Pre-AP Geography The Asian Realm - South Asia HEI llhammon

Population Patterns South Asia is ethnically diverse. Population density is the greatest on the Indo-Gangetic Plain. South Asia with six countries has a larger population than all of Africa and Southwest Asia combined. (74 countries) Much of the population is migrating from rural to urban areas to find work.

Urban and Rural Life Most of South Asia’s population is rural. Even in Pakistan, South Asia’s most urbanized country, two-thirds of the population lives in rural areas. Rural life –Rural life in South Asia has changed little over hundreds of years. – People farm, live in villages, and struggle to grow enough crops to feed their families. (subsistence agriculture)

South Asia is also home to nomadic groups that herd camels, goats, or yaks for a living. Growing Urbanization – In recent years, many South Asians have moved to cities, drawn by the hope of better jobs. The resulting overpopulation causes shortages in housing, health care, and educational facilities, as well as serious pollution. South Asia’s cities are among the world’s most densely populated urban areas. Important cities in the region include Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Dhaka, and Karachi.

Mumbai, India’s main port on the Arabian Sea as well as its largest city, has a population of more than 15 million.

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