SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 22

Correct Answer

8

Explanation

There are 8 countries in South Asia according to the official definition recognized by international organizations like the United Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). These eight sovereign nations are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This region is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the south and the massive Himalayan mountain range to the north. Originally, SAARC was founded with seven members in 1885, but Afghanistan joined as the eighth member state later during the 14th SAARC Summit held in New Delhi in 2007.

Key Points

Geographically and culturally, the region is often referred to as the Indian Subcontinent due to its distinct, contiguous landmass separated from the rest of the Asian continent by major mountain ranges.

In terms of population, South Asia is the most densely populated geographical region in the entire world, housing roughly one-fourth of the global population.

India is the largest country in South Asia by both territorial land area and population size, sharing land or maritime boundaries with almost all other nations in the region.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which regional geopolitical organization comprises all eight countries of South Asia?

Answer: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the regional intergovernmental organization that includes all eight countries.

Question: Which country was the latest to be officially admitted as a full member of the South Asian regional bloc SAARC?

Answer: Afghanistan was admitted as the eighth member of SAARC in April 2007.