Asia

The most interesting facts about Iraq, from the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the world’s oldest form of writing.

From an annual penis festival to the world’s highest density of vending machines, these are the most interesting facts about Japan.

The most interesting facts about Azerbaijan, from unique geographical features to the origins of the Vikings?

The most interesting facts about Armenia, from the world’s oldest winery and leather shoe to compulsory chess lessons for school children.

The most interesting facts about Singapore, from the world’s tallest indoor waterfall to the founding of World Toilet Day.

The most interesting facts about the United Arab Emirates, from the world’s tallest buildings to “Robocop” policemen fighting crime.

The most interesting facts about the Maldives, from the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting to the Earth’s lowest high point.

The most interesting facts about East Timor (Timor-Leste) from the first new nation of the 21st century to the world’s most biodiverse waters.

The most interesting facts about Syria, from one of the oldest civilisations on Earth to one of the world’s most dangerous countries.

The most interesting facts about North Korea, from “three generations of punishment” to a metro system that doubles as a nuclear bunker.

The most interesting facts about South Korea, from a sex-themed park called Jeju Love Land to one of YouTube’s most-watched videos.

The most interesting facts about Afghanistan, from persistent instability and conflict to a country that is rich in history and culture.

We take a look at the countries along the Silk Road, the ancient network of trade routes that connected China with the West.

The most interesting facts about the Philippines, from a world-record for breastfeeding to the Selfie Capital of the World.

The most interesting facts about Malaysia include its megadiverse flora and fauna and the largest roundabout in the world.

The most interesting facts about Lebanon, from one of the world’s oldest countries to a capital city once known as the “Paris of the East”.

The longest beach in the world is located in Bangladesh. Cox’s Bazar boasts up to 125km of unbroken sandy beach.

The tallest flagpole in the world is the Jeddah Flagpole, located in Saudi Arabia. Erected in 2014, the flagpole stands 171m (561ft) high.

The most interesting facts about Tajikistan, from the world’s second-highest road, the Pamir Highway, to a capital city called Monday.

The most interesting facts about Vietnam, from outstanding natural beauty to one of the most deadly conflicts in history.

The most interesting facts about Turkmenistan, from a president nicknamed “The Turkmenator” to a fire pit called the “Door to Hell”.

The most interesting facts about Yemen, from the origins of mocha coffee to a rare species of tree grown from the blood of a dragon.

Interesting facts about Saudi Arabia, from the birthplace of Islam and a dangerous driving stunt known as “sidewalk skiing”.

From a sport with a headless goat to a rich history of space exploration, these are the most interesting facts about Kazakhstan.

The most interesting facts about Qatar, from the world’s richest country to a giant teddy bear and a dedicated falconry market.

The most interesting facts about Kuwait, from remote control camel racing to one of the richest populations in the world.

From one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations to the nose job capital of the world, these are the most interesting facts about Iran.

The most interesting facts about Brunei, from the world’s biggest palace to the monument built for the billionth barrel of oil.

The most interesting facts about Indonesia, from the world’s smelliest plant to the largest packet of instant noodles ever created.

From the mysterious Tree of Life to the world’s largest underwater theme park, these are the most interesting facts about Bahrain.

The most interesting facts about Laos, from a tragic history, one of the world’s last communist states and a collection of over 2,100 stone jars.

The most interesting facts about Uzbekistan, from one of the planet’s worst environmental disasters to the crossroad of the world’s cultures.

The most interesting facts about Papua New Guinea include isolated tribes, the world’s first gardeners, cannibalism and a poisonous bird.

From the world’s longest beach to the most densely populated country, these are the most interesting facts about Bangladesh.

From ancient nomadic culture to one of the world’s greatest empires, these are the most interesting facts about Mongolia.

The most interesting facts about Kyrgyzstan include an epic poem, a rich nomadic culture and the World Nomad Games.

With the highest unclimbed peak in the world and its unusual way of measuring prosperity, these are the most interesting facts about Bhutan.