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How many countries are there in Asia?
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A map of the continent of Asia, including its countries, boundaries, and capital cities, as well as parts of Europe, Africa, and surrounding oceans.
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How many countries are there in Asia?

Written by
Ethan Teekah
Ethan Teekah is an Associate Editor at EncyclopĂŠdia Britannica, where he leads coverage of Asia.
Ethan Teekah
Fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
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A map of the continent of Asia, including its countries, boundaries, and capital cities, as well as parts of Europe, Africa, and surrounding oceans.
AsiaMap showing the countries and national capitals of Asia.
Top Questions

How many countries are there in Asia according to the United Nations?

What are some countries that straddle the boundary between Europe and Asia?

What are the five subregions of Asia?

Asia is the world’s largest and most populous continent. The number of countries in Asia varies depending on how geographic boundaries and political status are defined. Some states—including Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia—straddle the conventional boundary between Europe and Asia. Russia, the world’s largest country, extends across both continents, with most of its territory in Asia but the majority of its population in Europe. Differences in political recognition also affect the count: Palestine is recognized as a state by the United Nations but is not a full member, while Taiwan is self-governing but claimed by China. Based on United Nations statistical classifications, Asia includes 48 countries when Palestine is counted; the total rises to 49 if Russia is included and to 50 if Taiwan is also treated as an independent country. The countries of Asia are commonly grouped into five subregions—East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Western Asia (the Middle East)—as outlined below.

East Asia

South Asia

Southeast Asia

Central Asia

Western Asia (the Middle East)

Ethan Teekah