The Eight Countries of South Asia

South Asia is a distinct geopolitical and cultural region comprising eight sovereign nations:

• Afghanistan – Often considered the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
• Bangladesh – A densely populated delta nation on the Bay of Bengal.
• Bhutan – A Himalayan kingdom known for its Gross National Happiness index.
• India – The largest country in the region by area and population.
• Maldives – An archipelago of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean.
• Nepal – Home to Mount Everest and the birthplace of Buddha.
• Pakistan – Situated at the western edge of the subcontinent.
• Sri Lanka – An island nation off the southern coast of India.

These countries share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, and cooperate through organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).