South Asia

South Asia is home to 1.5 billion people, who together comprise 1/5 of all humanity. One fifth of the population in South Asia is between the ages of 15 and 24. This is the largest number of young people ever to transition into adulthood, both in South Asia and in the world as a whole.

South Asia consists of:

1. Afghanistan.
2. Bangladesh
3. Bhutan
4. India
5. Maldives
6. Nepal
7. Pakistan
8. Sri Lanka

The nations of South Asia are more alike than they are different.” Cultures and languages spill across national borders, most of which were created in the colonial era. As in many other parts of the world, the creation of new and "artificial" national identities has been the source of much conflict and violent upheaval. This complex struggle continues to shape South Asia’s political and economic landscape.

Together, the eight countries of South Asia—India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan are members of SAARC—the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Through SAARC, its member countries are working together to identify solutions for their common problems. South Asian economies are a mixture of poverty and plenty, with advanced and productive economies coupled with persistent poverty.

• Most populous region — 1.3 billion people, one-fifth of humanity.
• Densely populated, and growing fast — India will be world's most populous country by 2025.
• Rural lifestyle — nearly 3/4 of people live in rural areas.
• India and Bangladesh — 85 percent of the region's people live in these two countries.
• Ancient history — 5000 years of tradition and cultural continuity.
• Cultural advances — have enriched the whole world.
• Seven distinct nations — with common cultural, political, and economic characteristics.
• National conflicts — territorial, ethnic and religious.
• Highly stratified societies — women are lowest on the social scale.
• Commitment to democracy — India is the world's largest.
• Dual economy — industrial growth, world's largest middle class, and persistent poverty.