South & Central Asia Explained | World101

CFR Education5 minutes read

South and Central Asia, despite its rich history and diverse population, has one of the lowest levels of integration globally, with trade among countries at a minimum due to deep mistrust between India and Pakistan, hindering trade efforts valued at less than $2 billion annually. Ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan stem from the partition of British India in 1947, resulting in violence, migrations, and four wars, with Kashmir remaining a key point of contention.

Insights

  • The South and Central Asia region, despite its rich history and diverse population, faces significant challenges in terms of economic integration, with trade levels among countries remaining remarkably low.
  • The longstanding animosity between India and Pakistan, arising from historical events like the partition of British India and ongoing disputes over territories like Kashmir, serves as a major barrier to increased trade and cooperation within the region, impacting a vast majority of the population.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of South and Central Asia?

    The region is home to the Earth's highest mountain range, largest river delta, and has a historical connection through the Silk Road.

  • How integrated is South and Central Asia globally?

    Despite being densely populated and diverse, the region is one of the least integrated globally, with trade among countries at its lowest.

  • What hinders trade in South and Central Asia?

    The deep mistrust between India and Pakistan, which are home to 83% of the region's population, hinders trade, with annual trade valued at less than $2 billion.

  • What is the root cause of tensions between India and Pakistan?

    The acrimonious relationship between India and Pakistan stems from the partition of British India in 1947, leading to violence, migrations, and four wars, with ongoing tensions over Kashmir.

  • How does the history of the Silk Road impact South and Central Asia?

    The historical Silk Road connected east to west thousands of years ago, influencing the region's culture, trade, and interactions with neighboring countries.

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Summary

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Challenges of Trade in South Asia

  • South and Central Asia is home to the Earth's highest mountain range and largest river delta, with a history of the Silk Road connecting east to west thousands of years ago.
  • Despite being densely populated and diverse, the region is one of the least integrated globally, with trade among countries at its lowest.
  • The deep mistrust between India and Pakistan, home to 83% of the region's population, hinders trade, with annual trade valued at less than $2 billion.
  • The acrimonious relationship between India and Pakistan stems from the partition of British India in 1947, leading to violence, migrations, and four wars, with ongoing tensions over Kashmir.
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