Asia is the biggest and most populous continent in the world. The continent is made up of 48 countries and three other territories. The count includes transcontinental countres with majority of their population located in Asia. Thus, Russia that has about 75% of its territory in Asia but only around 22% of its population residing in this part, has been left out of the list. If Russia is included, the number of countries in Asia becomes 49. The United Nations divides Asia into five different subregions for statistical purposes.
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