Surprising Asia: Unknown facts about the largest continent

It is common knowledge that Asia is the largest and the most populous continent on earth. It is also home to diverse cultures and some of the oldest civilizations known to man. The Asian continent serves as a gateway to a whole new world with its massive geographical reach, rich biodiversity, and its multifaceted economic system. One cannot treat Asia as a single entity for this very reason. Here are some interesting facts that make Asia truly unique. 

Home to 60% of the world’s total population 
The Asian continent is home to 4.64 billion people which accounts for more than 60% of the world’s population, with just two countries, China and India covering 2.6 billion people. 

The continent of varied landscape 
The highest point, Mount Everest, and the lowest point, The Dead Sea on the surface of the earth come under Asia. Asia also has the longest coastline of any continent. 

Large shopping hubs 
Springing up all around Asia, eight of the world’s ten largest shopping malls are located in this continent including the Golden Resources Shopping Mall, Central World Mall, The Dubai Mall, 1 Utama Shopping Center, SM City North EDSA Mall, SM Megamall, Persian Gulf Complex, and the Mid Valley Megamall. 

The highest number of billionaires in the world 
Asia-Pacific accounts for the highest number of ultra-high net worth individuals residing in one region. Asia retains the position of “the engine of wealth growth”, according to a report by the 150-year-old financial analysis house UBS Global Wealth Management. 

Highest average IQ 
Asia tops the list with the highest average IQ rankings found in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.  

World’s largest mountain cave  
The largest cave in the world based on volume is the Son Doong cave located in central Vietnam, Asia. It is found in the Phong Nha-Ke National Park having numerous chambers large enough to fit a city block of New York. 

Tallest buildings  
The world’s tallest buildings including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai along with others like the Shanghai Tower, Tokyo Sky tree and, Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower belong to the Asian continent. 

Origin of tea culture 
The most widely consumed beverage, tea is especially popular in East and Southeast Asia. The tea ceremonies in Japan and China are phenomenal. The aesthetics of making tea are valuable to determine the social status of people in these Asian cultures and considered a way to better oneself.