The Indian

Subcontinent

General Facts
A

large section of the Asian continent that include countries

under the Indian Tectonic plate

Historically

known as Hindhustan

Bhutan

India

Afghanistan

Pakistan

Nepal

Bangladesh

Indian Subcontinent
Identified
4

with its commercial and cultural wealth.

major religions were originated here:

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism

The
1.6

worlds most densly-populated region

billion (1/5 of worlds population)

Population

density, more than 7 times the worlds average.

The

South Asian Associaton of Regional Cooperation

(SARC)
Setting

basis for the South Asian Economic Union

Main History
In

the end beginning of the 18th Century Brittish started the

colonization of Indian Subcontinent, which lasted until 1947:

June 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan

August 1947: Both Nations obtain their independence.

Indias Main Facts after

Independence
Economy:
Failure

of efforts to modernize.
Opted for mixed economy.
Major problems:
lack of capital (local or foreign)
illiteracy & lack of technology.
Poverty = lack of purchasing power = no market
Social
Caste

system.
Educated sector emigrated.
Political
Task

of putting together diverse ethnic, religious & linguistic identities.

India: A future superpower?

In 2000 they reached 1 billion (triple than in 1947)

Since 1991 India has opened up its markets with economic reforms.

Fastest growing economy in the world

The 9th largest economy (GDP 2014)

India may surpass US GDP on 2050

The distribution of richness is not fair.

Lately, has become an important outsourcing employee of transnational

companies.

Has become a major exporter of: software, financial, research and

technological services.

Indian-Pakistan Relation

India and Pakistan have fought several wars over history, basically
over Kashmir.

They also fought in 1971 over the independence of Bangladesh.

Pakistans main facts in modern

History
Characterized

by political inestability:

Survived the military regime of Mohammed Zia Ul-Haq from 1977 to 1988.
First elections held on 1988, won by Benazir Bhutto (daughter of Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto).
Deposed in 1990 charged with abuse & misconduct.
Came again into power in 1994. Resigned again on 1996 under charges of
corruption.
Went to exile and returned in 2007
Killed on Dec. 2007

In

1999 a new coup took power to Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Pakistanis

were more relieved than angry. (resigned on Aug. 2008)

2008

President Asif Ali Zardari (widower of Benazir Bhutto)

Major Challenges in the Region

Social
To

feed population on even basis.

Education
Overpopulation
Political
Peacekeeping

(ethnic & religious confrontations)

Stability & Governance (Assassination of Benazir Bhutto)
Economical
Equality

& Social Justice

Creation of Market economy asside India
International
Peacekeeping