"South Asia may soon have a significant global impact, given the impressive levels of scientific and technical skills found within the labor force, the international links that the region has established through migration, and the enormous size of its local markets." (Rowntree, et al., Chapter 12)
- This chapter covers South Asia, which includes India (the world's second-most populous country), Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. You should understand the unique climatological challenges of this region, including monsoons and hurricanes, as well as the accompanying floods.
- Upon completion of this chapter, you should be familiar with the physical, demographic, cultural, political, and economic characteristics of South Asia. In addition, you should understand the following concepts and models:
- Environmental geography
- Diverse landscapes; Natural hazards; Forests and deforestation; Wildlife extinction and protection; Physical subregions; Monsoon climates.
- Population and settlement
- Geography of family planning; Migration and settlement; Agricultural regions and activities; Green Revolution; Cities in South Asia.
- Cultural coherence and diversity
- Hindu civilization, including caste system; Religion, including Islam; Language; Global context.
- Geopolitical framework
- British East India Company and colonialism; Independence and partition; India; Kashmir; Punjab; Sri Lanka; Global geopolitics.
- Economic and social development
- Poverty; Economic development; Centers of economic growth; Globalization; Social development; Women.
