Farming, especially rural farming, will depend on the natural conditions of the territory. And the conditions of Asia are characterized by great diversity and contrasts. The highest mountain ranges with steep slopes are adjacent to lowlands and the monotony of their flat topography. Great contrasts are also typical for the climate, especially for humidification. Low-lying areas are well supplied with moisture because they are located in the monsoon climate region - this is the eastern and southern part of the region.

The western part of Foreign Asia lies in the Mediterranean climate region. $90\%$ of all arable land is concentrated in these parts of Asia. The central and southwestern parts are arid. The Asian part of the world lies in several climatic zones. The south of the territory lies in tropical latitudes and receives a total solar radiation$2$ times more than the northern regions. Summer and winter temperatures on the islands of Indonesia are almost the same, average temperature January +$25$ degrees, and the north of Manchuria, for example, has a January temperature of -$24$, -$28$ degrees. And the frosts there last longer. Significant climatic differences are also characteristic of mountainous regions and even within the mountainous territories themselves. This is due to the height of the mountains, their position, and the exposure of the slopes. Atmospheric circulation has a very clear effect on the climate of East and South Asia; the seasonal change of air masses is clearly expressed there.

Finished works on a similar topic

• Coursework 480 rub.
• Essay Natural conditions and resources of Foreign Asia 280 rub.
• Test Natural conditions and resources of Foreign Asia 210 rub.

The winter in these areas is characterized by the winter monsoon, and in the summer there is a summer monsoon. All of East Asia, Hindustan and Indochina are located in the monsoon circulation zone, where annual precipitation can reach $2000 mm per year. Associated with the winter monsoon are cold continental air masses, which cause cooling in East Asia and partly in the tropics of Northern Indochina.

In the southern part of Asia, winter cold snaps do not occur, because the territory is under the influence of the Indian monsoon, which has smaller pressure gradients. On the other hand, India is closed in the north by the highest mountain ranges from cold air masses Central Asia. The interior regions of Asia, located at high altitudes and surrounded by mountains, have a sharply continental climate.

In winter, the Asian anticyclone dominates here and a harsh and long winter sets in. At low temperatures, the soil freezes deeply, which leads to the formation of areas of permafrost. IN summer period the territory warms up well and an area of ​​low atmospheric pressure forms. Hot and dry weather persists. There is very little precipitation; high mountain ranges prevent their penetration. In closed basins only up to $50$ mm falls. But this inland region also has its own internal climatic differences. The reason for this is the different availability of thermal resources and thermal conditions.

An exceptionally hot region is Southwest Asia. She gets the most a large number of solar radiation, therefore it is the driest part of the continent. Deserts and semi-deserts are common here.

Note 1

For the development of agriculture, a significant part of Foreign Asia has unfavorable climatic conditions. The equatorial regions are heavily humidified, and the vast plateaus and plains of Southwestern and Central Asia are too dry. Agriculture in these areas is possible only with land reclamation.

The location of agricultural production, the composition of cultivated plants, features of farming techniques, and crop productivity largely depend on climatic conditions. The level of agricultural development in the countries of Foreign Asia is relatively low, so crop yields are highly dependent on weather conditions. Based on climatic characteristics, several agroclimatic regions are distinguished in foreign Asia.

Mineral resources of Foreign Asia

The surface of Foreign Asia is represented by vast mountainous areas and lowlands, the areas of which are small. Low-lying areas are located along the outskirts of Asia - these are the eastern and southern coasts. The relief and the main tectonic areas are associated with mineral deposits, in which the subsoil of Foreign Asia is rich. Asia occupies a leading place in the world in terms of reserves of fuel and energy raw materials.

These are, first of all, huge deposits of coal, oil and gas. The subsoil of this part of the world contains the world's reserves of tin, antimony, mercury, graphite, sulfur, muscovite, zirconium, phosphate raw materials, potassium salts, chromites, and tungsten. True, with geographical point However, these resources are distributed unevenly. Coal, iron and manganese ores, and non-metallic minerals were formed within the Chinese and Hindustan platforms. There is a copper belt along the Pacific coast. In the Alpine-Himalayan folded region, ores are predominant.

The decisive role in the international geographical division of labor in Asia is played by oil and gas reserves, which are the main wealth of the region. The main hydrocarbon deposits are concentrated in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and the UAE. Large oil fields have been discovered in the countries of the Malay Archipelago - Indonesia, Malaysia. There is oil and gas in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The Dead Sea is famous large reserves salts, and the Iranian plateau – sulfur and non-ferrous metals.

Of all Asian countries, the greatest diversity and mineral reserves are concentrated in the following countries:

1. India;
2. Indonesia;
3. Iran;
4. Kazakhstan;
5. Türkiye;
6. Saudi Arabia.

Note 2

Those mineral deposits that are well known today do not reflect the true picture of the wealth of the subsoil of this region. Ongoing exploration work is discovering new deposits of mineral raw materials. Shelf zones are becoming promising for hydrocarbon production, providing the mining industry with new opportunities.

Different subregions of Asia have their own set of mineral resources.

Western Asia. Here, first of all, the largest oil and gas fields are concentrated, in terms of reserves of which Western Asia is a leader among other regions of the world. According to 1980 data, in this area there are $43 billion tons of oil and more than $20 trillion. cube m of gas. Coal reserves amount to more than $23 billion tons. Ferrous metal ore reserves amount to $14 billion tons and are located in Turkey and Iraq. Reserves of titanium ores in Saudi Arabia and chrome ores in Turkey and Iran, Afghanistan and Oman. Non-metallic building materials are represented by gypsum, the reserves of which amount to $3 billion tons. In some countries of the region there are deposits of precious and semi-precious stones, for example, Iranian turquoise, Afghan lapis lazuli, ruby, emerald, rock crystal, aquamarine, marble onyx.

South Asia. It holds a leading position in reserves of muscovite, barite, titanium, pyrite, beryl, graphite, iron and manganese ores. This part also has significant reserves of oil and gas, as well as gold, copper, nickel, and tungsten ores. The most important energy raw material for South Asia is coal, the reserves of which are estimated at $115 billion tons. General reserves iron ores amount to more than $13.5 billion tons. They are concentrated in India and Pakistan. There are small reserves in Sri Lanka and Nepal. Manganese ores have been mined in India for a long time. There are aluminum and nickel ores in this region. About $30\%$ of the total reserves of mining and chemical raw materials are located here - India, Pakistan, Nepal. Non-metallic raw materials are represented by Indian asbestos - India, gypsum - Pakistan, graphite - Sri Lanka. There are quartz, construction sands, dolomites, limestone and marble. Precious stones are found only in India - diamonds.

Southeast Asia. The region ranks 1st in the world in terms of tin reserves and has significant reserves of nickel, cobalt, tungsten, copper, antimony, and barite. In addition, there are oil, gas, bauxite, chromite and other mineral resources. Exploration work for hydrocarbons is carried out on the continental shelf. Of the $36 potential pools, $25 belongs to Indonesia. There are coals in both Indonesia and Vietnam. Ore minerals, the reserves of which amount to more than $1271 million tons, are found in Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kampuchea. Among the ores of non-ferrous metals, aluminum and copper ores are known - Indonesia, Vietnam, Kampuchea.

Other types of resources in Overseas Asia

Foreign Asia is rich in its superficial water, but water resources are distributed unevenly across the territory, and the supply decreases from the southeast to the northwest. Water resources are used, usually for irrigation, which helps solve problems associated with drought, soil salinity and wind erosion. In India, for example, $95\%$ of consumed fresh water goes for irrigation. Mountain rivers contain colossal reserves of hydroelectric energy, which is best provided in the humid tropics. Due to the economic backwardness of mountainous areas, the hydropotential of rivers is poorly used. For example, the hydro potential of the rivers of India and Pakistan is used by approximately $10\%$. Large Asian rivers have basins covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. They are among the most important types of natural resources.

Another type of resource is soil. The huge size, varied topography and climate were the conditions for the formation of a complex soil cover. In the temperate climate zone, podzolic, sulfur and brown forest soils were formed. In the steppe regions there are chernozem-like and chestnut soils. In the Mediterranean subtropics, brown soils are dominant, and in monsoon regions, yellow soils and red soils are dominant. Peculiar tropical soils - regur or black soils - formed on the Hindustan Peninsula.

If speak about forest resources, then Foreign Asia is not rich in them. Per capita forest resources account for only $0.3$ hectares, and the world average is $1.2$ hectares per person. Low security forest resources typical for India, Pakistan, Lebanon, Singapore. The southeast of the region is best provided with forest resources. Here, the areas of forest resources are not only large, but also accessible, which threatens their existence.

Recreational The region's resources began to be studied and used only in the second half of the 20th century. Attractive for tourists are the warm seas of South-West Asia - Turkey and Southeast Asia - Thailand, Malaysia.

The natural conditions of Asia directly influence the location of agriculture, and all other areas of industry. Variety and contrast - characteristic features For natural features of this territory. Steep slopes high mountain ranges give way to the flat terrain of lowlands. Climatic conditions are also varied, especially the degree of moisture fluctuates. The lower parts are provided with sufficient moisture, as they are characterized by a monsoon climate. This includes the southern and eastern parts of Foreign Asia.

The Mediterranean climate reigns in western Asia. Arable lands occupy 90% of the entire territory. The southwestern and central parts are arid. Asia is characterized by several climate zones. The southern territory is located in the tropics and receives twice as much solar radiation as the north. Temperature regimes in summer and winter are almost the same in Indonesia. In January it is +25 degrees in this area, and in the north of Manchuria -28 degrees. Frosts are quite long. Differences in climate are also characteristic of the mountains. This is due to the height of the mountainous regions, their geographical location and slope exposure. Atmospheric pressure circulation directly affects the climatic conditions of South and East Asia. These areas are characterized by changes in air masses every season.

In summer there is a summer monsoon, and in winter there is a winter monsoon. Hindustan, East Asia, and Indochina are located directly in the monsoon circulation zone. The annual rainfall here can be about 2,000 mm. The winter monsoon influences cold continental air masses, which brings with it cooling throughout almost the entire territory.

But in the southern part of Asia there are no cold snaps, since this territory is characterized by the Indian monsoon with lower pressure gradients. Also, India in the north is closed by high mountain ranges and this protects it from the cold masses of Central Asia. A continental climate prevails in the interior regions of Asia, which are located in the mountains at high altitudes.

The Asian cyclone occurs in winter. With its arrival, a long winter with severe frosts reigns. Low temperature conditions promote freezing of the soil and, as a result, areas of permafrost are formed. In summer, the entire area is well heated by the sun and an area with low atmospheric pressure. The weather is dry and hot. There is practically no precipitation during this period due to the highest mountain ranges. Only 50 mm of them can fall out in closed basins. Differences in the availability of heat resources and thermal regimes are the cause of internal climatic differences.

Southwest Asia is considered an exceptionally hot region. This is facilitated by the amount of solar radiation. This territory is the driest, with deserts and semi-deserts.

Foreign Asia does not have favorable climate conditions for the development of agriculture. The highly humid regions are the equatorial regions, and the dry regions are the plains and plateaus of Central and South-West Asia. Only land reclamation can contribute to agriculture.

The composition of cultivated plants, farming techniques, harvest, productivity, and location of production directly depend on the climate. In general, farm development is relatively low, as is productivity. Based on weather conditions and climate, several agroclimatic regions are distinguished in the territory.

Mineral resources of Foreign Asia

The surface is represented mainly by mountainous areas, and lowlands occupy a very small percentage of the total area. They are located on the southern and eastern coasts. Landforms and tectonic areas form fossil deposits. There are a sufficient number of them located in Asia. Its leadership position belongs to its reserves of fuel and energy raw materials.

There are deposits of gas, oil and coal here. The subsoil of Foreign Asia contains significant reserves of antimony, sulfur, zirconium, tin, potassium salts, tungsten, chromite, graphite, mercury, and phosphorus raw materials. But they are distributed unevenly across the territory. The Chinese and Hindustan platforms are rich in coal, iron and manganese ore, and non-metallic minerals. The Pacific coast has rich copper deposits. Ore reserves predominate in the Alpine-Himalayan regions.

Gas and oil reserves are the main wealth of this part of the world, which determines the territory's role in the international geographical division of labor. The main hydrocarbon deposits are concentrated in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, and the UAE. If we take into account oil, its deposits have been discovered in Indonesia, Malaysia, that is, in the countries of the Malay Archipelago itself. There is also gas and oil in sufficient quantities in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Salt reserves are found in the Dead Sea, and sulfur and non-ferrous metals are found in the Iranian Plateau.

Asian countries have vastly different mineral reserves. The greatest variety of deposits is concentrated in such states as:

• Kazakhstan;
• Iran;
• Indonesia;
• Saudi Arabia;
• India.

The true picture of the mineral wealth of this territory is not reflected by its known deposits. The search for new deposits is constantly underway and new deposits of direct mineral raw materials are being found. Offshore zones are becoming increasingly promising for hydrocarbon production, providing new opportunities for the mining industry.

Each Asian subregion has its own characteristic set of fossils

Western Asia. Oil and gas fields are concentrated in this area. Such reserves make West Asia the world leader among other regions. If we take into account the data of 1980, then 43 billion tons of oil and about 20 trillion cubic meters of gas were produced here. Coal reserves - 23 billion tons. It is also worth noting that 14 billion tons of ferrous metal ores are concentrated in Iraq and Turkey. As for titanium and chrome ores, the largest reserves are found in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Oman and Afghanistan. Gypsum, as a non-metallic building material, is available in the amount of 3 billion tons. There are also deposits of ornamental and precious stones, such as: Afghan lapis lazuli, aquamarine, emerald, Iranian turquoise, marble onyx, rock crystal, ruby.

South Asia. This territory occupies a leading place in terms of reserves of pyrite, titanium, muscovite, barite, graphite, beryl, manganese and iron ores. In addition, there are deposits of gold, gas, oil, nickel, copper and tungsten ores. Coal, that is, its reserves, is estimated at 115 billion tons and is the main energy raw material for all of Asia. Iron ores amount to 13.5 billion tons and are found in Pakistan and India. Less significant reserves are concentrated in Nepal and Sri Lanka. And India is known for its good reserves of manganese, aluminum and nickel ores. About 30% of mining chemical raw materials are located in Nepal, Pakistan, and India. Indian asbestos contains reserves of non-metallic minerals. Gypsum is concentrated in Pakistan, graphite in Sri Lanka, and precious stones (diamonds) in India. There are also deposits of construction sands, limestone, quartz sands, marble, and dolomite.

Southeast Asia. Tin makes this area number one worldwide. It is necessary to note the subsoil: nickel, antimony, cobalt, barite, copper, tungsten, bauxite, oil, gas, chromite. A variety of mineral resources are distributed throughout the territory. Work is underway to search for hydrocarbons on the continental shelf. There are a total of 36 promising basins, of which 25 are concentrated in Indonesia. Vietnam and Indonesia are known for their coal deposits. There are many ore deposits in Indonesia, Burma, Kampuchea, and the Philippines. Their size is 1271 million tons. Aluminum and copper ores are located in Kampuchea, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Other types of resources in Overseas Asia

This part of the world is also rich in surface water resources, but they are unevenly distributed. The water supply becomes less from the southeast directly to the northwest. These resources are used mainly for irrigation, which combats drought, wind erosion and soil salinity. 95% of fresh water in India is used for irrigation. The humid tropics are provided with a large level of hydroelectric energy, which is contained in mountain rivers. But, unfortunately, the hydropotential of mountain water resources is used in insufficient quantities due to the economic backwardness of areas in the mountains. For example, only 10% of this potential is used in Pakistan and India. It is also worth mentioning large Asian rivers. They are important natural resources and form water basins that occupy hundreds of thousands of square kilometers.

Soils are also considered an important resource. Climatic conditions, big square, varied topography made it possible to form a complex soil cover. The temperate climate zone contributed to the creation of podzolic, gray, brown forest soils. Steppe regions are characterized by chestnut and chernozem-like soils, Mediterranean - by brown, monsoon - by red and yellow soils. There is also a special soil cover - regur and black soils, which are located in tropical latitudes. Such species are formed on the Hindustan Peninsula.

Foreign Asia is not famous for its forest resources and has them in scanty quantities. If we take into account the calculation, then there is only 0.3 hectares per inhabitant. The world average is 1.2 hectares per person. This feature is typical for Pakistan, India, Lebanon and Singapore. But the southeastern part is more or less provided with forest resources. In this area, forest areas are accessible and large. These forest areas are under threat of existence.

To date recreational resources have not yet been sufficiently researched. It was only at the end of the twentieth century that they began to be used and studied. Tourists are directly attracted by the comfortable climatic conditions and sea coasts of Turkey (South-West Asia) and Malaysia, Thailand (South-East Asia).

South-West Asia includes Transcaucasia, the Near and Middle East, has an area of ​​7 million km2 and a population (as of 2013) of 361 million people.

South-West Asia is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean, Red Seas and the Persian Gulf. Access to the World Ocean may in the future change the economic and geographical position of countries such as Armenia, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan. The largest countries in the region in terms of area and population are Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and the smallest are Bahrain, Cyprus and Qatar.

Relatively developed states in the region include Israel, Cyprus, Turkey, etc., and backward ones include Yemen and Afghanistan.

The economies of many Gulf countries are focused on oil production and export.

Natural conditions and resources. Southwest Asia is a region with diverse natural conditions and resources.

Some states - Iran, Afghanistan, Türkiye and Armenia - are predominantly mountainous countries. Most of Southwest Asia is dominated by a sharply continental and arid climate. The widespread occurrence of mountains and deserts hinders the development of industry and agriculture. The exception is the Mesopotamian lowland, where irrigated agriculture is widely developed.

The subsoil of South-West Asia is rich in chromium (Turkey), polymetals (Iran and Turkey), phosphorites and potassium salts (Israel and Jordan). However, the main wealth of the region is oil. Oil fields are concentrated in areas adjacent to the Persian Gulf and account for 2/3 of the world's oil reserves.

In terms of oil reserves, the top five countries in the world include: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Oil production and export determine the place and role of South-West Asia in the world economy. At the same time, the region is experiencing an acute shortage of water and land resources.

Population. High rates of natural growth (25-30 ppm), with the exception of Georgia, Armenia, Israel and Cyprus, are characteristic of South-West Asia. Iran, Turkey and Iraq account for more than half of the population of Southwest Asia. The average population density is 52 people/sq. km. However, due to uneven settlement, some areas are characterized by higher population density, while others have lower population density. The population is mainly concentrated in the coastal zone, in intermountain valleys and oases, where the population density reaches 50-100 people/km2. In mountains and deserts, the population density is 1-10 people/sq. km.

The population is mostly sedentary, except in the deserts of Arabia, Iran and Afghanistan, where millions of people are nomads.

The urbanization level of Southwest Asia is 70%. In some countries, the urban population does not exceed 50-55%. In Israel, as well as in countries with hot and dry climates - Yemen, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, the urban population is 91-98%.

In South-West Asia there are both mono-national (most Arab countries) and multi-national states (Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey).

The population of South-West Asia is represented by Arabs, Iranians, Turks, Jews, etc.

In South-West Asia you can find states with different structures, from a theocratic absolute monarchy (Saudi Arabia) to a democratic republic (Turkey). Countries with a constitutional monarchy are Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait.

In the United Arab Emirates, a federal-monarchical leadership is elected every five years.

Economy, transport and internal differences

Most countries in South-West Asia belong to the category of agrarian-industrial states. Meanwhile, according to the level economic development individual states of South-West Asia differ sharply from each other. Countries such as Israel, Türkiye and Cyprus are characterized by high level development and diversified industry. Other countries, and primarily the countries of the Persian Gulf, are characterized by one-sided development, focused on the production and export of oil and petroleum products. To be fair, it should be noted that a number of countries, namely Iran, in last years are making efforts to create a diversified and modern industry. The third group of countries (Afghanistan and Yemen) lag significantly behind their regional neighbors in economic development.
Industry. Most countries in South-West Asia are distinguished by their oil production and oil refining industries. The role of oil and the oil refining industry in the economies of the Gulf countries can be judged by the following indicators. Annual oil production averages 0.6 tons per capita, and in the Persian Gulf countries (where annual oil production as of 2012 is 1,150 million tons) - 3,300 tons of oil per capita. Naturally, most of the oil produced in the Persian Gulf countries is exported, primarily to Western European countries, Japan and the USA.
Large oil refineries, which process 500 million tons of oil, or 45%, were built in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Iraq.
Oil fields and refineries in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates employ people from East Africa and South Asia. About 90-95% of oil produced in the Persian Gulf area is exported.
The manufacturing industry is developed in Turkey, Israel, Iran and the Transcaucasian republics. Along with the light and food industries, heavy industries are also developing in the above-mentioned countries. For example, the metallurgical industry developed in Turkey, Georgia and Iran; mechanical engineering - in Turkey and Israel; chemical industry- in Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran. The petrochemical and fuel and energy industries are developing rapidly in the Gulf countries. Light and food industries are developed almost everywhere.
The light industry of South-West Asia is represented mainly by textile, leather and footwear, as well as knitwear industries. Iran, Turkey and the Transcaucasian republics supply handicraft products to the world market: carpets, artistic metal products, etc.
Agriculture is developed everywhere and occupies an important place in the economy of the countries of South-West Asia. However, a number of these countries do not provide themselves with food due to water shortages, as a result of which they are forced to import food from abroad.

Israel has achieved good results in agricultural production, being one of the first to cultivate the drip irrigation method. Israel not only provides itself with food, but also exports it, in particular, to Western Europe. Desalination is practiced sea ​​water(Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia).
Agriculture is mainly developed in Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus and the Transcaucasian republics, and livestock farming is developed in Arab countries, most of whose territory is occupied by deserts and semi-deserts.
In South-West Asia, mainly cereal crops (wheat, oats, rice, corn, millet) are cultivated in Turkey, Iran, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Industrial crops (cotton, sunflower, etc.) are cultivated mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Iran, sugar beets - in Turkey and the Transcaucasian republics.
Transport. The low level of industrial development explains the low level of the transport system in South-West Asia. Rail transport is developed mainly in Turkey, Iran and the Transcaucasian republics and is practically absent in Afghanistan and a number of Arab states. Road transport is developed in Turkey, the Mediterranean and the Transcaucasian republics. Sea transport developed only in Turkey.
Internal differences. Based on the level of economic development, the countries of South-West Asia are divided into diversified and highly specialized countries.
A diversified economy is characteristic of Turkey, Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Cyprus, the Transcaucasian republics and partly Syria. The manufacturing industry is relatively well developed in the countries mentioned. Accordingly, these countries have achieved good results in agricultural production and in the development of transport.
In each of the countries of South-West Asia, along with relatively developed areas, there are areas with low level economic development.

A. Kayumov, I. Safarov, M. Tillabaeva "Economic and social geography of the world" Tashkent - "Uzbekistan" - 2014

Foreign Asia is the largest region in the world in terms of population and area, and has retained its primacy since the ancient times of the birth of the first civilizations. The total area of ​​Foreign Asia reaches 27.5 million km2. The region includes 40 sovereign states, many of which belong to the group of developing countries.

All countries of Foreign Asia are quite large in area, two of them, China and India, have the status of giant countries. The borders that separate the states of Foreign Asia are established according to natural and historical boundaries.

The political structure of states is very diverse: in Japan, Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Jordan, there are constitutional monarchies; in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, absolute monarchical regimes have been preserved, all other states have a republican form of government.

Natural conditions and resources

Foreign Asia has a fairly uniform tectonic structure and topography. The region has the largest range of altitudes on the planet: mountain ensembles are combined with vast plains. The territory of Asia is located on the Precambrian platform, some areas on the Cenozoic folding.

Due to this geographical location, the states of Foreign Asia have many natural mineral resources. Rich reserves of coal, manganese and iron ores and other minerals are concentrated within the Hindustan and Chinese platforms.

The main wealth of the region is the gas and oil basins, which are located in most states of South-West Asia. The agroclimatic characteristics of Asia hinder the establishment of agricultural activities.

Population

The population of Foreign Asia is more than 3 billion people. Many states are experiencing a process of so-called “demographic explosion”. Government policy in many countries is aimed at reducing the birth rate; in China and Japan, large families are forced to pay special taxes.

The ethnic composition of Foreign Asia is diverse: representatives of more than 1 thousand ethnic groups and nationalities live here, the most numerous peoples being the Chinese, Bengalis, Hindustanis and Japanese. Only Iran and Afghanistan are among the mononational countries.

The peoples of Asia belong to 15 language families There is no such linguistic diversity in any region of the world. Foreign Asia is the cradle of all world religions; Christianity, Islam and Buddhism were born here. Shintoism, Confucianism and Taoism also occupy a leading place in the region.

Economy of Foreign Asia

In the last decade, the role of the countries of Foreign Asia in the world economy has increased significantly. The level of economic development here is more contrasting than in any other region of the world. Absolute leadership in industrial development belongs to Japan.

This is the only state in Foreign Asia that is part of the G7. Also among the industrialized countries are China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. The economy of the Gulf states is focused primarily on the oil industry.

Mining and metallurgy are well developed in Mongolia, Jordan, Vietnam and Afghanistan. In most countries, the main share of EAN is engaged in agricultural production. The most popular plant crops are rice, tea, wheat and millet.

Diversity rocks and minerals of Asia is due to the specific tectonic structure of the continent of this part of the world. There are mountain ranges, highlands and plains. It also includes peninsulas and island archipelagos. Here, a conditional division into three regions is accepted: Western, South and Southeast Asia in geographical, economic and cultural terms. Also, according to this principle, the main provinces, basins and mineral deposits can be zoned.

Metal fossils

The most abundant group of Asian resources are metals. Iron ores are common here, mined in Northeast China and the Hindustan Peninsula. There are deposits of non-ferrous metals on the east coast.

The largest deposits of these ores are located in Siberia and the Caucasus Mountains. Western Asia has reserves of metals such as uranium and iron, titanium and magnetites, tungsten and zinc, manganese and chromium ores, bauxite and copper ore, cobalt and molybdenum, and polymetallic ores. In South Asia, deposits of iron ores (hematite, quartzite, magnetite), chromium and titanium, tin and mercury, beryllium and nickel ores are widespread. In Southeast Asia, practically the same ore deposits are represented, just in different combinations. Among the rare metals, it is worth noting cesium, lithium, niobium, tantalum and niobate-rare earth ores. Their deposits are in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.

Non-metallic fossils

The main resource of the non-metallic group of minerals is salt. It is primarily mined in the Dead Sea. Construction minerals (clay, dolomite, shell rock, limestone, sand, marble) are mined in Asia. Raw materials for the mining and chemical industry are sulfates, pyrites, halites, fluorites, barites, sulfur, and phosphorites. Magnesites, gypsum, muscovites, alunites, kaolin, corundum, diatomite, and graphite are used in industry.

A large list of precious and semi-precious stones mined in Asia:

• turquoise;
• rubies;
• emeralds;
• crystal;
• agates;
• tourmalines;
• sapphires;
• onyx;
• aquamarines;
• diamonds;
• Moonstone;
• amethysts;
• grenades.

Fossil fuels

Among all parts of the world, Asia has the largest reserves of energy resources. More than 50% of the world's oil potential is located in Asia, where there are two largest oil and gas basins(V Western Siberia and the Persian Gulf region). A promising destination in the Bay of Bengal and the Malay Archipelago. The largest coal basins in Asia are located in Hindustan, Siberia, in the area of ​​the Chinese platform.