3.7 Summary

The Himalayan Mountain ranges form the northern border of South Asia, with Nepal situated along this boundary, acting as a buffer state between India and China. Nepal experiences rapid population growth, with the majority of its population relying on agriculture. Deforestation is a key environmental issue, leading to erosion and landscape degradation. As a landlocked and impoverished country, Nepal faces challenges in maintaining a stable government and providing adequate public services.

South Asia was colonized by Britain for ninety years, during which colonialism introduced administration, a railway network, and major port cities for exporting goods. The British established South Asia’s political borders based on religion and economic benefits, elevating Sikhs from Punjab to govern Hindu and Muslim populations. English became widely spoken as a common language.

Conflicts persist in regions like mountainous Kashmir and tropical Sri Lanka. Kashmir, located in the northern part of the region, is divided among Pakistan, China, and India, all of which are nuclear-armed nations. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, based in the southwest, controls most of the island. At the same time, the Hindu Tamil minority, concentrated in the Jaffna Peninsula in the northeast, seeks an independent state and has territorial claims.

South Asia’s port cities are vital hubs for international trade and development. However, there is a stark contrast between the rural poor and the wealthy elites. India is building a strong economy through advancements in information technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, with industries like motor vehicles and computer technologies gaining global competitiveness. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s economy struggles due to high population growth and the impact of Islamic extremism.

Pakistan and Bangladesh were once united under the same government, with Bangladesh previously known as East Pakistan. These Muslim-majority regions share a complex history and cultural ties.