Latin America and the Caribbean refers to the region of the Americas south of the United States, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west, and Antarctica across the Drake Passage in the south. It consists of 33 independent countries and several regions. Latin America and the Caribbean is rich in energy resources such as oil, coal, hydropower and geothermal power, as well as diverse traditional cultures and gorgeous natural landscape. People can immerse themselves in the splendid Mayan culture, Aztec culture, Inca culture and other ancient civilizations. Besides, rich and special natural scenery such as primitive forests, sunny beaches, mountains and waterfalls are also worth visiting.

Located at the foot of the Himalayas and on the shore of the Indian Ocean, South Asia is a meeting place of diverse civilizations. Each country weaves a story of history, civilization and cultural diversity. Here we can see the cultural heritage of different styles, the colourful national costumes, the fragrant cuisine, and the melodious music and dance. This is one of the birthplaces of human civilization and a source of inspiration throughout the ages. In this ancient but vibrant land, tradition and modernity meet to create a unique and splendid South Asian style.

Eurasia, in a broad sense, refers to the landmass comprising all of Europe and Asia. In a narrow sense, it refers to what had been the territory of the Soviet Union and East European Communist regimes. Studies of Eurasia conducted by IIAS-THU mainly focus on 30 countries and regions in Europe and Asia, including Russia, Central Asia, Caucasus, Central and Eastern Europe. It is a “crossroads” of diverse cultures, and the main religions here are Orthodox, Catholicism, and Islam. From the plains of Eastern Europe to the mountains of Eastern Siberia, from the Greater Caucasus to the Fergana Valley, the vast Eurasian region has distinctive features in terms of economic and social development and always has a special place in history thanks to its diverse historical and cultural backgrounds.

Sub-Saharan Africa generally refers to the area of Africa south of the Sahara Desert, also known as the sub-Saharan region or lower Sahara. It overlaps heavily with the old tropical zone in terms of physical geography, with a predominantly highland terrain. The entire terrain slopes from southeast to northwest, and it is a concentrated area of tropical climate. The region includes more than 40 countries with all or part of their territory located south of the Sahara Desert, with a population of about 1.2 billion. The main religious beliefs are Christianity, Islam and local traditional religions. Sub-Saharan Africa is considered to be the possible birthplace of modern humans. It has also nurtured glorious ancient civilizations, including the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires. Today, Africa is a vibrant and promising continent full of energy and hope.

West Asia and North Africa is located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa. It encompasses 25 countries and regions, stretching from the Iranian Plateau in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west, from the Caucasus Mountains in the north to the Sahara Desert in the south. West Asia and North Africa feature a diverse geographical environment, with a wide array of landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, fertile plains, oases, and deserts. The region has a long history and an exceptionally rich cultural heritage. It is the cradle of ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Iranian-Persian, and Arab-Islamic civilizations, and the birthplace of major religions, including Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam.