Asia is vast and varied, stretching from Arctic coastlines to tropical archipelagos and desert peninsulas. Understanding its regional breakdown helps make sense of different climates, histories, and economic zones without getting lost in thousands of miles of coastline and hundreds of countries.
There are 13 Regions of Asia, ranging from the Arabian Peninsula to Western Asia. For each region I list the columns Countries included,Defining scheme,Area (km2) — details you’ll find below.
How are the regions defined in this list?
Regional boundaries depend on the scheme used (geographic, political, cultural or UN classification); the “Defining scheme” column notes which approach each entry follows so you can see whether a region is placed by physical geography, diplomatic grouping, or common usage.
Do regions overlap or change over time?
Yes — borders and names can shift with political change, differing scholarly definitions, or new statistical groupings; check the “Countries included” and “Defining scheme” columns for each entry to understand any overlaps or alternative interpretations.
Regions of Asia
| Region | Countries included | Defining scheme | Area (km2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Asia | Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan | UN M49 geoscheme; historical ties to the Silk Road. | 4,003,400 |
| East Asia | China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea | UN M49 geoscheme; common cultural heritage (e.g., Confucianism, writing systems). | 11,839,000 |
| Southeast Asia | Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam | UN M49 geoscheme; ASEAN political and economic bloc. | 4,545,800 |
| Southern Asia | Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka | UN M49 geoscheme definition. Note: Iran is often placed in Western Asia. | 6,757,000 |
| Western Asia | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, UAE, Yemen | UN M49 geoscheme; largely synonymous with the “Middle East”. | 5,994,300 |
| North Asia | Russia (Siberia and Russian Far East) | Common geographic term for the Asian part of Russia. | 13,100,000 |
| Middle East | Bahrain, Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, UAE, Yemen | Common geopolitical term, heavily overlapping with UN’s Western Asia. | 7,200,000 |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka | Physiographical term for the landmass south of the Himalayas. | 4,400,000 |
| The Levant | Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria | Historical and cultural term for the Eastern Mediterranean. | 305,000 |
| The Caucasus | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia | Geographic and cultural region at the border of Europe and Asia. | 186,100 |
| Arabian Peninsula | Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen | Major geographic peninsula in Southwest Asia. | 3,237,500 |
| Indochina | Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam | Geographic and cultural subregion of Southeast Asia. | 748,500 |
| Maritime Southeast Asia | Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste | Geographic subregion of Southeast Asia comprising archipelagos and islands. | 2,787,000 |
Images and Descriptions
Central Asia
Often called “the ‘stans’,” this vast, landlocked region is known for its nomadic history, connection to the ancient Silk Road, and dramatic landscapes ranging from high mountains to expansive steppes and deserts.
East Asia
A global economic powerhouse, this region includes some of the world’s most populous countries and advanced economies. It shares a deep cultural history rooted in ancient Chinese civilization, influencing its philosophy, arts, and traditions.
Southeast Asia
A vibrant and diverse region of tropical islands and mainland peninsulas located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It’s known for its stunning beaches, dense rainforests, rich cultural traditions, and delicious cuisines.
Southern Asia
Centered on the Indian subcontinent, this is one of the most populous regions on Earth. It is a cradle of ancient civilizations and major world religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, characterized by immense cultural and linguistic diversity.
Western Asia
This region, often called the Middle East, is the historical crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe. It is the birthplace of the Abrahamic religions and holds immense geopolitical and economic importance due to its vast energy reserves.
North Asia
Encompassing the vast, sparsely populated expanse of Siberia, this region is defined by its immense size and extreme continental climate. It is rich in natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals, and features sprawling taiga forests and tundra.
Middle East
A geopolitical term for the region linking Southwest Asia with North Africa. It’s a center of global affairs, a cradle of major religions, and possesses the world’s largest oil reserves, making it strategically critical.
Indian Subcontinent
A massive peninsula defined by the Himalayas to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. This culturally rich region is home to over a quarter of the world’s population and is known for its diverse languages, religions, and landscapes.
The Levant
A historical name for the Eastern Mediterranean region, often called the “Cradle of Civilization.” It is a land of immense religious and historical significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, with a history stretching back millennia.
The Caucasus
A transcontinental region situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, known for its stunning Caucasus Mountains. It is one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse areas in the world, with a long and complex history.
Arabian Peninsula
The world’s largest peninsula, dominated by vast deserts and arid landscapes. It is the birthplace of Islam and holds immense economic power due to its massive petroleum and natural gas reserves, centered in the Persian Gulf states.
Indochina
Also known as the Indochinese Peninsula, this region of mainland Southeast Asia shows strong historical cultural influences from both India and China. It is characterized by major river systems like the Mekong, which support its fertile plains.
Maritime Southeast Asia
Also known as the Malay Archipelago, this region consists of thousands of islands between mainland Asia and Australia. It is a global center of marine biodiversity and is known for its archipelagic geography, volcanic activity, and diverse cultures.
