Asia, the world’s largest and most populous continent, is a tapestry of history, cultures, and natural wonders. While many people are familiar with the Great Wall of China or the tech advancements in Japan, Asia’s diversity goes far beyond the popular narratives. Here are 10 surprising facts that will give you a newfound appreciation for this vibrant continent.
1. A City with No Ground Floor
In the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, you’ll find a building complex called the Baitur Rauf Jame Mosque. What’s striking about this structure is that it doesn’t have a ground floor. The entire ground level is a public space, encouraging community gatherings and fostering a sense of inclusivity.
2. The World’s Busiest Train Station
Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station holds the Guinness World Record for the busiest train station, with over 3.6 million people passing through it every single day. That’s roughly equivalent to the entire population of Los Angeles using one train station daily!
3. Mongolian Script
Many people might assume that Mongolia uses Cyrillic or Chinese characters, but the country has its own script that dates back to the 12th century. This script is a unique form of writing used exclusively in Mongolia and is even taught in schools.
4. Korea’s Unique Age-Counting System
In South Korea, a newborn is considered to be one year old at birth. Additionally, everyone gets a year older on New Year’s Day, not on their individual birthday. This unique age-counting system, called “Korean age,” can sometimes make a Korean two years older than their international age!
5. The World’s First University
Contrary to popular belief, the world’s first university was not in Europe. The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD in Fez, Morocco, is often cited as the oldest, but the Nalanda University in Bihar, India predates it by several centuries. It functioned from the 5th to the 13th centuries before being destroyed.
6. Thailand’s Name Change
Before 1949, Thailand was known as Siam. The country’s name was changed to better reflect its culture and to promote unity among its diverse population. It’s also the only Southeast Asian country never to have been colonized by a European power.
7. The Tunnel of Love in Japan: Where Romance Meets Railways
Japan is renowned for its advanced railway system, but one particular tunnel takes the idea of a “love train” quite literally. Located in Kinugawa, a scenic town known for its hot springs, there’s a tunnel that has become something of a modern love shrine. Here’s the kicker: the tunnel is considered a “power spot,” a place believed to radiate spiritual energy. Couples from all over visit this tunnel to make wishes for an everlasting bond, eternal love, and even marriage.
What makes the tunnel even more enchanting are the lights that glow within it. As the train passes through, the lighting creates an otherworldly ambiance, often accompanied by soft music. It’s no surprise that this tunnel has become a popular location for wedding proposals, providing an unforgettable backdrop for a life-changing question.
8. Bhutan’s Revolutionary Metric: Gross National Happiness Over GDP
Bhutan offers a breath of fresh air in a world where success is frequently connected with financial gain. Bhutan utilises a far more comprehensive method known as Gross National Happiness (GNH) to evaluate its achievements as opposed to using Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This distinctive metric, which was first used in the 1970s, is built on nine pillars that include a variety of quality-of-life measures, including psychological well-being, physical health, communal vitality, and ecological diversity.
GNH is intriguing because it questions accepted beliefs about a country’s success. In Bhutan, a nation tucked away in the Himalayas, decisions are made based on how likely they are to make people happier and more content. Bhutanese culture and the environment are preserved through sustainable and equitable economic endeavours. International interest in the GNH index has prompted other countries to look at more comprehensive metrics for measuring societal achievement and health.
9. Indonesia’s Astonishing Biodiversity
Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands and is considered the most biodiverse marine region in the world. With over 2,000 species of fish and 600 species of coral, the Coral Triangle in Indonesia is a diver’s paradise.
10. The Legend of the Vietnamese People
Vietnamese folklore states that the Vietnamese people are the descendants of a dragon and a fairy. According to the myth, a dragon from the South Sea fell in love with a fairy from the mountains. They had 100 children, and those children became the Vietnamese people.
Conclusion
Asia is a land of startling contrasts, ancient traditions, and modern marvels. These surprising facts give us a glimpse into the depth and diversity that characterize this vast continent. From unique cultural practices to awe-inspiring natural wonders, Asia continues to capture the imagination and beckon explorers to its myriad of mysteries. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, these facts surely give you a fresh perspective on a continent that never ceases to amaze.
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