The world’s largest continent is Asia. It covers an area of about 44.58 million square kilometers (17.2 million square miles), accounting for about 30% of the Earth's total land area. Asia is home to an immense diversity of cultures, languages, and landscapes, ranging from deserts and mountains to forests and plains. It includes populous countries like China and India, which are significant players on the global stage. Asia also boasts a rich history, having been the cradle of many ancient civilizations and significant developments in agriculture, technology, and trade.