South Asia is a distinct and diverse region in Asia, covering about 5.2 million square kilometers and accounting for roughly 10% of the Asian continent. It includes countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. Geographically, South Asia is characterized by its varied landscape, including the towering Himalayan mountain range to the north, the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain formed by the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers, and the peninsular plateau areas like the Deccan Plateau.
The region is bordered by three major bodies of water: the Arabian Sea to the southwest, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast. Its location on the Indian Plate, which collided with the Eurasian Plate millions of years ago, created the Himalayas and shaped much of its topography.
Climatically, South Asia exhibits a wide range from tropical monsoon in the south, with heavy seasonal rains supporting agriculture, to temperate and alpine climates in the northern mountainous areas. The region depends heavily on the monsoon system, which brings most of its annual precipitation. This diverse climate supports a variety of ecosystems, cultures, and agricultural practices.
With over a billion people, South Asia is also one of the most densely populated and culturally rich regions in the world, marked by a mosaic of languages, religions, and traditions. It plays a significant role in global geopolitics, economy, and cultural exchanges due to its unique geography and demographic weight.