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Where is Asia?

Map of Asia
Image caption,
Map of Asia
  • Asia is the biggest continent in the world. It covers around a third of the land on Earth.
  • Asia is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north, Pacific Ocean to the east and the Indian Ocean to the south.
  • There are hot deserts in the Middle East and parts of northern Asia covered with ice.
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What is in Asia?

Yangtze River in Asia.
Image caption,
Yangtze River in Asia.
  • Mount Everest in the Himalayas is the highest mountain in the world.
  • The longest river in Asia is the Yangtze river in China.
  • China and India have the biggest populations in Asia, and of any country in the world.
  • According to the the biggest country by population in Asia is India.
  • The smallest island is the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
  • Earthquakes happen more often in East Asia than other parts of the world because it is near the Pacific Rim of Fire.
  • Big cities in Asia are Tokyo (in Japan), Jakarta (in Indonesia), Delhi and Mumbai (in India).
Yangtze River in Asia.
Image caption,
Yangtze River in Asia.
Mount Everest in Asia.
Image caption,
Mount Everest in Asia.
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Let's compare: Tokyo and London

  • Tokyo and London are both capital cities.
  • Tokyo is three times the size of London.
  • Traditional buildings in Tokyo were made from wood. More modern buildings are made from concrete, glass and steel.
  • London has the River Thames, while Tokyo has the River Sumida.
  • Tokyo can get much warmer in the summer than London. There can also be tropical storms called typhoons in Tokyo.
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What are children's lives like?

An earthquake drill in a school in Japan.
Image caption,
An earthquake drill in a school in Japan.
  • In India, China and Indonesia some children live in tall buildings. Others live in areas with small, low down homes too.
  • Children might play out on a balcony or in a park in Tokyo.
  • Some schools have earthquake drills just in case there is an emergency.
  • You can buy anything at any time of day or night in cities like Tokyo. There are markets and outside food stalls, just like in some parts of London.
  • Japan has lots of outdoor vending machines. Drinks are the most common item you can buy. You can also buy fresh fruit, things to cook with and comics.
An earthquake drill in a school in Japan.
Image caption,
An earthquake drill in a school in Japan.
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Activity 1: London and Tokyo

Tokyo from above.
Image caption,
City of Tokyo, Japan.

Watch the clip above again.

  • Make a list of the similarities and differences between Tokyo and London.
  • Name some of the human geographical features you see in the clip.
  • Use an atlas or online map to find London and Tokyo.
Tokyo from above.
Image caption,
City of Tokyo, Japan.
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Activity 2: Asia quiz

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