Asia is a continent of extremes and wonders — home to the world’s highest mountain (Mount Everest) and lowest land point (the Dead Sea), the most populous countries (China and India), and the largest democracy.

It’s where ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and Imperial China flourished, giving birth to some of humanity’s oldest religions and philosophies — from Buddhism and Hinduism to Islam, Judaism, and Confucianism. Stretching from the icy tundras of Siberia to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, the continent holds more than 2,000 languages and countless ethnic groups, traditions, and cuisines. Whether it’s Japan’s futuristic cities, India’s colorful festivals, the Middle East’s vast deserts, or the vibrant street markets of Bangkok, Asia offers a living tapestry of past and future woven together in a way no other continent does.

Three Special Cases in Asia: Cyprus, Palestine, and Taiwan

While most Asian countries have clearly defined borders and international recognition, a few territories hold unique political or geographic statuses that are often misunderstood or debated. Let’s explore three such important cases:

Cyprus

• Geographic Location: Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean, just south of Turkey and west of the Levant (Middle East).
• Geopolitical Identity: Though geographically in Asia, Cyprus is often politically and culturally associated with Europe.
• European Union Membership: Cyprus became a member of the EU in 2004, and it uses the euro as its currency.
• Division of the Island: Since 1974, Cyprus has been divided into two parts: The Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized, Greek Cypriot majority) The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (only recognized by Turkey) The UN maintains a buffer zone between the two regions.

Palestine

• Geographic Location: Located in the Middle East, within the region known as the Levant.
• Political Status: Palestine is recognized by over 135 countries and has non-member observer state status in the United Nations.
• Territories: Includes the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip.
• Ongoing Conflict: Its statehood is disputed by Israel, and there has been a long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict over land, sovereignty, and political control.
• Governance: The West Bank is administered by the Palestinian Authority, while Hamas controls the Gaza Strip.

Taiwan

• Geographic Location: An island located off the southeastern coast of China, in East Asia.
• Political Status: Taiwan is self-governed, with its own democratic government, constitution, military, and economy.
• Disputed Sovereignty: The People’s Republic of China (PRC) claims Taiwan as a province, but Taiwan considers itself a separate country.
• International Recognition: Only a few nations officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, but many maintain informal diplomatic and trade relations.
• Global Role: Taiwan is a major global player in technology and manufacturing, especially in semiconductors.