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List of Countries in Asia Alphabetically

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Asia is the largest continent on Earth, covering approximately 30% of the planet’s land area and hosting around 60% of the global population. As of 2024, there are 49 countries in Asia. However, it’s essential to note that this number can change due to geopolitical events, such as the recognition of new nations or changes in borders. Always come back to get the latest information.

Countries in Asia

1. Afghanistan

  • Capital: Kabul
  • Population: Approximately 38 million
  • Language: Pashto, Dari
  • Currency: Afghani (AFN)
  • Government: Islamic Republic

Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. It has a complex history marked by conflict and foreign intervention.

2. Armenia

  • Capital: Yerevan
  • Population: Around 3 million
  • Language: Armenian
  • Currency: Armenian dram (AMD)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary republic

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia is a small yet culturally rich country known for its ancient history, stunning landscapes, and contributions to literature and the arts.

3. Azerbaijan

  • Capital: Baku
  • Population: Approximately 10 million
  • Language: Azerbaijani
  • Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN)
  • Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic

Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan is known for its oil reserves, rich cultural heritage, and the blend of Eastern and Western influences in its architecture and cuisine.

4. Bahrain

  • Capital: Manama
  • Population: Around 1.7 million
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Bahraini dinar (BHD)
  • Government: Constitutional monarchy

Bahrain, a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, is known for its thriving economy, modern infrastructure, and cultural heritage, including ancient burial mounds and historical sites.

5. Bangladesh

  • Capital: Dhaka
  • Population: Approximately 170 million
  • Language: Bengali
  • Currency: Bangladeshi taka (BDT)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary republic

Bangladesh, situated in South Asia, is one of the world’s most densely populated countries. Despite facing challenges such as poverty and natural disasters, it has made significant strides in economic development and social progress.

6. Bhutan

  • Capital: Thimphu
  • Population: Around 800,000
  • Language: Dzongkha
  • Currency: Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN)
  • Government: Constitutional monarchy

Known for its stunning landscapes, preserved traditional culture, and emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom nestled between India and China.

7. Brunei

  • Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
  • Population: Approximately 450,000
  • Language: Malay
  • Currency: Brunei dollar (BND)
  • Government: Absolute monarchy

Brunei, located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, is known for its wealth due to oil and gas reserves. It boasts modern infrastructure, a high standard of living, and a blend of Malay culture with Islamic influences.

8. Cambodia

  • Capital: Phnom Penh
  • Population: Around 16 million
  • Language: Khmer
  • Currency: Cambodian riel (KHR)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Cambodia, situated in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its ancient temples, including the iconic Angkor Wat. Despite a tumultuous history, it has experienced rapid economic growth and development in recent years.

9. China

  • Capital: Beijing
  • Population: Over 1.4 billion
  • Language: Mandarin
  • Currency: Renminbi (yuan) (CNY)
  • Government: Unitary one-party socialist republic

As the world’s most populous country and one of its oldest civilizations, China boasts a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and rapidly expanding economic influence on the global stage.

10. Cyprus

  • Capital: Nicosia
  • Population: Approximately 1.2 million (whole island)
  • Language: Greek, Turkish
  • Currency: Euro (EUR) in the Republic of Cyprus, Turkish lira (TRY) in Northern Cyprus
  • Government: Republic, de facto divided

Cyprus, situated in the eastern Mediterranean, is known for its historical significance, stunning beaches, and cultural heritage influenced by Greek and Turkish civilizations.

11. East Timor (Timor-Leste)

  • Capital: Dili
  • Population: Around 1.3 million
  • Language: Tetum, Portuguese
  • Currency: United States dollar (USD)
  • Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic

Located in Southeast Asia, East Timor gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a long struggle. It is known for its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural fusion of indigenous and Portuguese influences.

12. Georgia

  • Capital: Tbilisi
  • Population: Approximately 4 million
  • Language: Georgian
  • Currency: Georgian lari (GEL)
  • Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic

Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia is known for its ancient history, unique language and alphabet, and breathtaking Caucasus Mountain scenery.

13. India

  • Capital: New Delhi
  • Population: Over 1.3 billion
  • Language: Hindi, English
  • Currency: Indian rupee (INR)
  • Government: Federal parliamentary democratic republic

India, the world’s largest democracy, is known for its rich cultural tapestry, diverse landscapes, and contributions to science, technology, and the arts throughout history.

14. Indonesia

  • Capital: Jakarta
  • Population: Approximately 270 million
  • Language: Indonesian
  • Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
  • Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world, is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, and vibrant traditions. It is a major player in Southeast Asian politics and economics.

15. Iran

  • Capital: Tehran
  • Population: Around 84 million
  • Language: Persian
  • Currency: Iranian rial (IRR)
  • Government: Unitary Islamic republic

Iran, formerly known as Persia, is a country in Western Asia with a rich history spanning thousands of years. It is known for its cultural heritage, including poetry, art, and architecture.

16. Iraq

  • Capital: Baghdad
  • Population: Approximately 40 million
  • Language: Arabic, Kurdish
  • Currency: Iraqi dinar (IQD)
  • Government: Federal parliamentary republic

Iraq, located in Western Asia, is known for its ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, considered one of the cradles of civilization. It has faced significant challenges, including conflict and political instability.

17. Israel

  • Capital: Jerusalem (claimed)
  • Population: Around 9 million (including disputed territories)
  • Language: Hebrew, Arabic
  • Currency: Israeli new shekel (ILS)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary republic

Israel, situated in the Middle East, has a complex geopolitical landscape due to its history, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is known for its religious significance, technological innovation, and cultural diversity.

18. Japan

  • Capital: Tokyo
  • Population: Over 126 million
  • Language: Japanese
  • Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Japan, an island nation in East Asia, is known for its advanced technology, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes, including iconic Mount Fuji.

19. Jordan

  • Capital: Amman
  • Population: Approximately 10 million
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Jordan, located in the Middle East, is known for its historical sites, including Petra and the Dead Sea. Despite its arid climate, it has a diverse culture and a strategic geopolitical position.

20. Kazakhstan

  • Capital: Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana)
  • Population: Around 19 million
  • Language: Kazakh, Russian
  • Currency: Kazakhstani tenge (KZT)
  • Government: Unitary presidential republic

Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, is known for its vast steppes, rich energy resources, and efforts to modernize its economy and infrastructure since gaining independence from the Soviet Union.

21. Kuwait

  • Capital: Kuwait City
  • Population: Approximately 4.3 million
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)
  • Government: Unitary constitutional monarchy

Kuwait, situated in the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its oil wealth, modern architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It has a high standard of living and is a major financial hub in the Middle East.

22. Kyrgyzstan

  • Capital: Bishkek
  • Population: Around 6.5 million
  • Language: Kyrgyz, Russian
  • Currency: Kyrgyzstani som (KGS)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary republic

Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous country in Central Asia, is known for its stunning natural beauty, nomadic traditions, and diverse cultural heritage influenced by its history as part of the Silk Road.

23. Laos

  • Capital: Vientiane
  • Population: Approximately 7.5 million
  • Language: Lao
  • Currency: Lao kip (LAK)
  • Government: Unitary Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist republic

Laos, situated in Southeast Asia, is known for its mountainous terrain, Buddhist monasteries, and traditional way of life. Despite its landlocked position, it has rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

24. Lebanon

  • Capital: Beirut
  • Population: Around 6.8 million (including refugees)
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Lebanese pound (LBP)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary republic

Lebanon, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its diverse culture, historical sites, and culinary scene. It has faced challenges, including political instability and conflicts.

25. Malaysia

  • Capital: Kuala Lumpur
  • Population: Approximately 32 million
  • Language: Malay
  • Currency: Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
  • Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Malaysia, situated in Southeast Asia, is known for its multicultural society, diverse ecosystems, and rapidly growing economy. It is a popular tourist destination with attractions ranging from bustling cities to pristine rainforests.

26. Maldives

  • Capital: Malé
  • Population: Around 530,000
  • Language: Dhivehi
  • Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
  • Government: Unitary presidential republic

The Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is known for its stunning coral reefs, turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts. It faces challenges such as climate change and rising sea levels.

27. Mongolia

  • Capital: Ulaanbaatar
  • Population: Approximately 3.3 million
  • Language: Mongolian
  • Currency: Mongolian tögrög (MNT)
  • Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic

Mongolia, a landlocked country in East Asia, is known for its vast steppes, nomadic culture, and the legacy of Genghis Khan. It is experiencing rapid urbanization and economic growth.

28. Myanmar (Burma)

  • Capital: Naypyidaw
  • Population: Around 54 million
  • Language: Burmese
  • Currency: Burmese kyat (MMK)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

Myanmar, situated in Southeast Asia, is known for its diverse ethnic groups, rich cultural heritage, and recent transition to democracy. It faces challenges such as ethnic conflict and human rights issues.

29. Nepal

  • Capital: Kathmandu
  • Population: Approximately 30 million
  • Language: Nepali
  • Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR)
  • Government: Federal parliamentary republic

Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, is known for its stunning mountain scenery, diverse cultures, and Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including Mount Everest.

30. North Korea

  • Capital: Pyongyang
  • Population: Around 25 million
  • Language: Korean
  • Currency: North Korean won (KPW)
  • Government: Unitary one-party socialist republic

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world, with a highly centralized government and a cult of personality surrounding its leadership.

31. Oman

  • Capital: Muscat
  • Population: Approximately 5 million
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Omani rial (OMR)
  • Government: Absolute monarchy

Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its stunning deserts, rugged mountains, and ancient forts. It has a long history of maritime trade and cultural exchange.

32. Pakistan

  • Capital: Islamabad
  • Population: Over 220 million
  • Language: Urdu
  • Currency: Pakistani rupee (PKR)
  • Government: Federal parliamentary republic

Pakistan, located in South Asia, is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and geopolitical significance. It faces challenges such as terrorism, political instability, and socioeconomic inequality.

33. Palestine

  • Capital: East Jerusalem (claimed)
  • Population: Around 5 million (including diaspora)
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Israeli new shekel (ILS)
  • Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic (de facto)

Palestine, located in the Middle East, is a region with a long history of conflict and occupation. It includes the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and Palestinians aspire to establish an independent state alongside Israel.

34. Philippines

  • Capital: Manila
  • Population: Approximately 110 million
  • Language: Filipino (Tagalog), English
  • Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)
  • Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse ecosystems. It has a tumultuous history shaped by colonialism, natural disasters, and social movements.

35. Qatar

  • Capital: Doha
  • Population: Around 2.8 million
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Qatari riyal (QAR)
  • Government: Unitary absolute monarchy

Qatar, situated on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its modern skyline, wealthy economy fueled by natural gas reserves, and cultural attractions such as the Museum of Islamic Art.

36. Russia

  • Capital: Moscow
  • Population: Over 145 million (including Crimea and Sevastopol)
  • Language: Russian
  • Currency: Russian ruble (RUB)
  • Government: Federal semi-presidential constitutional republic

Russia, the largest country in the world, spans Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and cultural contributions to literature, music, and the arts.

37. Saudi Arabia

  • Capital: Riyadh
  • Population: Approximately 35 million
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Saudi riyal (SAR)
  • Government: Absolute monarchy

Saudi Arabia, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its vast deserts, rich cultural heritage, and religious significance as the birthplace of Islam. It is one of the world’s leading oil producers.

38. Singapore

  • Capital: Singapore
  • Population: Around 5.7 million
  • Language: Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil
  • Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

Singapore, a city-state and island country in Southeast Asia, is known for its modern skyline, efficient transportation system, and multicultural society. It is a global financial hub and a melting pot of diverse cultures.

39. South Korea

  • Capital: Seoul
  • Population: Over 51 million
  • Language: Korean
  • Currency: South Korean won (KRW)
  • Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK), is known for its rapid industrialization, technological innovation, and vibrant pop culture, including K-pop and Korean cinema.

40. Sri Lanka

  • Capital: Colombo (commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (official)
  • Population: Approximately 22 million
  • Language: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
  • Government: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic

Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, is known for its diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant cultural traditions. It has a complex history marked by colonialism and ethnic tensions.

41. Syria

  • Capital: Damascus
  • Population: Around 18 million (pre-war estimate)
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Syrian pound (SYP)
  • Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic (de facto)

Syria, located in Western Asia, has been devastated by a prolonged civil war since 2011. It has a rich cultural heritage, including ancient cities such as Damascus and Aleppo, but faces immense challenges in rebuilding and reconciliation.

42. Taiwan *

  • Capital: Taipei
  • Population: Approximately 23 million
  • Language: Mandarin
  • Currency: New Taiwan dollar (TWD)
  • Government: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic (de facto)

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is an island nation in East Asia known for its high-tech industry, democratic governance, and vibrant cultural scene. It has a complex relationship with mainland China. According to United Nations, Taiwan is a part of China.

43. Tajikistan

  • Capital: Dushanbe
  • Population: Around 9.5 million
  • Language: Tajik
  • Currency: Tajikistani somoni (TJS)
  • Government: Unitary presidential republic

Tajikistan, a mountainous country in Central Asia, is known for its stunning scenery, ancient cities, and Persian-influenced culture. It has faced challenges such as political instability and economic development.

44. Thailand

  • Capital: Bangkok
  • Population: Approximately 69 million
  • Language: Thai
  • Currency: Thai baht (THB)
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and bustling cities. It attracts millions of tourists each year and has a diverse economy driven by tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.

45. Turkey

  • Capital: Ankara
  • Population: Over 82 million
  • Language: Turkish
  • Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
  • Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Turkey, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is known for its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, ancient historical sites, and diverse landscapes ranging from beaches to mountains.

46. Turkmenistan

  • Capital: Ashgabat
  • Population: Approximately 6 million
  • Language: Turkmen
  • Currency: Turkmenistan manat (TMT)
  • Government: Unitary presidential republic

Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia, is known for its vast deserts, ancient Silk Road cities, and authoritarian government. It has significant natural gas reserves and is focused on developing its energy sector.

47. United Arab Emirates

  • Capital: Abu Dhabi
  • Population: Over 9 million
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: UAE dirham (AED)
  • Government: Federal absolute monarchy

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its modern cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, luxurious lifestyle, and thriving economy fueled by oil and tourism.

48. Uzbekistan

  • Capital: Tashkent
  • Population: Around 34 million
  • Language: Uzbek
  • Currency: Uzbekistani som (UZS)
  • Government: Unitary presidential republic

Uzbekistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, is known for its ancient cities along the Silk Road, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to mountains. It is undergoing economic reforms to attract investment and promote growth.

49. Vietnam

  • Capital: Hanoi
  • Population: Approximately 97 million
  • Language: Vietnamese
  • Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
  • Government: Unitary Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist republic

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and resilient people. It has experienced rapid economic growth in recent decades and is a popular destination for tourists and investors alike.

50. Yemen

  • Capital: Sana’a (administrative), Aden (temporary)
  • Population: Around 29 million
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Yemeni rial (YER)
  • Government: Unitary provisional presidential republic

Yemen, situated in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its ancient history, cultural heritage, and ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by conflict and political instability.

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