Buzz
In the western world, it’s easy to overlook the realities of life in remote areas. We’re so immersed in the rush of social media and the adrenaline it provides (and perhaps in our jobs too), that we often forget to pause. Strangely, even as technology frees up more of our time, we seem to have less of it to spare.
Back in September, I put together a collection of breathtaking images from the Middle East (linked right above this paragraph). A reader, “Aman” to be precise, requested a similar collection for South Asia. Unlike the Middle East, which is predominantly shaped by Islam, South Asia is a unique mix of religions, cultures, and landscapes. Still, it often receives a negative reputation due to regional conflicts (yes, Pakistan and India, I’m talking to you!).
However, beyond this, South Asia is a region brimming with some of the world's most remarkable wonders—both natural and manmade. This list highlights many of these, providing some insight into each country. South Asia consists of only eight countries, so I’ve grouped the two largest into separate entries to bring the total count to ten. These are arranged by size, from smallest to largest.
10. Maldives
Maldives holds the title of being the smallest Muslim nation globally. Once part of the British Commonwealth from 1982 until 2016, it distanced itself due to international criticism over its human rights violations and political corruption. With a modest population of just 390,000 Maldivians, who are thought to have descended from early settlers likely from India and Sri Lanka, the country’s name translates to ‘Necklace Island.’
9. Bhutan
To visit the stunning locations listed above, you'll need quite a bit of cash. Bhutan is largely closed to tourists unless you opt for costly state-run tours that charge over $250 per day. The name Bhutan means ‘Thunder Dragon,’ and you can see the dragon on the national flag. The country has a king (Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck) as well as an elected parliament. The majority religion is Buddhism, with Hinduism a distant second. Bhutan has outlawed the public use and sale of tobacco, while the introduction of the Internet and TV only occurred in 1999. Homosexuality remains illegal, and uniquely, Bhutan enforces an official dress code that signifies social class within the population.
8. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, became a republic in 1972. The island nation’s modern history has been heavily shaped by a 26-year civil war, which came to an end in 2009 when government forces triumphed over the Tamil Tigers. Around 70% of Sri Lankans practice Buddhism, with Hinduism being the second-largest religion, and Roman Catholicism representing approximately 7% of the population, which stands at about 21 million. Sri Lanka holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously Buddhist nation in the world. The government operates as a semi-presidential republic.
7. Nepal
Nepal, the sole nation with a non-quadrilateral flag, is predominantly Hindu with a population of 28 million. The country boasts eight of the tallest mountains on the planet, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Nepal operates as a Communist republic, as evidenced by its current president, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, who led the Communist Party until her election in 2015.
6. Bangladesh
Bangladesh ranks among the most densely populated nations globally, with 161 million people living in an area of 147,570 square kilometers (56,980 square miles). It is the fourth-largest Muslim-majority country in the world. Bangladesh faces numerous challenges, including genocide, child slavery, terrorism, corruption, and severe pollution. The country remains exempt from global climate change regulations due to its extreme poverty.
5. Afghanistan
Afghanistan is almost entirely Muslim, with 99.7% of its population practicing Islam. The country is notorious for its high rates of terrorism, child labor, and widespread human suffering. Homosexuality is punishable by death, and nearly half of the deaths of journalists (which are sadly frequent) are attributed to the government. This is a reality that Western media personalities may want to reflect on the next time they decry criticism from politicians and independent media in the U.S. Up to 16% of Afghanistan's economy is fueled by the opium trade. However, there is a glimmer of hope as many citizens who fled the war are returning, bringing vital business growth to the country. This may signal a more promising future ahead. Afghanistan’s national sport, Buzkashi, is a fierce game where horseback riders compete to score by using a goat’s carcass as the ball.
4. Pakistan—Nature
Similar to its neighbor India, Pakistan is a nuclear-armed nation. The two countries remain in conflict due to religious and cultural differences, with Pakistan being predominantly Muslim and India primarily Hindu. Pakistan faces challenges such as high illiteracy rates, poverty, terrorism, and corruption. Yet, it is also home to some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes, a fact that many people are unaware of. With a population of 200 million, Pakistan operates under a constitutional republic.
3. India—Man
2. India—Nature
India is undeniably one of the most culturally vibrant and diverse countries on Earth. Its pagan traditions are filled with golden icons, exotic animals, ancient legends, and mystical wonders. The nation is home to the wettest place on the planet, Mawsynram, which receives the heaviest rainfall, as well as the Thar Desert, the 17th largest desert globally. India's culinary landscape is as varied as its terrain, offering everything from intensely spiced curries to delightfully subtle sweets. Countless lists could be created to highlight the awe-inspiring destinations within this fascinating, far-reaching land.
1. Pakistan—Man
