Asia was first populated by homo sapiens approximately 80,000 years ago by migrants from Africa. Asia has a very old history and is very diverse. Many of the world’s oldest civilizations came from Asia, i.e. Persian, Babylonian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Mongols and Turks, among many others. 

In the 16th century European imperialism started in Asia and European control increased here until about the middle of the 20th Century. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498 and in the 17th century English, French, Dutch and Portuguese trading companies formed which resulted in increased European control of Asia.  By the end of World War II many Asian nations wanted a more independent role in the world and the European decolonization process began. 

Today, Asia is a diverse continent. There are many cultures, languages, religions, terrains and governments represented here. A visit to Asia is an experience like no other.