The countries of southwestern asia are rich in deposits. Economic and social geography

Composition of Southwest Asia: the region includes countries with an Arab population - Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates), United Arab Emirates), Saudi Arabia, Syria. Non-Arab countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Iran, Turkey.

Geographical position of Southwest AsiaSouthwest Asia occupies a "middle" position in relation to parts of the eastern hemisphere - the Old World. Western part Turkey is a mainly Asian country, located in Europe, along the Sinai Peninsula there is a conditional border between Asia and Africa. Now this feature of the geographical location is taken into account when placing international airports.

The geographical location has determined the special role of the region in the world civilizational, economic and political development. Thanks to him, two of the three world religions (Christianity and Islam) that arose in this region are widely spread in the modern world. From here, millions of tons of oil and huge amounts of gas are distributed around the world. The oil producing countries of Southwest Asia are well positioned relative to their main buyers.

Southwest Asia one of the smallest regions in Asia Abroad in terms of territory and population. It has a long history of development: here, in the interfluve of the Tigris and the Euphrates and in the east of the region, the first powerful states appeared in the past, here for the first time a plow was used to cultivate the land, a water lift was invented for irrigating the land. In the Iranian Highlands, for the first time in the history of mankind, wheat was introduced into the culture - the main bread of our time.

The formation of the Ottoman Empire, which colonized a significant part of the region and blocked the Great Silk Road, played an important role in the history of the region. Long-term dependence on backward Turkey resulted in the preservation of the agrarian and raw material structure of the economy in many countries. To date, it has been largely overcome by Turkey and Iran itself. The principalities in the center of the Arabian Peninsula remained independent in the region, which in 1927 formed united state, called Saudi Arabia since 1932. In the same years, oil exploration and production began. In the XVIII-XIX in South-West Asia, numerous wars were fought.

Turkey and Iran sought to capture and convert the population of the Transcaucasian countries to Islam. Here their interests clashed with those of Russia. As a result of the outcome of multiple wars, many peoples - Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Aysors, were separated by the borders of different states. This became the cause of ethnic divisions and clashes, which escalated in the late 19th, early and second half of the 20th century. They were especially acute in Turkey. The Turkish-Armenian conflict led to the death and expulsion from the country of a significant part of the Armenians living in the east of Turkey. The exiles scattered all over the world, that is, formed and diaspora.

Everything that is now happening in this region directly affects the interests of the adjacent territories of the Old World - Eurasia and Africa. Thanks to its oil reserves, the region has become a sphere of interest for the New World (the countries of the Americas).

Natural conditions and natural resources Even in the developing world, it is difficult to find a region in which the dependence of the economy on the characteristics of natural conditions and natural resources would be so great. main feature natural conditions of the region - this is the low provision of vast territories of South-West Asia with moisture. Lack of moisture has become one of the causes of international disputes and conflicts over the fair division of water. The scarcity of water resources influenced the distribution of the population. Areas are densely populated, gravitating towards waterways-sources of artificial irrigation and underground basins of artesian waters.

Oasis territories are combined with huge tracts of underdeveloped and undeveloped lands, the areas of which are especially large in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. The lack of water has long hampered the refining of oil, the main wealth of many countries in the region. It also influenced the structure of agriculture: very small areas are occupied by arable land. They are located either along rivers - sources of irrigation, or in elevated areas, where more precipitation will fall than on the plain. The largest tracts of arable land are in Iraq, Iran and Turkey. Arid agricultural lands are used for raising small ruminants, mainly sheep, which are best adapted to the scarce pastures.

The pastoralists lead a nomadic and semi-nomadic way of life, which has changed little from the Middle Ages. They are one of the poorest and most underdeveloped groups of the population. Desert nomads are called nomads, their way of life is nomadism. Now in most countries there is a transition of nomads to a sedentary lifestyle.

Second feature natural conditions - a large number of heat, which makes it possible to repeatedly use land for crops during artificial irrigation. Hot and dry weather is favorable for ether plants. In the wild, medicinal herbs and raw materials for the perfumery industry are collected.

In Yemen and in the south of Saudi Arabia, they collect aromatic resins - frankincense, myrrh, which are necessary for the cult use of Christian worship. Both substances have a strong bactericidal effect, therefore fumigation with incense was used in cathedrals and at the bedside of patients to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

At present, high air temperatures and clear sunny weather are one of the most important tourist resources. The swimming season at many resorts in the region is longer than in many competing countries.

Third feature- most countries in the region have access to the Atlantic and Indian oceans... In the past, this contributed to the use of fish resources of the sea, fishing for sponges and pearls, and the development of foreign trade.

Now the outlet to the seas of two oceans provides favorable conditions for the export of oil to all regions of the globe. Extraction, transportation and refining of oil are the main sectors of the economy of Southwest Asia. The region possesses almost 40% of oil reserves and provides over 30% of its production. The main oil-producing country in Southwest Asia and the world is Saudi Arabia. Here 25% of the world's oil reserves are concentrated.

Oil is produced in varying quantities in most countries in the region. The well-being of these countries and their inhabitants depends on oil prices on the world market. In Saudi Arabia, oil and oil products account for 90% of export earnings and form 75% of its budget. This is the main source of budget formation and economic development of all oil-producing countries of South-West Asia, which is why their economy was called the "oil economy".

Oil and gas are exhaustible resources, so most countries will have enough oil reserves for 6 to 12 years. In Bahrain, it is almost over. Although geologists are constantly discovering new deposits on the Arabian Peninsula, for example, at the end of the twentieth century, Oman and Yemen were among the oil exporters, the question arises: how will these countries exist when oil runs out? Therefore, oil-exporting countries are developing programs to create a "oil-free" sector of the economy. Some of the programs have already been implemented, for example, more and more oil is refined in producing countries.

Technologies are used in which production requires less water. In addition, many countries have desalination plants. sea ​​water... Saudi Arabia uses desalinated water both for supplying the population and for the development of oil refining and petrochemistry, and the metallurgical industry. In addition to these measures, oil exporting countries began to invest the money received from its sale in the development large companies located around the world. They buy up in different countries refineries, creating a network of gas stations. Qatar is developing information technologies Bahrain has become a world-class banking center.

The oil economy has influenced all aspects of life and economic activity. The main mode of transport is pipeline transport. Freight external communications are carried out by sea. In passenger traffic with other regions, the main thing is, as in the whole world, air transport. Countries outside the Arabian Peninsula also receive oil money for transporting oil through their territories, for using ports through which oil is shipped to consumers by tankers.

Population of Southwest Asia.

The population of the region is diverse in ethnic composition but religiously homogeneous. Most of the population is Muslim. This unites the region and creates conditions for a common policy and mutual support in political and economic life. For example, oil exporting countries agree on the volume of oil production and prices for it. Islam influences all aspects of the life of the population of this region.

This is manifested in the peculiarities of everyday behavior, the lower social status of women in the family and society. Women are much less likely to receive education, and very rarely continue to work after marriage. There are strict restrictions on communication and clothing. In some countries, women only received the right to vote in the 1970s.

The virtue of Muslims is big number children, therefore, in most of the countries of South-West Asia, the birth rate is high. The age structure of the population is young. The largest proportion of children under 16 (46.2% of the population) is in Yemen. However, the population of the oil-producing countries remains small. The largest oil-producing country is Saudi Arabia. It covers an area of ​​over 2.1 million km², but has only 28.14 million people.

Therefore, oil-producing countries experience a shortage of labor and are forced to attract it from abroad. In countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (United Arab Emirates), in some years, the number of immigrants significantly exceeds the number of the indigenous population. Immigrants work in oil and oil refineries, in tourism. Turkey is very different from the Arab countries in terms of population growth. Thanks to more high level development, a higher share of city dwellers, this country in terms of fertility and mortality of the population is approaching European countries... Population growth is low in Israel and in the countries of the Caucasus.

Southwest Asia has a high proportion of the urban population. The cities of the region have long history, their existence was overgrown with legends and myths. The capital of Syria - Damascus is the oldest existing city in the world. No less famous are the cities of Baghdad, Tehran, Beirut, Aden. Istanbul, not being the capital of Turkey, remains its economic, cultural and innovative center of the country.

Amaze modern architecture new cities in the UAE, where one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world is located. But the most famous city in the region is Jerusalem - the keeper of the shrines of the Christian, Muslim and Jewish religions. In the west of Saudi Arabia, at a short distance from each other, there are "two mosques" - Mecca and Medina - the holy cities of Muslims. Here the faithful perform Hajj - visiting shrines. In Yemen, the desert corners of other countries, many medieval towns have survived, preserving the traditions and appearance of the Middle Ages. Among them is the Yemeni city of Tarim, which houses the world's largest library of ancient Arabic manuscripts.

Economy of Southwest Asia.

The most modern and industrially developed country is Turkey. It is experiencing a shortage of oil and gas, but has significant reserves of chromites, raw materials for ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, and develops mechanical engineering. Turkey has a fairly developed agriculture with some unique industries.

For example, they raise downy goats, which were once imported from the Orenburg steppes and give excellent down - typhtik, used in knitwear production (2nd place in the world). The first place belongs to Turkey in the collection and export of nuts - hazelnuts and the fifth place in the collection of tea leaves. Turkey has become one of the main tourist countries in Asia. There are conditions for cognitive, beach-health, medical, pilgrim tourism. Its ski resorts are gaining more and more popularity.

Israel occupies a special position in the region.

This state appeared on the world map in 1947. He was allocated an area of ​​about 14 thousand km². Already in 1948, Israel began a war for the expansion of lands, then there were two more invasions of Arab lands. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is one of the most protracted in the world. Its settlement is facing great difficulties and obstacles, of which both sides are to blame.

Now Israel is a developed state with a modern industrial structure and efficient agriculture, specialized in the cultivation and export of vegetables and citrus fruits. A growing industry is tourism - pilgrimage, beach health, medical. Thanks to the Dead Sea with its healing waters, saturated with salts, bromine, Israel has become a health center of world importance. The structure of Iran's industry is no less diverse. A feature of the location of industrial centers in Turkey and Iran is that large industrial centers here they are found not only in port areas, but also in inland lands.

Thanks to its oil and geographical location, Southwest Asia is economically open to the world, but closed to the influence of other cultures, preserving its foundations, customs and way of life. Southwest Asia, as the most ancient region of economic development, has a diverse cultural heritage... Among them, the most significant are the number of religious monuments - ancient Christian cathedrals, mosques, unique in architecture, shrines of Christians, Muslims and Judaists in Jerusalem and other cities.

Conclusion: Southwest Asia is a region of great cultural, historical and economic importance. This is the main energy region of the modern world. Along with oil, gas and agricultural products, over the last decades of the twentieth century, it has become a significant supplier of petroleum products, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. The main problems of the region are the problem of the efficient and careful use of oil resources, the protection of the unique nature, the purity of the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. But the most important challenge is ending ethnic conflicts and oil wars. Resolving these conflicts will make our world more resilient and secure.

Southwest Asia is the most important energy region in the world and home to two world religions. Southwest Asia is characterized by an extremely high dependence on natural conditions and resources. In terms of economic development, all countries in the region can be divided into countries of the "oil economy" and countries based on other types of natural resources. Dependence on water resources and the availability of land suitable for irrigation leads to conflicts between countries, which are often disguised as religious and ethnic conflicts. Overcoming conflict situations, the preservation of natural well-being is one of the conditions for the security of the whole world. This is also important for the region itself, as tourism is rapidly developing in South-West Asia.

1. General characteristics, a brief history of foreign Asia

Foreign Asia is the largest in terms of population (more than 4 billion people) and the second (after Africa) in area of ​​the region of the world, and it retains this primacy, in essence, throughout the entire existence of human civilization. The area of ​​overseas Asia is 27 million square meters. km, it includes more than 40 sovereign states. Many of them are among the oldest in the world. Foreign Asia is one of the centers of the origin of mankind, the birthplace of agriculture, artificial irrigation, cities, many cultural values ​​and scientific advances... The region is mainly composed of developing countries.

2. Variety of countries in overseas Asia by area

The region includes countries of different sizes: two of them belong to giant countries (China, India), there are very large ones (Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Indonesia), the rest are generally referred to as fairly large countries. The boundaries between them run along well-defined natural boundaries.

Features of EGP in Asia:

1. Neighboring situation.
2. Seaside position.
3. The deep position of some countries.

The first two features have a beneficial effect on their economy, and the third complicates external economic relations.

3. Diversity of countries in overseas Asia by population

Largest countries in Asia by population (2012)
(according to CIA)

4. Diversity of countries overseas Asia by geographic location

Asian countries by geographic location:

1. Seaside (India, Pakistan, Iran, Israel, etc.).
2. Insular (Bahrain, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, etc.).
3. Archipelagos (Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, Maldives).
4. Inland (Laos, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, etc.).
5. Peninsular (Republic of Korea, Qatar, Oman, etc.).

5. Diversity of overseas Asian countries in terms of development

The political structure of countries is very diverse.
Monarchies of Overseas Asia (according to wikipedia.org):

• All other countries are republics.
• Developed Asian countries: Japan, Israel, Republic of Korea, Singapore.
• All other countries in the region are developing countries.
• Least developed countries in Asia: Afghanistan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nepal, Laos, etc.
• The largest volume of GDP is in China, Japan, India, per capita - Qatar, Singapore, UAE, Kuwait.

6. Forms of government and structure of the countries of foreign Asia

By the nature of the administrative-territorial structure, most Asian countries have a unitary structure. The following countries have a federal administrative-territorial structure: India, Malaysia, Pakistan, UAE, Nepal, Iraq.

7. Regions of overseas Asia

Regions of Asia:

1. Southwest.
2. South.
3. South-East.
4. Eastern.
5. Central.

Natural resources of overseas Asia

1. Introduction

The endowment of foreign Asia with resources is determined, first of all, by the variety of relief, location, peculiarities of nature and climate.

The region is extremely homogeneous in terms of tectonic structure and relief: within its limits, the greatest amplitude of heights on earth (more than 9000 m) is noted, both ancient Precambrian platforms and areas of young Cenozoic folding, grandiose mountainous countries and vast plains are located here. As a result, the mineral resources of overseas Asia are very diverse.

2. Mineral resources of overseas Asia

The main basins of coal, iron and manganese ores, and nonmetallic minerals are concentrated within the Chinese and Hindustan platforms. Ores prevail within the Alpine-Himalayan and Pacific fold belts, including along the coast The Pacific there is a copper belt. But the main wealth of the region, which also determines its role in the international geographical division of labor, is oil and gas. Oil and gas reserves have been explored in most of the countries of Southwest Asia (Mesopotamian trough of the earth's crust). The main deposits are located in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, large oil and gas fields have been explored in the countries of the Malay Archipelago. Indonesia and Malaysia are especially distinguished by reserves. Countries Central Asia also rich in oil and gas (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan).

The largest reserves of salts are found in the Dead Sea. The Iranian Highlands have large reserves of sulfur and non-ferrous metals. In general, Asia is one of the main regions in the world in terms of mineral reserves.

Countries with the largest reserves and variety of minerals:

1. China.
2. India.
3. Indonesia.
4. Iran.
5. Kazakhstan.
6. Turkey.
7. Saudi Arabia.

3. Land, agroclimatic resources of foreign Asia

Asia's agroclimatic resources are heterogeneous. Vast tracts of mountainous countries, deserts and semi-deserts are not very suitable for economic activities, with the exception of animal husbandry; the provision of arable land is low and continues to decline (as the population grows and soil erosion increases). But on the plains of the east and south, rather favorable conditions are created for agriculture. Asia contains 70% of the world's irrigated land.

4. Water resources (moisture resources), agroclimatic resources

The countries of East and Southeast Asia, as well as some regions of South Asia, have the largest reserves of water resources. At the same time, in the countries of the Persian Gulf, water resources are sorely lacking.

China, India, Indonesia are the most provided with soil resources in terms of general indicators.
The largest reserves of forest resources: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, India.

Population of Overseas Asia

The population of Asia exceeds 4 billion people. Many countries in the region are at the stage of "population explosion".

2. Fertility and mortality (population reproduction)

All countries in the region, with the exception of Japan and some countries in transition, belong to the traditional type of population reproduction. Moreover, many of them are in a state of population explosion. Some countries are fighting this phenomenon by pursuing a demographic policy (India, China), but most countries do not pursue such a policy, the rapid growth of the population and its rejuvenation continue. At the current rate of population growth, the countries of overseas Asia are experiencing food, social and other difficulties. Among subregions of Asia East Asia further than others has moved away from the peak of the population explosion. Currently, the highest population growth rates are characteristic of the countries of South-West Asia. For example, in Yemen, there are on average almost 5 children per woman.

3. National composition

The ethnic composition of the Asian population is also extremely complex: more than 1,000 peoples live here - from small ethnic groups, numbering several hundred people, to the largest nations in the world.

The largest peoples of foreign Asia in terms of population (more than 100 million people):

1. Chinese.
2. Hindustans.
3. Bengalis.
4. Japanese.

The peoples of overseas Asia belong to about 15 language families. There is no such linguistic diversity in any other large region of the planet.
The largest language families overseas Asia by population:

1. Sino-Tibetan.
2. Indo-European.
3. Austronesian.
4. Dravidian.
5. Austro-Asian.

The most ethnolinguistically complex countries: India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia. India and Indonesia are considered the most multinational countries in the world. East and South-West Asia, with the exception of Iran and Afghanistan, is characterized by a more homogeneous ethnic composition. The complex composition of the population in many parts of the region leads to acute ethnic conflicts.

4. Religious composition

• Foreign Asia is the homeland of all major religions, all three world religions originated here: Christianity, Buddhism, Islam.
• Christianity: Philippines, Georgia, Armenia, a significant proportion of Christians in Kazakhstan, Japan, Lebanon.
• Buddhism: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Mongolia.
• Islam: Southwest Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh.
• Among other national religions, it is necessary to note Confucianism (China), Taoism, Shintoism. In many countries, interethnic contradictions are based precisely on religious grounds.

Lesson presentation:

!? The task.

1. The border of Russia.
2. Subregions of Overseas Asia.
3. Republics and monarchies.

Asia is the largest part of the world in the world and occupies about 30% of the Earth's land area. In addition, she is the leader in terms of population (approximately 60% of the total population of the planet).

Asia's share of the global market has grown significantly over the past half century. Today, some Asian countries are leading producers in agriculture, forestry, fish farming, industry and mining. This production affected the economic growth of certain countries, and at the same time, led to a number of negative consequences for the environment.

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Water resources

Fresh water

Lake Baikal, located in the south of Russia, is the most deep lake in the world, reaching depths of 1620 meters. The lake contains 20% unfrozen fresh water world, making it the largest reservoir on Earth. It is also the oldest lake in the world, over 25 million years old.

The Yangtze is the most long river in Asia and the third longest in the world (after the Amazon in South America and the Nile in Africa). Reaching 6,300 km in length, the Yangtze moves east from the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau and empties into the East China Sea. The Yangtze is considered the lifeblood of China. The river occupies 1/5 of the country's territory and is home to one third of the country's population, and also contributes significantly to the growth of the Chinese economy.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers originate in the mountains of eastern Turkey, and flow through Syria and Iraq before flowing into the Persian Gulf. The land between two rivers, known as Mesopotamia, was the center of the earliest civilizations, including Sumer and Akkad. Today, the Tigris and Euphrates river system is under threat from increased agricultural and industrial use. This pressure caused desertification and an increase in soil salts, and caused severe damage to local watersheds.

Salty water

The Persian Gulf has an area of ​​over 239 thousand km². It washes Iran, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. The Persian Gulf is exposed to high rates of evaporation, which makes the depth shallow and the water very salty. The seabed of the Persian Gulf contains approximately 50% of the world's oil reserves. Countries bordering the Gulf have been involved in a number of disputes over the extraction of this valuable resource.

The Sea of ​​Okhotsk covers 1.6 million km² and is located between the mainland of Russia and Kamchatka. As a rule, the sea is covered with ice from October to March. Large areas of ice make movement on the sea almost impossible.

The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world, covering almost 2.2 million km². It washes Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Burma. Many large rivers, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra, flow into this bay.

Forest resources

The forest cover of the territory of Asia is about 20%. The largest number of forests, relative to the country's area, is concentrated in: Laos (71.6%), Japan (67.0%), Bhutan (64.5%), South Korea(64.0%), Myanmar (63.6%) and North Korea (63.3%). There is less than 1% forest cover in the following countries: Yemen (0.9%), Bahrain (0.7%), Kuwait (0.3%), Afghanistan (0.3%), Qatar (0%).

Forestry is an important branch of the Asian economy, but in some countries it causes negative consequences. More than half of the territory of China, Indonesia and Malaysia is covered by forest resources. China is considered a major exporter of wood products and ranks first in the world for the production of panels, paper and wood furniture. Indonesia and Malaysia are the main producers of tropical timber products. Tropical trees like teak are mainly used to make high quality furniture and flooring.

Over the past 10 years, Asia's forest cover has increased by 30 million hectares. This is due to the artificial creation of forests, due to which higher yields can be obtained and used in industry. It is believed that by 2020, the Asian forest industry will produce about 45% of the products. In addition, artificial plantations are extremely important from an ecological point of view, as natural forest resources are depleted every year in huge quantities.

Asia's rapid population growth has fueled increased demand for forest products, and lenient legislation has led to a flourishing of illegal logging and smuggling. Especially, the damage is noticeable in Southeast Asia, where high-value tree species grow. Therefore, Asian countries have some of the worst deforestation rates in the world.

Land resources

The total land area of ​​Asia is 44,580,000 km², and the area of ​​land resources used in the national economy is 30,972,803 km². Agricultural lands occupy 52.2% (of which: arable land - 15.8%, perennial plantations - 2.2%, pastures and meadows - 34.2), forest lands - 18%, surface waters - 2.9% and other lands - 26.9%.

Five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) are the most agrarian states in this part of Asia. Arable land that is suitable for growing crops accounts for about 20% of the total agricultural land. More than 80% of arable land in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan is irrigated, while in Kazakhstan only 7%.

In North Asia (which is largely composed of the Asian part of Russia), arable land accounts for 60-80% of the agricultural area.

In South Asia, the largest arable land is concentrated in India and Bangladesh - over 30%.

In the countries of the Middle East, namely in Iran and Iraq, arable land is less than 20%, and in other countries - no more than 10%.

The arable lands of the countries of East Asia, including China, South Korea, and Japan, occupy no more than 20% of the agricultural sector. land, in the DPRK - less than 30% and Mongolia - not more than 10%.

In Southeast Asia, arable land occupies no more than 30% of the agricultural land.

Mineral resources

Coal

Asia contains a huge amount of coal, which is almost 3/5 of the world's reserves, but they are unevenly distributed. The largest deposits are located in Siberia, the countries of Central Asia, India, and especially in China; Indonesia, Japan and North Korea have smaller coal reserves.

Oil and natural gas

At least 2/3 of the world's known oil and natural gas reserves are located in Asia; the number of fields may increase as Siberia, the Caspian basin and the seas of Southeast Asia are still being explored. Many islands bordering Southeast Asia have geological formations that are favorable for oil and gas fields. The largest oil reserves are found in Western Asia (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates). The rest of the countries in Southwest Asia have limited oil reserves, as well as small oil fields in the Indian subcontinent.

Uranium ore

The richest deposits of uranium ores are located in Kyrgyzstan, between the Osh region and the Tuya Muyun mountain range. China and India have their own reserves. China's uranium deposits are believed to be in the Xinjiang region and Hunan province.

Iron

There are iron ore deposits in many regions of Asia, but not every country has its own domestic reserves. South Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and several smaller countries in Southwest Asia have small iron ore reserves. Japan has fewer reserves of this mineral resource than is required for the iron and steel industry, so the country is heavily dependent on imports. Thailand, Myanmar and Pakistan have good reserves of relatively low-grade iron ore, while Vietnam and Turkey have good ore in significant quantities. Indonesia and India have large reserves of quality iron, which are reasonably distributed.

Although China was previously considered poor in iron ore, huge deposits of this mineral of various grades were discovered in the country. China is currently one of the world's largest producers of iron ore.

Smaller deposits were located at several locations in Eastern Siberia. In Central Asia, the main deposits are located in East Kazakhstan.

Nickel

Nickel reserves in Asia are not significant. There are small reserves in Norilsk and north-central Siberia; Indonesia, China and the Philippines also have nickel reserves.

Chromium

Chromium deposits are concentrated in Turkey, India, Iran, Pakistan and the Philippines, as well as in the north-west of Kazakhstan.

Manganese

There are large reserves of manganese in Transcaucasia, Central Asia, Siberia, and India; Chinese deposits are also significant.

Tungsten

South China has exceptionally large deposits of tungsten. Tungsten deposits in Central Asia are as significant as molybdenum.

Copper

Asia is not rich in copper. In Central Asia, the main reserves are located southeast of Tashkent (Uzbekistan); from Zhezkazgan to the west of Karaganda; and from Kungrad to Lake Balkhash (Kazakhstan). In Siberia, deposits are mainly concentrated in the Kuzbass. The Philippines has limited copper reserves.

Tin

Significant deposits of tin stretch from southwestern China to the Malay Peninsula. Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Yunnan in China also have tin deposits. Siberia has significant deposits in Transbaikalia, as well as in Sikhote-Alin in the Far East.

Lead and zinc

The largest reserves of lead and zinc are located in Kuzbass, in Central and Eastern Kazakhstan. China also has rich deposits of zinc and lead, while North Korea has significant deposits of lead.

Bauxites

Asia possesses huge reserves of bauxite. The largest deposits are located in Kazakhstan and Sayan. There are also large deposits in India, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia and China.

Precious metals

Many Asian countries have mined gold from alluvial placers in past centuries, and some of them continue to do so today. Small volumes of gold ore are found in Myanmar, Cambodia and Indonesia, as well as at the headwaters of the Yangtze River. Previously, India had large deposits of gold, but now many of them are depleted. North and South Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines have significant reserves of ore gold. Siberian gold reserves are currently significant.

Nonmetallic minerals

Asbestos is abundant in China, South Korea, and the eastern slope of the Middle Urals. Mica is found in large quantities in Eastern Siberia and India. Asia has huge reserves of rock salt. Central and Western Asia has significant deposits of sulfur and gypsum. Japan has large deposits of sulfur. There are deposits of phosphates in Kazakhstan. Diamonds are formed in the central and eastern parts of Siberia and in India. India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Cambodia have deposits of rubies, sapphires, and other precious stones.

Biological resources

Plant growing and animal husbandry

The northern and central parts of Asia are subject to cold and dry arctic winds, especially in the Siberian region of Russia. Hardy grains such as barley, buckwheat, millet, oats and wheat are grown in the central and southern regions of this zone, where constant frost inhibits plant growth. Livestock raising is also very important in this area. In Mongolia, for example, 75% of agricultural land is allocated for raising livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, etc.).

Southwest Asia is dominated by a dry and hot climate that stretches from the Gobi Desert in Mongolia through China, Pakistan, Iran, and to the Arabian Peninsula. There are very few areas in this zone with sufficient moisture and rainfall to obtain a good harvest. Cereals such as barley and corn are the main crops grown in some countries. The lack of pasture and land suitable for cereals means that heat-resistant vegetables and fruits are most widely grown in this area. Figs, apricots, olives, onions, grapes, cherries are the most important fruits and vegetables in the region.

The area to the southeast is highly prone to summer monsoons. As a result, many parts of Southeast Asia are considered some of the wettest places on Earth, with over 254 centimeters of rainfall each year. High temperatures and heavy rainfall are ideal conditions for growing rice and tropical fruits. Rice is considered one of the most important agricultural products in Asia and the main source of food for the entire continent (there are 79 kg of rice per person in Asia per year). As a result, most of Asia's rice remains in the regions, and international trade is quite low.

Tropical fruits such as mango, papaya and pineapple are grown on a large scale in Southeast Asia. India has the largest number of mangoes in the world, while Thailand and the Philippines are famous for pineapples.

Fish farming

Asia is the most important fishing and aquaculture region in the world. Aquaculture is the rearing of fish and other aquatic animals under controlled conditions. In 2008, Asia's offshore industrial areas caught approximately 50% of the world's fish catches. Six of the world's top 10 fish producers are located in Asia, namely China, Indonesia, Japan, India, Myanmar (Burma) and the Philippines.

Seafood is an extremely important food source for many Asian peoples. A recent study by the National geographic society revealed that China and Japan are the leading consumers of seafood (approximately 765 million tonnes per year).

Flora

Asia has the richest flora of all parts of the world. Since it is most of the largest continent, Eurasia, it is not surprising that about 100,000 diverse plant species are found within its various natural areas that range from tropical to arctic.

Asian plants, which include ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering vascular plants, account for about 40% of the Earth's plant species. The endemic flora consists of more than 40 families and 1500 genera.

Asia is divided into five main regions based on flora species diversity: the moist evergreen forests of Southeast Asia, the mixed forests of East Asia, the humid forests of South Asia, the deserts and steppes of Central and Western Asia, and the taiga and tundra in North Asia.

Fauna

Asia is the most populous part of the world and also one of the most biologically diverse places. It is home to both unique species of wild animals and the most common on the planet. The countries of Asia have become home to many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, etc. However, some of these species thrive, while others face serious threats that could wipe out their populations from the face of the Earth. Animals such as the giant panda and orangutans may be the first to disappear from Asia.

Human activities and extremely high population densities in certain areas are an important reason for the extinction of wildlife.

The natural conditions of the territory of Asia directly affect the location of agriculture, and all other spheres of industry. Variety and contrast - characteristic signs for the natural features of the area. Steep slopes of high mountain ranges give way to flat relief of lowlands. Climatic conditions are also varied, especially the degree of moisture fluctuates. The lower parts are provided with sufficient moisture, since they have a characteristic monsoon climate. This includes the southern and Eastern Overseas Asia.

The Mediterranean climate prevails in the western part of Asia. Arable land occupies 90% of the entire territory. The southwestern and central parts are arid. Asia is characterized by several climatic zones at once. 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 +25 degrees in this area, and -28 degrees in the north of Manchuria. Frosts are long enough. Differences in climate are typical for the mountains. This is due to the height of the mountainous areas, their geographic location and the exposure of the slopes. The circulation of atmospheric pressure directly affects the climatic conditions of South and East Asia. These territories are characterized by a change in air masses in each season.

The summer monsoon is active in the summer, and the winter monsoon in winter. Hindustan, East Asia, Indochina are located directly in the monsoon circulation zone. Annual precipitation here can fall about 2,000 mm. The winter monsoon affects the cold continental air masses, which brings about a cooling almost throughout the entire territory.

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

The Asian cyclone comes in winter. With his arrival, a long winter with severe frosts prevails. The low temperature regime contributes to the freezing of the soil and, as a result, areas of permafrost are formed. In summer, the entire area is well warmed up 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. Different supply of heat resources and thermal regime are the cause of internal climatic differences.

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

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

The composition of cultivated plants, farming techniques, yield, productivity, location of production directly depend on the climate. In general, the development of the economy is relatively low, as is the yield. Based on weather conditions and climate, there are several agro-climatic regions on the territory.

Mineral resources of Overseas Asia

The surface is mainly represented by mountainous areas, and lowlands occupy a very small percentage of the entire area. They are located on the southern and eastern coasts. Relief and tectonic areas form fossil deposits. There are enough of them in Asia. Leadership positions belong to her for the reserves of fuel and energy raw materials.

There are deposits of gas, oil and coal. The bowels of Asia Abroad contain significant reserves of antimony, sulfur, zirconium, tin, potassium salts, tungsten, chromites, 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. In the Alpine-Himalayan regions, ore reserves prevail.

Gas and oil reserves are the main wealth of this part of the world, which determines the role of the territory in the international geographical division of labor. The main hydrocarbon deposits are concentrated in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. If we take into account oil, then its deposits have been discovered in Indonesia, Malaysia, that is, in the countries of the Malay archipelago itself. Also, gas and oil are in sufficient quantities on the territory of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Salt reserves are located in the Dead Sea, and sulfur and non-ferrous metals - in the Iranian highlands.

Asian countries have completely 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 wealth of minerals in this area is not reflected by their known deposits. The search for new deposits is constantly being conducted and new deposits of mineral raw materials are found. Offshore zones are becoming more and more promising in terms of hydrocarbon production, giving new opportunities to the mining industry.

Each Asian sub-region has its own distinctive fossil record

Western Asia. Oil and gas fields are concentrated on this territory. Such reserves make Western Asia a 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 the territory of Iraq and Turkey. As for titanium and chromium ores, most of their reserves are in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Oman and Afghanistan. Gypsum, as a non-metallic building material, is available in the amount of 3 billion tons. Also located are the bowels 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 position 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. Bituminous coal, that is, its reserves, are estimated at around 115 billion tons and are the main energy raw material for the whole of Asia. Iron ores amount to 13.5 billion tons and are located in Pakistan, India. Less significant reserves are concentrated in Nepal and Sri Lanka. And India is famous for its high-quality reserves of manganese, aluminum and nickel ores. About 30% of mining and chemical raw materials are located in Nepal, Pakistan, India. Indian asbestos contains reserves of non-metallic minerals. Gypsum is concentrated in Pakistan, graphite - in Sri Lanka, precious stones (diamonds) - in India. There are also deposits of building sands, limestone, quartz sands, marble, dolomite.

Southeast Asia. Tin takes this territory to the first place in the whole world. It should be noted the subsoil: nickel, antimony, cobalt, barite, copper, tungsten, bauxite, oil, gas, chromite. A variety of mineral resources are distributed throughout the territory. On the continental shelf, work is underway to search for hydrocarbons. In total, there are 36 promising basins, of which 25 are concentrated in Indonesia. Vietnam and Indonesia are known for their coal deposits. There are many minerals in Indonesia, Burma, Kampuchea, the Philippines. Their size is 1271 million tons. Aluminum and copper ores are located in Kampuchea, Vietnam, Indonesia.

Other types of resources of Overseas Asia

This part of the world is also rich in surface water resources, but they are unevenly located. Water availability decreases from the southeast directly to the northwest. These resources are used mainly for irrigation, which combats drought, swelling and soil salinization. 95% of India's fresh water is used for irrigation. The humid tropics are provided with a large level of hydropower, which is found in mountain rivers. But, unfortunately, the hydro potential of mountain water resources is used in insufficient quantities due to the economic backwardness of regions in the mountains. For example, only 10% of this potential is used in Pakistan and India. The large Asian rivers are also worth mentioning. They are important natural resources and form water basins that occupy hundreds of thousands of square kilometers.

Soils are also considered important species resources. Climatic conditions big square, varied terrain made it possible to form a complex soil cover. Moderate climatic zone contributed to the creation of podzolic, gray, brown forest soils. Steppe regions are characterized by chestnut and chernozem-like soils, Mediterranean - brown, monsoon - red and yellow soils. There is also a special soil cover - regurs and black soils, which are located in tropical latitudes. Such species are formed on the Indian subcontinent.

Foreign Asia is not famous for its forest resources and has a scanty amount of them. 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. And here southeastern part more or less provided with forest resources. In this area, forest areas are accessible and large. These forest areas are endangered.

To date, recreational resources have not yet been sufficiently explored. 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 the sea coasts of Turkey (South-West Asia) and Malaysia, Thailand (South-East Asia).

Foreign Asia has a powerful resource potential, including its natural component. This is a good prerequisite for the development of a wide variety of types of economy.
In general mineral resources the regions that create the base for heavy industry are very diverse... The main basins of coal, iron and manganese ores are concentrated within the Chinese and Hindustan platforms. Non-metallic minerals. Ores predominate within the Alpine-Himalayan and Pacific fold belts, including a copper belt along the Pacific coast. But the main wealth of the region is oil and gas.

Oil and gas reserves have been explored in most of the countries of Southwest Asia. The main deposits are located in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia and Malaysia are especially distinguished by reserves. The countries of Central Asia are also rich in oil and gas (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan).

The Iranian Highlands have large reserves of sulfur and non-ferrous metals.

In general, Asia is one of the main regions in the world in terms of mineral reserves.

Climatic conditions Overseas Asia changes from temperate to equatorial and determine the dominance of the monsoon climate with a pronounced seasonality on the vast strip of the "oceanic facade" of East and South Asia.

Asia receives a huge amount of rainfall, namely Chirrapunji - 12,000 mm per year. The inland part of Asia is deprived of a sufficient amount of moisture, not only because of the barrier of the surrounding mountains, on the slopes of which this moisture is retained. In Southwest Asia, where the influence of the monsoon does not reach at all, it is very dry and hot. Average annual temperatures in Arabia and Mesopotamia reach 30 degrees Celsius. Mediterranean dominates here subtropical climate... In Arabia, precipitation falls 150 mm per year, in Asia Minor - 300 mm, and more on the sea coasts.

In the overwhelming part of Asia, the sum of temperatures makes it possible to engage in a variety of agriculture. It is no coincidence that Asia is the hotbed of the most ancient agricultural cultures, the birthplace of many cultivated plants.

Forest resources. In terms of forest area (0.2 hectares) per capita, Asia is twice as low as the world average. Industrial forests are concentrated mainly in the humid tropics and mountains of India, Myanmar, Indochina, the islands of the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Philippines, Asia provides 65% of timber exports.

The "wood energy" of developing countries: China - 25%, India - 33%, Indonesia - 050% brings enormous damage to the forests of Asia. The largest exporters of timber are Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, while importers are Japan and South Korea.

The tropical forests of Asia are being destroyed more intensively than in other forest-exporting regions of the world: for 1960 - 1990. their area decreased by 30% (in Latin America by 18%).

In terms of timber reserves, Asia is second only to America. The maximum amount of forested area is: India - 120 million hectares; China - 70 million hectares; India - 65 million hectares.