Just my experience. The systems you are referring to are most-likely residential heating systems, and not full-blown HVAC system that are based on a heat pump.

Just my experience. The systems you are referring to are most-likely residential heating systems, and not full-blown HVAC system that are based on a heat pump. Asia: I have traveled for months in China, India and Japan and don't recall seeing any thermostats, aside from hotels and commercial spaces. Europe: no A/C in most countries (aside from commercial projects). They make extensive use of residential heating using liquid pipes that pass through the building. In southern europe split ductless A/C systems are common. South america: I believe they have both central air and split systems. USA: central air everywhere! Africa: no money for A/C. ;-) The split systems are much more energy efficient, so they should be gaining ground.