Asia is home to some of the most populous nations in the world, each with a rich history reflected in their names. In this video, we take a closer look at the 7 most populous countries in Asia, exploring the meanings and origins of their names. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these powerful nations.
China – With over 1.4 billion people, China tops the list. The name “China” is derived from the Qin dynasty, which unified the country in 221 B.C. The local name, Zhōngguó (中国), means “Middle Kingdom,” reflecting its ancient view as the center of the world.
India – India, with a population nearing 1.4 billion, gets its name from the Indus River, known as the Sindhu in ancient Sanskrit. The name "India" originates from the Persian version, while Bhārat is its official name in Hindi, which is connected to an ancient king from Hindu mythology.
Indonesia – The name “Indonesia” is a combination of the Greek words “Indos” (meaning India) and “nesos” (meaning islands), literally translating to “Indian Islands”, which signifies its location in the Indian Ocean.
Pakistan – With over 240 million people, Pakistan's name means “Land of the Pure”, derived from the Persian and Urdu words “Pāk” (pure) and “-stan” (land). The name was coined during the movement for independence.
Bangladesh – The name Bangladesh translates to “Land of Bengal”. Derived from the Bengali words “Bānglā” (Bengal) and “desh” (land or country), it represents the identity of the Bengali-speaking population.
Japan – Japan's name in Japanese is Nihon (日本) or Nippon, which means “origin of the sun”. This reflects Japan’s eastern location, symbolizing the land where the sun rises.
Philippines – Named after King Philip II of Spain by Spanish explorers, the Philippines, with over 113 million people, carries the legacy of its colonial history. Locally, it’s also referred to as Pilipinas in Filipino.
Discover the fascinating stories behind these country names and how they reflect each nation’s culture, history, and identity. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more interesting content about global history and cultures! 🌏
