Asia is the largest of the earth's seven continents lying almost entirely in the northern hemisphere and covering almost one third of the worlds total land area. The continent is noted for its vast size and diverse character with the people of Asia accounting for three fifths of the world's total population.

By 2025, it is suggested that one quarter of the world's population will be concentrated in the region of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The population of India has reached the 1 billion mark, which means that it is second only to China in size of population.

In 1998 Asia staged the Games for the first time. The XVI Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were seen as a showcase for the nation and the region with Asia collecting a total of 64 medals.