Current Issues in South Asia

Population Explosion  Population Grows: When India gained its independence from Britain its population was around 300 million. By 2000 it had more than tripled. Even though the growth rate is at 2%, if it continues India stands to surpass China as the most populated country in the world, though it is 1/3 the size of the United States. Pakistan and Bangladesh currently have soaring population growth as well. Though the three countries occupy less than 3% of the world’s land area they are home to 22% of the world’s population.

Population Explosion (Cont.)  Inadequate Resources: The rapidly increases population of South Asia has made it very tough for regional governments to meet the needs of their people. Poverty and illiteracy add to this problem, as it leaves many unable to help increase production. Poor sanitation and hygiene are also large problems. Increases India will need to make EVERY year to keep up with population growth 127,000 New Village Schools Hire 400,000 New Teachers Build 2.5 Million New Homes Create 4 Million New Jobs Produce an Additional 6 Million Tons of Food

Managing Population Growth  Small Families: Because it is nearly impossibly to continually support the growing population much of the health care budget is spent on encouraging people to have small families. It is largely unsuccessful as most marry before 18 and begin having kids early. Children are seen as a source of income as they can beg for money and increases the chance of someone being around to take care of the elderly. Infant Mortality Rate is high as well at 7.5% compared to.7% in the U.S.

Managing Population Growth (Cont.)  Education is a Key: Though many of these problems can be improved funds are limited (in India only $6 per pupil is annually allotted compared to $6,320 in the U.S.).

Monsoon Season The monsoon is a wind pattern rather than a rain pattern. The Summer Monsoon blows from the Southwest across the Indian Ocean and produces powerful storms with vast amounts of rain that causes flooding. The Winter Monsoon Blows from the Northeast across the Himalayas. These winds carry little water and may cause droughts.

Impact of Monsoons  Physical Impact: The Summer Monsoon is critical to agriculture as it nourishes rain forests and crops (though heavy flooding may damage crops). Summer Monsoons may also cause deadly cyclones. The Winter Monsoon can be destructive as well. Droughts cause crops and forests to dry up quickly.

Impact of Monsoons (Cont.)  Economic Impact: Though the rainwater is essential, both floods and droughts can be devastating to crops. They can also destroy homes. This makes international aid necessary as the citizens and government are often both too poor to rebuild these homes.  Political Tension: These weather conditions at times cause much political turmoil between countries. For example, India and Bangladesh have fought often over the Ganges.