The term 17.2-MILLION-SQUARE-MILE AREA refers to the continent of ASIA, which is the world's largest and most populous continent. It covers an area of 17.2 million square miles and is home to over 4 billion people. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Arctic Ocean to the north. ASIA is home to some of the world's oldest civilizations, including China, India, and Japan. It is also home to a wide variety of cultures, languages, and religions.