Asia

Asia is not only the largest continent in the world, occupying four—fifths of the Earth's landmass, but a geographical term that includes many island territories.

Asia has both the highest and lowest points on the Earth's surface, the longest coastline among all continents and, in general, is subject to the most extreme climatic conditions in the world.

The name "Asia" is ancient. Its origin was explained in different ways: the Greeks used it to refer to the lands located to the east of their homeland — the name is most likely derived from the Assyrian word "asu", meaning "east". According to other sources, this is the name given to the plains of Ephesus, which the ancient Greeks and Romans spread east from the Mediterranean Sea.