is celebrated on the second Monday of January. On this day, newly-minted adults wear traditional clothes, visit temples, where they pray and make wishes.
It's sad to say goodbye to childhood
New Year in China celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually in late January - early February. In 2013, the New Year will be celebrated in China February 10.
Eastern bazaars
Oriental bazaars and street food- an integral part of the culture of Asian countries. They say that the best street food can be found in capital of Thailand Bangkok. The Thais are especially successful rice noodles with eggs, sauces and lemon. And although they say that Asians love all sorts of exotic dishes, like fried spiders and beetles, National cuisine nevertheless, it was created on the basis of products that are very familiar to us.
Worms and caterpillars are Asian delicacies. There are so many people, and everyone needs to be fed something...
Cat cafes
If Japanese homeowners they don't allow you to have a cat You can play, hold and stroke her in specially designated areas. Enterprising Japanese came up with the so-called "cat cafe", where cats interact freely with visitors.
Cats are allowed to do everything: beg food from guests, sleep on tables and in the kitchen, scratch furniture... as long as they attract visitors
In response to Japanese cat cafes in South Korea opened in Busan dog cafe, in which visitors are invited to interact with more than 20 dogs of different breeds and sizes.
For Busan residents, having a dog is a luxury; they work a lot and can only interact with dogs in such establishments
Some Asians are so committed to their faith that they are willing to... prove it in a variety of ways, including very original ones. For example, a Hindu from the city New Delhi by name Mahant Amar Bharti Ji lives with his hand raised up and has not lowered it day or night since 1973. The monk became a saint for many followers who followed his example.
The Hindu dedicated his raised hand to the god Shiva; for 40 years now it has not been lowered.
Eastern fashion
And here representatives of the Apatani tribe, which is also in India, mutilate themselves not at all out of religious convictions. Back in the first half of the 20th century, women of this tribe inserted wooden corks that they have worn all their lives. Ear piercings may seem cruel to some, but plugs that change the shape of the nose are too much! However, the women of this tribe were forced to do this because they were once beauties and could become victims of kidnappings, because the men of neighboring tribes wanted to get them.
In another Asian tribe that lives in Thailand and Myanmar, women wear brass rings around their necks, which artificially lengthen their necks. Rings begin to be worn at the age of 5 and continue for the rest of life. Many people believe that the rings cannot be removed and the poor woman is forced to wear such a collar all her life until the end of her days, but this is not so. Women can take off and put on rings whenever they want.
The Padug tribe believes that the longer the neck, the more beautiful the woman. Such decorations also attract tourists who buy souvenirs on which the tribes live
Korean fashion 17-19 centuries allowed and even encouraged outfits that exposed women's breasts. This “squeak of fashion” existed until the beginning of the 20th century, after which, apparently, the Koreans decided to follow the fashion trends of the rest of the civilized world.
In New Guinea, men of some tribes do not wear loincloths or swimming trunks: they cover their penis with a special sheath - cat, which is made from the dried fruits of local trees. Already from the age of 4-5 years boys are starting to wear this accessory.
The size of the koteka can be any and does not depend on the person’s social status or the size of his organ
There are a great many in Asia various religious movements. One of the eastern religious and philosophical teachings - Jainism requires followers to renounce worldly life and do not harm any living creature. Some monks wear gauze bandages and filter the water, and also sweep the road in front of them so as not to step on anyone or kill small insects.
The most beautiful Jain temple in Palitana, northwestern India
Bhutan in the Himalayas is a poor and rather closed country that has preserved its age-old traditions. For example, local residents, and very decent people at that, draw on their houses phalluses for... attracting good luck. There are even phalluses in churches, where they are used to hit childless women on the head during rituals so that they can become pregnant.
Some images of male penises on the walls of houses are very realistic
Features of the nature of Asia
The nature of Asia is incredibly beautiful, here you can find unique species of plants and animals. For example, in Asia it is growing tallest grass in the world, which reaches a length of up to 30 meters! This bamboo. The longest plant also grows in Asia - Indian rattan vine, the length of the stem can reach 300 meters. In the mountains of India there is vegetation even at unprecedented heights - 6400 meters above sea level.
Islands of Southeast Asia Java and Sumatra have similar natural conditions, but in Java 30 times the population than on Sumatra, although the latter island is much larger in size. This is primarily due to the fact that there are about 120 volcanoes in Java, and almost every fourth of them is active. The island's soils are very fertile due to volcanic activity. Residents of these places do not seem to be at all afraid of eruptions.
Many tourists come to Java solely to watch the eruptions
It is sometimes very difficult to survive in Asia, and not because there are too many people living here, and poverty is a common thing. Asian nature is often merciless: Floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and other natural disasters are not uncommon here.
Animals of Asia
The diversity of animals in Asia is simply amazing, and some representatives of the animal world have unusual features. For example, Heikegani crabs, living off the coast of Japan, have special shells that look like...the faces of evil samurai. Apparently, the species developed such unusual appearance features not by chance. Many generations of fishermen released crabs with such an “emblem” on their shells back into the sea, and the “normal” ones were caught and eaten. Over time, crabs "human face" were more likely to produce offspring.
Sailors released these crabs because they believed that samurai who died in the 12th century were reborn into them.
In Asia you can also find spiders with an unusual appearance. Their abdomen has the shape of a flat disc with an original pattern, which makes it similar to a seal. This structure of the abdomen helps the spider hide in the hole. The flat disk serves as a kind of “plug”, and the unusual pattern allows for good camouflage.
Spider of the species Cyclocosmia truncata from the genus Cyclocosmia
In Asia, fighting animals, such as fish, is a popular form of entertainment. Beautiful fish species Betta splendens very warlike and aggressive, so if 2 males are placed in one aquarium, a fight begins. The Thais use this feature to entertain the public.
Technologies and inventions
When the Japanese were asked a question about the most important, in their opinion, inventions of the 20th century, they replied that these were things such as karaoke, a mini video camera, a player and computer games. But in first place, oddly enough, it was not a technological miracle at all, but a culinary dish, or rather, instant noodles.
Robot restaurant
The world's first robot restaurant appeared in Asia. The convenience is that the cook receives all orders automatically, and robots take on the role of waiters, delivering orders and clearing dishes. Some restaurants even have their own robot chefs, saving on labor costs. However, it is not a fact that such innovations pay off very quickly. Similar restaurants already exist in China, Japan, Thailand, as well as in some Western countries.
The most alpine Railway is located in China. At the highest point of the journey, passengers find themselves on top 5 thousand meters above sea level. Some passengers may have difficulty breathing, so the trains have special carriages that are supplied with oxygen. Each passenger can wear oxygen masks if desired.
Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Xining and Lhasa
The first paper money in China
The first paper money, which began to be widely used, appeared in China in 1165, although there are suggestions that the invention took place 500 years earlier. Paper bills came into circulation during Sunn Empire. The money bore an official red seal confirming its authenticity and a design depicting the value of the bill in silver bullion.
An ancient Chinese paper bill measured 20 by 30 centimeters
Toothbrush, it turns out, was also invented by the Chinese. The first mention of this personal hygiene item was found in the Chinese encyclopedia 1498. The toothbrush was made from pig bristles embedded in a bamboo stick. Toothbrushes came to Europe only 150-200 years later.
Yoga not only means a system of exercises and breathing techniques, it is a concept in Indian culture that unites a variety of practices, spiritual and physical. Yoga was invented and developed in ancient times during the Harappan civilization, who lived in the 4th-2nd millennia BC along the banks of the Indus River. Today, yoga has gained fame as simply a popular health-improving gymnastics.
Asians have always been good at building. The architecture of Asia is sometimes quite amazing. For example, in the city of Osaka, Japan, there is unusual building, through which passes...urban expressway. The city authorities planned to build a road in 1983, but the land owners had other plans for this. As a result, both parties came to an agreement, and the highway had to be routed directly through some floors of the building (from the 4th to the 8th floors). Everyone was happy.
The Gate Tower building with the highway running underneath it
Another example of compromise: the owners of this building did not want to sell the land for road construction. The elderly couple who owned the building did not want to sign an agreement to demolish it, since the amount of compensation was not sufficient to build a new house. I had to get out... Later, the building was demolished when an agreement was reached for a higher amount of compensation.
Road near Wenling city, Zhejiang province, China with stubborn house
The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The local population calls it “Joseon” (“Land of Morning Freshness”).
Fun facts about India
India is big paradise" in Asia. Exotic culture, priceless art, modern cities, national natural parks and friendly people - all this allows us to call the country excellent tourist destination with vast expanses of indescribable beauty. Until the 21st century, India managed to maintain its traditional lifestyle. The Festival of Laxmi, one of the most famous Hindu religious festivals, regularly takes place here. Laxmi is the goddess of peace and prosperity. This festival plays a significant role in the lives of many Indians. India has gone down in history as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas K. Gandhi), whose legacy is democracy. Gandhi once said: “We ourselves must become the changes we want to see in the world.”
Turkey is a Eurasian country stretching from the Asia Minor (or Anatolia) peninsula in western Asia to Thrace (Roumelia) in the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. It is thanks to its strategic location that Türkiye is famous for its unique combination of eastern and western traditions. Turkey is surrounded by eight countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. To the south of Turkey are the Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus, to the west - the Aegean Sea and its archipelago, and to the north - the Black Sea. Continue reading this article to get more interesting information about Turkey.
The Philippines (officially the Republic of the Philippines) is an archipelago of 7,107 islands lying in the Pacific Ocean. This island nation in Southeast Asia is surrounded by countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau and the Republic of China. The Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia that does not have any neighbors with common borders on the land.
Singapore today is a developed city-state, a capital and a republic at the same time, but just 50 years ago this country was considered one of the poorest, and the majority of residents sympathized with the communists. Local political leader Lee Kuan Yew took power into his own hands and, with a handful of patriotic Saraniki, brought order to the country.
As the 9th century Japanese poet Murasaki Shikibu said, “It is difficult to find a person who truly understands you. Usually people judge only by their own standards.” The hardest thing for us to understand is the Japanese themselves.
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Facts about India
India has it all - from sarees to spicy dishes, beautiful beaches and abundant snowfalls! In this article, we will tell you interesting and surprising facts about India that will give you a better understanding of the different cultures and lifestyles of this country.
Indonesia is considered one of the most popular destinations in the world today. The name "Indonesia" comes from the Latin word "Indus" ("India") and the Greek "nesos" ("islands"). Indonesia became popular in the 1900s. Now this beautiful country ranks fourth among the most visited countries in the world. In this article you can read interesting information about Indonesia.
In Nepal, goddess girls are often found. They are the living embodiment of Goddess Taleju. To become a goddess, you need to pass a competitive selection based on 32 parameters. The one who has passed the selection lives in the palace without experiencing any problems. But as soon as the girls begin menstruation, they are expelled from the palace.
Two Oceans, thirty seas, one hundred thousand islands, best airlines world and much more - that's what awaits you in Southeast Asia! The countries of Southeast Asia attract the opportunity to get everything at once in one trip. Wonderful climate, magnificent beaches, diving and surfing opportunities, sea cruises, exotic nature, unusual cuisine, ancient temples and palaces, noisy festivals, excellent shopping - this list can be continued for a long time.
Vietnam.
1. Stunningly beautiful landscape. A riot of colors. Year-round flowering of nature. Beautiful beaches. The extraordinary beauty of ancient architectural monuments.
2. “Bait” for tourists: diving here is excellent and the cheapest in the world.
3. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) – a city of chaos, neon lights and friendly people.
4. Fabulous beauty, clean deserted beaches and low prices. It’s as if everything was created for a perfect holiday!
5. Vietnam is one of the most mysterious and amazing countries in Southeast Asia. There is no sweltering heat here, the sun is soft and gentle, the air is humid and clean, the water is clear and inviting - Vietnam has everything you need to relax, to escape from the everyday hustle and bustle and be filled with a charge of vivacity and energy.
6. For those who appreciate natural beauty there is the very popular West Lake, Xuan Huong Lake, Cam Chi Waterfalls, Thong Nyat Park, where the Flower Festival is regularly held, Chua Mot Kot Pagoda, and the Valley of Love.
7. Vietnamese cuisine has also absorbed the traditions of French cuisine - this can be seen in the abundance of pates and cheeses that can be bought everywhere. A minimum of fat, a maximum of fresh vegetables and fruits, and seafood make Vietnamese food popular not only among sophisticated gourmets, but also among fans of healthy eating.
8. Phan Thiet is very popular resort Vietnam. Phan Thiet is great for family vacation. This is a quiet and cozy resort. With sandy beaches and wonderful comfortable hotels.
9. Nha Trang is one of the best places holidays in the country. The city itself is also known as a medical resort: there is a clinic for mud therapy and mineral water treatment of joints and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and some skin diseases, diseases of the nervous system, lungs and bronchi are also treated here.
10. Fu Kuok - the most big Island in Vietnam, with an area equal to Singapore. Beautiful sandy beaches lined with coconut palms frame the pristine rainforests. There are two large pearl plantations on the island - Japanese and American, which is why Phu Quoc is often called the “pearl island”.
Indonesia.
1. Among the mind-boggling number of islands that make up Indonesia (and there are 17,508 of them!), only about 6,000 are actually inhabited. The largest islands of Indonesia are Java, Sumatra, New Guinea, Sulawesi ( Sulawesi) and Kalimantan.
2. Bali has long been the most popular destination in Indonesia. The beautiful landscapes of this picturesque corner attract tourists and nature lovers from all continents of the globe. Tourists can expect a lot of interesting things here. The greatest demand is for cultural events and dances, fine leather items, and foot-tapping music.
3. Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world.
4. Another feature of Indonesia is that this country has a very diverse culture, its inhabitants speak 580 languages and dialects.
5. Island of Java - the world famous temple complexes of Borobudur (the third largest Buddhist temple in the world is Borobudur (8th century) near Yogyakarta. Its height is 34 m, and its area is 12.3 thousand sq. m.) and Prambanan.
6. Komodo - it is part of Komodo national park of worldwide significance. Founded in 1980, the park covers the territory of three large volcanic islands (Komodo, Rinca and Padar). The largest land lizard on the planet lives here - the famous Komodo dragon, or monitor lizard (Varanus komodoensis), of which there are several hundred individuals.
7. Flores Islands. Most famous volcano Flores is the Kelimutu volcano, whose height is 1.639 m. Its three crater lakes change color from time to time and it is not yet fully understood what exactly leads to this change.
8. Ubud is an ancient city in the central mountainous part of the island of Bali, located 10 km north of Denpasar at an altitude of 600 m above sea level. Ubud is considered cultural center islands. There are a large number of museums here.
9. Sumatra - there are many active volcanoes on the island and near it.
10. Kalimantan Island (also Borneo) is a large island (the third largest in the world by territory), the only island in the world divided between three recognized states: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
Malaysia.
1. Malaysia is a country of smiles and unique, varied delights that attract guests.
2. Enchanting land warmth and kindness, in any corner of which you can get acquainted with Real Asia and become a part of it.
3. Ultra-modern architecture and unique nature.
4. The country is endowed with evergreen forests and beautiful coastal waters with unique wildlife and amazing flora and fauna for this part of the planet.
5. In Malaysia you can choose: or spend time in modern city with its shops and entertainment venues, or lie in the sun on the white sand by the sea.
6. At your service are ecotourism and mountaineering in the area of Mount Kinabulu, one of the highest peaks in the region.
7. You can watch the life of orangutans in Sepilok or scuba dive around Sipadan Island.
8. Visit the most high building Petrones business center in the world.
9. Malaysia has something for everyone: historian, businessman, tourist, holidaymaker or city lover.
10. Uniquely memorable is spending a family vacation in Malaysia, about which the English writer Somerset Maugham, having visited Penang, wrote: “If you have not seen this place, you have not seen the world.”
Thailand.
1. The most picturesque nature, magnificent beaches, unconventional culture, genuine hospitality local population, unique religious buildings and ancient ruins - all this attracts, like a magnet, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world.
2. Thais are unusually polite, friendly and hospitable, especially towards visitors.
3. Today, Thailand has preserved the face of its unique culture. This is largely due to the fact that, unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand was never colonized by Europeans.
4 There are five representatives of Thailand on the UNESCO list of the most valuable world heritage sites. It's about O nature reserves and archaeological sites of the past.
5. Best Shows transvestites in Southeast Asia. Theatrical performances where the actors are transvestites. Some of them are participants in international beauty contests.
6. Thai cuisine is famous for its combination of four taste components - salty, sweet, sour and bitter. But if a tourist is afraid to eat rather peculiar Thai dishes, there is no problem: Thailand offers cuisines from almost all countries of the world.
7. In Thailand, skyscrapers and antiquity, permissiveness and law-abidingness, low prices and super infrastructure coexist harmoniously. Having been there at least once, you will want to return there again and again.
8. Holidays in Thailand are a great opportunity to spend your vacation, basking on the snow-white beaches of the ocean, under the dazzlingly bright sun.
9. Also in Thailand, diving enthusiasts and professionals gather annually: the marine flora and fauna of the region is distinguished by an unforgettable riot of colors, so diving into the clear waters of the ocean and walking to coral reefs will leave an indelible impression of the trip!
10. Thailand is a country of orchids and shimmering sapphires, clear rivers and impenetrable jungles.
Singapore.
1. In Singapore you can make the purchases you have dreamed of all your life.
2. Singapore amazes with its variety of popular nightlife spots. Many clubs are located on embankments and in the tallest buildings in the country.
3. Singapore Night Safari is the world's first park specifically designed for observing animals at night.
4. The Singapore Zoo is considered one of the best in the world.
5. The Fountain of Wealth was created according to Feng Shui philosophy and since 1998 it has been the largest in the world.
6. The tallest Ferris wheel in Asia, the Singapore flyer, is 165 meters high.
7. Botanical Garden with 20,000 plants - Oceanarium 2,500 sea creatures of 250 varieties - 4-dimensional cinema.
8. Architectural masterpiece the Esplanade Theater and the huge Wild Wild Wet water park.
9. Bird Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the world, the territory of which is inhabited by 8,000 birds of 600 species collected from all over the planet.
10.Today, Sentosa remains the best resort in Singapore, a tropical paradise, museums and nature reserve rolled into one.
Philippines.
1. This is one of the few places on Earth where you understand that Magic word"exotic" has not yet lost its original meaning.
2. Four Philippine attractions were in the top ten contenders for a place in the list of seven new wonders of nature.
3. Rice terraces are an incredible and ancient creation of human hands, created more than 2000 years ago.
4. On the island of Bohol you will meet the smallest monkey in the world - the tarsier.
5. The beaches of the Philippine islands are considered the best in the world.
6. Here you can meet whales during a boat trip, and the underwater world will amaze you with the variety of corals and the living creatures inhabiting them.
7. Manila has the largest shopping center in Asia.
8. Prices in the Philippines for services and goods will pleasantly surprise you.
9. The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world and the only Christian state in Asia.
10. Russian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Philippines.
Myanmar.
1. Myanmar is a country that has not yet been spoiled by tourism and tourists and is therefore unusually hospitable
2. Myanmar has the largest concentration of Buddhist historical sites in the world
3. About half of the country's population are monks. Monks in Myanmar are incredibly revered
4. On the mountain lake Inle, you will plunge into the world of people who built their homes and temples on the water, living according to other laws, unusual for Europeans, in another time dimension
5. Incredibly friendly and helpful people await you here, not to mention the service staff
6. Yangon - the capital of Myanmar, is considered the cleanest city in Southeast Asia from an environmental point of view
7. Due to the low number of visitors to the country, the sea and beaches here are pristine
8. You will spend an indecently small amount on all purchases, visits to restaurants and souvenirs.
9. In Myanmar, namely in Mandalay, you will see the largest book in the world, which takes monks 450 days to read
10. Only in Myanmar you can take a break from mobile phone calls! There is almost no cell service there!
Sri Lanka.
1. The symbol of Sri Lanka is world-famous Ceylon tea. Sri Lanka ranks 2nd in the world in tea exports.
2. Sri Lanka is the center of world Buddhism. The atmosphere of benevolence and peace that reigns in this country is the result of the deep, centuries-old influence of Buddhist teachings on the worldview and way of life of the Sri Lankans.
3. Sri Lanka can rightfully be proud of any of its incomprehensible landscapes - from golden beaches, caressed Indian Ocean to numerous ridges and slopes forming terraces, rice fields and dense forests.
4. Sri Lanka has been famous for its spices for many centuries. The Spice Garden in Matale gives you the opportunity to see how cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and other exotic plants are grown.
5. There are more than a hundred waterfalls in Sri Lanka. One of the tallest waterfalls in the world with a single stream is the 212-meter Bridal Veil Falls.
6. The largest cave temple in South Asia is the stone temple of the sleeping Buddha. The temple houses the largest collection of Buddha statues, many of which are over 2,000 years old. 73 of them are plated with gold.
7. Newlyweds from all over the world spend an unforgettable honeymoon in Sri Lanka, and exotic wedding ceremonies organized in hotels make this important event in life special.
8. Everything more tourists come to Sri Lanka to improve their health. The most ancient treatment methods of Ayurveda and aromatherapy, time-tested and improved by modern technologies, relieve stress, fatigue and discomfort, increase the human body’s resistance to disease, and provide a strong rejuvenating effect.
9. Of the 130 world historical values protected by UNESCO, seven are located on this amazing island
10. The whole world knows traditional Sri Lankan spices, aromatic tea of all kinds, exotic fruits, gems, batik and, of course, the warmth of the friendly hosts of the island. You will have the opportunity to try wonderful traditional dishes, including delicious “curry” - meat or vegetables prepared in a special way with spices and rice.
Nepal.
1. In Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, there are 7 sites that UNESCO included in the list of world heritage sites, including the Buddhist temples of Boudhanath and Swayamboodhanath.
2. If you give a tip to local hermits - Sadhus, then in return you will receive a blessing - a red dot on the forehead, called a tikka.
3. Most streets in Nepalese cities do not have names, so it is quite easy to get lost there.
4. In some cities of Nepal, cars and motorcycles are prohibited.
5. Most of the world's mountains above 8 kilometers are located in Nepal - this attracts climbers and rafters from all over the world.
6. One of the most honorable professions in Nepal is a potter. There is even a special caste of potters.
7. Nepal proudly calls itself “the only Hindu kingdom in the world”: 86.5% of the population are Hindus.
TWO-FACED VIETNAM
I leave Hanoi early in the morning. The sun has just risen. But the streets are clogged with thousands (!) of motorbikes....
Travel around the world in a minute.
Probably everyone would like to have the opportunity to sweep across the world and absorb the beauty of nature from all corners of our planet....
1. Asia is the largest continent on the planet in terms of area and population. The area of Asia exceeds the area of the Moon (44 million 500 thousand sq. km. and 37 million sq. km. respectively).
2. Asia has a population of 4 billion people or more than 60% of the world's total population. If all these people stood next to each other, holding hands, they would circle around more than 100 times. Earth along the equator.
3. More than half of Asia's population lives in two countries - China (1.3 million people) and India (1.1 million people). It is expected that within 20 years India will surpass China in terms of population.
4. The borders of Asia extend from the Suez Canal and the Ural Mountains in the west to Caucasus Mountains, Caspian Sea and Black Sea in the south. In the south, Asia is washed by the Indian Ocean, in the north by the Arctic Ocean, and in the Far East by the Pacific Ocean.
5. Asia can be divided into seven subcontinents:
1). Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan;
2). East Asia– China, Mongolia, Taiwan, North and South Korea;
3). Northern Asia - Russia;
4). Indian subcontinent - India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka;
5). Southeast Asia - Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos;
6). Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam;
7). Southwest Asia - Türkiye, Iran, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon.
6. The three leading economic powers in Asia are China, Japan and India. They take second, third and fourth place respectively. However, tiny Japan's population is less than 1/10 the size of that of China or India. However, Asia's economy lags behind North America and Europe.
7. The three dominant financial centers in Asia are Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore.
8. The predominant religions in Asia include Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism/Taoism and Islam.
9. The extreme western point of Asia is Cape Baba, it is located in the north-west of Turkey.
10. Extreme northern point Asia - Cape Chelyuskin in Siberia.
11. The width of Asia is 8,527 km.
12. Asia has the highest and most low point on Earth: Mount Everest (8,848 m above sea level) and the Dead Sea (395 m below sea level).
13. Asia is the cradle of human civilization, which originated in the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
14. Ten most long rivers Asia:
1). Yangtze (Chang Jiang) – 6,300 km,
2). Yellow River (Huang He) – 5,464 km,
3). Lena – 4,400 km,
4). Mekong – 4,350 km,
5). Irtysh – 4,248 km,
6). Yenisei – 4,090 km,
7). Ob – 3,650 km,
8). Lower Tunguska – 2,989 km,
9). Indus – 2,900 km,
10). Brahmaputra – 2900 km.
If all these rivers are connected to each other, they will circle the globe along the equator.
15. Ten highest mountain peaks Asia:
1). Everest - 8,848 m, Nepal-Tibet,
2). K2 - 8,611 m, Pakistan-China,
3). Kangchenjunga - 8,586 m, Nepal-Sikkim (India),
4). Lhotse – 8,516 m, Nepal-Tibet (China),
5). Makalu – 8,462 m, Nepal-Tibet (China),
6). Cho Oyu – 8,201 m, Nepal-Tibet (China),
7). Dhaulagiri - 8167 m, Nepal,
8). Manaslu – 8,156 m, Nepal,
9). Nanga Parbat – 8,125 m, Pakistan,
10). Annapurna 8,091 m, Nepal.
If all these peaks are placed one on top of the other, they will reach outer space. For comparison, Mount Fuji, at 3,776 meters high, is more than twice as tall as the lowest peak on this list.