II. Governments

A. Afghanistan Poor and war-torn country – Soviet Union attempted to take control Taliban – Terrorist government that took control of Afghanistan Women were treated horribly by the Taliban government United States declared war on Afghanistan following 9-11

Women Clothing Under the Taliban’s Rule

B. Bangladesh Total population greater than Mexico and Canada combined World’s 7 th most populated country 158 million people squeeze into a land about the size of Wisconsin Malnutrition – Lack of food or an unbalanced diet

C. Nepal Himalayas – World’s highest mountain chain Mount Everest – Tallest mountain in the world – 29,028 feet Grows 2 inches every year because of plate tectonic forces Popular tourist attraction today

D. Pakistan Mostly Muslim country Martial Law – Government controlled by the military Case in Pakistan for over 30 years People elected to Pakistan’s government must be Muslims

E. World’s Largest Democracy India – Is the world’s largest democracy Over 370 million people voted in the last national election Government is very similar to our form of government

Indians Voting

F. Caste System Caste System – Social class in which people are born into and not able to leave according to Hinduism Determines who you can marry, what you can eat, and who your friends can be

Caste system is suppose to be illegal in India today Dalits – Untouchables who are outside of the caste system and have unclean jobs such as a gravedigger or butcher Make up over ¼ of India’s population Have gained political power in recent years