Eastern Hemisphere
Half of Earth east of the prime meridian, encompassing Afro-Eurasia and Australia.
It is also used to refer to Afro-Eurasia and Australia, in contrast with the Western Hemisphere.
- Ocean entirely within
- Indian Ocean
- Center of land mass (excluding Antarctic
- 30°00′00″N 62°15′00″E in southern Afghanistan
- Number of independent countries entirely
- 18
Reader's Guide
The Eastern Hemisphere holds the majority of Earth's landmass and a wide variety of habitats. Its center of land (excluding Antarctica) lies in southern Afghanistan. The Indian Ocean is the only ocean entirely within it. The hemisphere includes 18 independent countries with no land borders, such as Australia, Japan, and Madagascar. Many African and European countries lie entirely within it, while some straddle the prime meridian. Animals exclusive to the Eastern Hemisphere include kangaroos, koalas, pandas, and orangutans. Human history in the region includes early migrations from Africa, settlement of Pacific landmasses, and later colonial encounters during the Age of Discovery. The Eastern Hemisphere is often synonymous with the 'Old World.'
Did You Know?
- The Eastern Hemisphere is also called the 'Oriental Hemisphere' and is a synonym for the 'Old World.'
- The Indian Ocean is the only ocean located entirely in the Eastern Hemisphere.
- The center of all land in the Eastern Hemisphere (excluding Antarctica) is in southern Afghanistan.
- 18 independent countries entirely in the Eastern Hemisphere have no land borders to other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest country that sits entirely within the Eastern Hemisphere?
China, at roughly 9.6 million square kilometres, is the biggest sovereign state whose borders never cross into the Western Hemisphere. The Indian Ocean is likewise the only ocean contained wholly within the Eastern Hemisphere.
Where is the geographic center of the Eastern Hemisphere's land mass (excluding Antarctica)?
It falls at about 30°N 62°15′E, a point in southern Afghanistan. Eighteen fully independent nations have every part of their territory inside the Eastern Hemisphere.
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