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South Asia Countries and Capitals

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South Asia is a region in the southern part of Asia, comprising the following 8 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan

Country Overview:

Afghanistan, located in South Asia and Central Asia, covers an area of approximately 652,864 square kilometers. It is bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. Afghanistan is famous for its rugged mountains, including the Hindu Kush range, and its rich history, with ancient cities such as Kabul and Herat. The country has faced challenges due to decades of conflict but is known for its resilient people and diverse cultures.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1919 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 38.9 million
  • Capital City: Kabul
  • Language: Pashto, Dari (official)
  • Currency: Afghan Afghani (AFN)
  • Time Zone: AFT (GMT+4:30)
  • Country Area Code: +93
  • Top-Level Domain: .af
  • ISO Country Codes: AF, AFG

Bangladesh

Country Overview:

Bangladesh, located in South Asia, covers an area of approximately 147,570 square kilometers. It is bordered by India and Myanmar. Bangladesh is famous for its lush landscapes, including the fertile plains of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, and its vibrant culture, with colorful festivals such as Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) and Durga Puja. The country is known for its bustling capital city of Dhaka and the UNESCO-listed Sundarbans mangrove forest.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1971 (from Pakistan)
  • Population: Approximately 166.3 million
  • Capital City: Dhaka
  • Language: Bengali
  • Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
  • Time Zone: BST (GMT+6)
  • Country Area Code: +880
  • Top-Level Domain: .bd
  • ISO Country Codes: BD, BGD

Bhutan

Country Overview:

Bhutan, located in South Asia, covers an area of approximately 38,394 square kilometers. It is bordered by China and India. Bhutan is famous for its stunning landscapes, including the Himalayan mountains, and its unique Gross National Happiness philosophy, which prioritizes the well-being of its citizens over economic growth. The country is known for its traditional architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and colorful festivals such as the Paro Tsechu.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1907 (unification)
  • Population: Approximately 763,092
  • Capital City: Thimphu
  • Language: Dzongkha
  • Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Time Zone: BTT (GMT+6)
  • Country Area Code: +975
  • Top-Level Domain: .bt
  • ISO Country Codes: BT, BTN

India

Country Overview:

India, located in South Asia, covers an area of approximately 3,287,263 square kilometers. It is bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. India is famous for its diverse cultures, languages, and religions, as well as its iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, vibrant festivals like Diwali and Holi, and delicious cuisine. The country is known for its bustling cities, ancient monuments, and breathtaking natural beauty, including the Himalayas, deserts, and beaches.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1947 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 1.4 billion
  • Capital City: New Delhi
  • Language: Hindi, English (official), and 21 other officially recognized languages
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Time Zone: IST (GMT+5:30)
  • Country Area Code: +91
  • Top-Level Domain: .in
  • ISO Country Codes: IN, IND

Maldives

Country Overview:

The Maldives, located in South Asia in the Indian Ocean, is an archipelago nation comprising 26 atolls. It covers an area of approximately 298 square kilometers. The Maldives is famous for its stunning coral reefs, turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows. The country is a popular destination for honeymooners and scuba divers, offering pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class resorts.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1965 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 530,953
  • Capital City: MalĂ©
  • Language: Dhivehi
  • Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
  • Time Zone: MVT (GMT+5)
  • Country Area Code: +960
  • Top-Level Domain: .mv
  • ISO Country Codes: MV, MDV

Nepal

Country Overview:

Nepal, located in South Asia, covers an area of approximately 147,516 square kilometers. It is bordered by China and India. Nepal is famous for its majestic Himalayan mountains, including Mount Everest, and its rich cultural heritage, with ancient temples, monasteries, and traditional festivals such as Dashain and Tihar. The country offers diverse landscapes, including hills, valleys, and jungles, making it a popular destination for trekking and adventure tourism.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: Never colonized
  • Population: Approximately 30.6 million
  • Capital City: Kathmandu
  • Language: Nepali
  • Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
  • Time Zone: NPT (GMT+5:45)
  • Country Area Code: +977
  • Top-Level Domain: .np
  • ISO Country Codes: NP, NPL

Pakistan

Country Overview:

Pakistan, located in South Asia, covers an area of approximately 881,913 square kilometers. It is bordered by India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China. Pakistan is famous for its diverse landscapes, including the mountainous regions of the north, fertile plains of Punjab, and the coastal areas along the Arabian Sea. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with historic sites such as the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro and the architectural marvels of Lahore and Islamabad.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1947 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 225.2 million
  • Capital City: Islamabad
  • Language: Urdu (official), English
  • Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
  • Time Zone: PKT (GMT+5)
  • Country Area Code: +92
  • Top-Level Domain: .pk
  • ISO Country Codes: PK, PAK

Sri Lanka

Country Overview:

Sri Lanka, located in South Asia, covers an area of approximately 65,610 square kilometers. It is an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is famous for its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and ancient ruins such as the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred city of Anuradhapura.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1948 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 21.4 million
  • Capital City: Colombo (commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative)
  • Language: Sinhala, Tamil (official)
  • Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
  • Time Zone: SLST (GMT+5:30)
  • Country Area Code: +94
  • Top-Level Domain: .lk
  • ISO Country Codes: LK, LKA

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