The ever-diverse Asia is deep in culture, history, natural intrigue and economic strength. It is not difficult to find survey topics for a continent as rich as Asia. Asian countries continue finding unprecedented success on so many fronts in the century dubbed as the “Asian Century”. Here, Top 10 of Asia shares its poll results on Asian countries ranging from Asia’s Most Business-Friendly Nation to Asia’s Most Tourist-Friendly Nation.
Under Asia’s Most Business-Friendly Nation category, South Korea emerged as the winner due to its world-class infrastructure, intellectual property rights protection, high quality of life, FDI-friendly government policies, one-stop investment services and more. According to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2018 report, South Korea was ranked the 5th easiest place in the world to do business. It has been 5th for five years in a row since 2014. For Asia’s Best Nation for Youth Development, Japan got the most votes. The government’s policies prioritise the youth. Although, there is no national youth council, there is very much youth involvement in civil society segmented by sector.
In the Asia’s Best Nation for First Impressions category, Singapore took the title. Most people’s first impressions of a country begin to form after arrival at the airport so it comes as no surprise that Singapore has one of the most beautiful airports in the world. Changi Airport is almost endless in its attractions. Some of them include the new complex, Jewel, in Terminal 1 containing gardens and attractions such as a 50m Vortex waterfall, Forest Valley and Canopy Bridges and Mazes. Other attractions include the rooftop swimming pool and Butterfly Garden. The city’s cleanliness and good infrastructure are also immediately apparent. Asia’s Best Nation for Archeology Tours vote went to Cambodia. One of the greatest archeological sites in the world, Angkor Wat, belongs to Cambodia. It is a breathtaking temple complex and is the largest religious monument in the world. Other sites to visit include Bayon, Ta Prohm Temple and Angkor Thom. Many excellent tour companies have been built around these sites.
Sri Lanka won the crown for Asia’s Best Nation for Wildlife Tourism. Sri Lanka contains some of the most amazing animals in the world including Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and peacocks. Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of biological endemism (unique to a defined geographical location). 16% of the fauna and 23% of the flowering plants are endemic. As for Asia’s Best Nation for Historical Treasures, Uzbekistan leads the poll. There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan. Places to visit include the Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble which includes mausoleums and other ritual buildings of 9-14th and 19 centuries. Registan was a public square where people gathered to hear royal proclamations. It is framed by three madrasahs (Islamic schools) of beautiful and distinctive Islamic architecture.
Myanmar had the most votes for Asia’s Best Nation for Spiritual Wonders. Myanmar is a very religious country with strong Buddhist influences. It has some of the most amazingly beautiful and wondrous sacred sites. The Schwedagon Pagoda is the biggest Yangon tourist attraction. It is an enormous Buddhist shrine built approximately 2,500 years ago. The Ananda temple is a highly revered temple of Bagan. It is known as an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian style of architecture. The Asia’s Best Nation for Mountaineering Adventures vote went to Nepal. It is a country known for its mountaineering and is home to eight of the world’s highest mountains. It contains the Himalayas which is the highest mountain range in the world. The most popular mountain is, of course, Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Mountaineers across the world ascribe ultimate glory to the mountain.
Maldives is Asia’s Best Nation for Scenic Adventures. Maldives’ jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring attractions include some of its amazing scenery as it is one of the most beautiful tropical places in the world. It is an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 coral atolls. The pulsing city of Male is packed in its own isle and boasts spice-scented markets and great mosques. There is also no shortage of beautiful beaches with clear turquoise waters such the Hulhumale Island and Utheemu. For Asia’s Best Tourist-Friendly Nation, Indonesia was top. Indonesia is a wonderfully diverse country with a lot of different experiences and attractions to be had. Its people are used to diversity. The population is friendly to tourists and Indonesians are known for their hospitality. A spirit of unity, honour and respect for individuals is very much part of Indonesian culture. Indonesian hospitality is an important factor in Indonesia’s tourism industry which is one of the fastest growing in the world.