South Asia
South Asia encompasses several countries across the Indian subcontinent, home to over a quarter of the world's population and an incredibly diverse range of cultures and climates.
About South Asia
South Asia, also known as the Indian subcontinent, is a region of immense cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. With a combined population exceeding 2 billion people, it is one of the most densely populated areas on Earth. The region includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and depending on the definition, Iran. This area is bounded by the Himalayas to the north, the Indian Ocean to the south, and stretches from the Iranian plateau in the west to the Indo-Burmese border in the east.
The region is home to some of the world's oldest civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization which flourished around 2500 BCE. South Asia gave birth to major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Today, it remains one of the most religiously diverse regions, with significant populations practicing Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and other faiths. The area encompasses hundreds of languages and dialects, with Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, and Punjabi being among the most widely spoken.
Geographically, South Asia features remarkable diversity, from the world's highest mountain peaks in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges to fertile river valleys of the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra, from the Thar Desert to lush tropical forests and the paradise islands of the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The region experiences monsoon climate patterns that are crucial for agriculture, which remains a primary economic activity for much of the population.
Economically, South Asia represents one of the fastest-growing regions globally, with India emerging as a major economic powerhouse in technology, manufacturing, and services. However, the region also faces significant challenges including poverty, political instability in some areas, climate change impacts, water scarcity, and rapid urbanization. The region's young and growing population presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainable development.