Countries in North Asia: Asia is the largest continent in the world, is divided into several geopolitical and geographical regions such as East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Western Asia, and North Asia. Among these, North Asia stands out as a unique zone because, unlike the other Asian regions that contain multiple independent nations, North Asia is almost entirely occupied by one country — Russia. This region, which is widely known as Siberia and the Russian Far East, covers the Asian landmass of the Russian Federation.
Although politically Russia is often regarded as part of both Europe and Asia, geographically about 77% of its landmass lies in Asia, while the remaining 23% lies in Europe. Despite this massive area in Asia, Russia is officially considered a single transcontinental nation with one capital, Moscow, which is located in its European part.
This makes the list of countries in North Asia and their capitals quite short and unique compared to other Asian subregions. However, the vast size, rich natural resources, and strategic importance of this region make it one of the most significant parts of Asia and the entire world.
Meaning of North Asia
North Asia refers to the northernmost geographical region of the Asian continent. It is often used interchangeably with Siberia and the Russian Far East. The region is characterized by extreme climates, sparse population density, vast forests, tundra, mountain ranges, and long rivers.
From a political perspective, Russia is the only sovereign nation in North Asia. There are no independent states within North Asia apart from the Russian Federation. Hence, in terms of geopolitical listing, the region includes:
- Country: Russia
- Capital: Moscow
List of Countries in North Asia and Their Capitals
Unlike other parts of Asia, the list is very straightforward:
| Country | Capital | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Moscow | Transcontinental country with most of its landmass in Asia but capital in Europe. |
North Asian country, their capital, and areas (km²)
| Country | Capital | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|
| Russia* | Moscow | 17,098,242 |
Geographically, North Asia is essentially the Asian part of Russia (Siberia). No other independent country is located fully in North Asia.
Geographical Coverage of Russia in North Asia
The Asian part of Russia is massive and spans across several time zones. This region includes:
- Siberia – Stretching from the Ural Mountains to the Yenisei River, known for its taiga forests, tundra, and rich resources.
- Russian Far East – Extending from the Yenisei River to the Pacific Ocean, including Vladivostok and Kamchatka.
- Ural Mountains – Natural boundary between European Russia and Asian Russia.
This entire region accounts for 13.1 million square kilometers, making it the largest continuous landmass in Asia controlled by a single nation.
Population Distribution in North Asia
Despite its enormous size, North Asia is sparsely populated. Only around 35–40 million people live in this part of Russia, which is less than 30% of the country’s total population. Major cities in North Asia include:
- Novosibirsk
- Krasnoyarsk
- Yakutsk
- Vladivostok
- Irkutsk
- Omsk
Moscow, though the capital of Russia, is situated in the European part, highlighting the transcontinental nature of the country.
Importance of North Asia
North Asia plays a significant role both regionally and globally due to the following factors:
- Natural Resources: The region is rich in oil, natural gas, coal, gold, diamonds, and other minerals, making it economically vital.
- Strategic Location: It serves as a bridge between Europe and the Pacific region, influencing trade and geopolitics.
- Climate and Ecosystem: North Asia contains some of the largest forests (taiga) in the world, which are crucial for global oxygen supply and carbon absorption.
- Cultural Diversity: Home to indigenous peoples such as the Yakuts, Buryats, and Evenks, alongside Russian settlers.
- Transportation: The Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest railway line in the world, connects European Russia to the Far East across North Asia.
Characteristics of North Asia
- Largest Region in Asia: Covers more land area than any other Asian region.
- Harsh Climate: Experiences subarctic and continental climates with extremely cold winters, particularly in Siberia.
- Low Population Density: Most areas are sparsely populated due to the environment.
- Cultural Mixture: Combines European Russian influences with Asian traditions.
- Strategic Relevance: Acts as Russia’s gateway to the Pacific and Arctic.
Challenges of North Asia
Despite its importance, North Asia faces several challenges:
- Harsh Climate: Extreme cold limits agriculture and settlement.
- Infrastructure Development: Vast distances make transportation and infrastructure costly.
- Depopulation: Many young people migrate westward to European Russia for better opportunities.
- Environmental Risks: Resource extraction leads to deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Border proximity with China, Mongolia, and the Pacific region adds to its strategic concerns.
Unique Facts about North Asia
- It spans 8 time zones, making it one of the widest regions on Earth.
- The coldest inhabited place in the world, Oymyakon, is located in Yakutia, North Asia.
- The Lena River, one of the longest rivers in the world, flows entirely within North Asia.
- Russia’s Baikal Lake, the deepest freshwater lake in the world, is located here.
- Despite being resource-rich, the region remains underdeveloped compared to western Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many countries are in North Asia?
North Asia consists of only one country, Russia, which occupies the vast region of Siberia.
2. What is the capital of North Asia?
Since Russia is the only country in North Asia, its capital is Moscow. However, Moscow is geographically located in the European part of Russia.
3. Which cities are important in North Asia apart from Moscow?
Key cities in North Asia include Novosibirsk, Yakutsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Vladivostok.
4. Why is Russia considered part of North Asia?
Russia spans both Europe and Asia, with about 77% of its landmass in Asia, making it the largest country in North Asia.
5. What is the largest region in Asia by land area?
North Asia, dominated by Russia’s Siberian territory, is the largest region in Asia by land area.
6. Is North Asia densely populated?
No, North Asia is sparsely populated due to its harsh climate, with vast areas of tundra, taiga, and steppe.
7. Which rivers are significant in North Asia?
Major rivers include the Ob, Yenisei, and Lena, which are among the longest rivers in the world.
8. Does Russia have another capital for its Asian region?
No, Russia’s capital is only Moscow, but regional administrative centers exist in Siberia and the Russian Far East.
9. What is the importance of North Asia?
North Asia is important for its natural resources such as oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals, as well as its role in connecting Europe and Asia.
10. What is the population of North Asia?
Despite covering millions of square kilometers, North Asia has fewer than 40 million people, concentrated in cities along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
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Conclusion
The list of countries in North Asia and their capitals is unlike that of any other Asian subregion. North Asia is dominated by a single country, Russia, with its capital in Moscow. While the list appears simple, the reality of this region is vast, complex, and significant both geographically and geopolitically.
As the largest region of Asia by landmass, North Asia holds tremendous importance due to its natural resources, ecological diversity, and strategic role in connecting Europe with the Pacific. Even though it has only one country, its contribution to the identity of Asia is immense, making it a key area for global study and understanding.