South Asia, home to the ancient Indus civilization and one of the world’s earliest known cultures, is now one of the most densely populated regions globally. Despite a long history of ethnic, linguistic, and political diversity, the people of South Asia share a deep cultural and ethical unity. Ancient literature in Sanskrit, Prākrit, and various regional languages plays a key role in binding the region together. Across South Asia, you'll find striking similarities in music, dance, rituals, modes of worship, and literary traditions, even as the region has evolved through countless political changes over the centuries. 

South Asia typically includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, with Afghanistan and the Maldives often considered part of the region as well. The term "Indian subcontinent" is frequently used interchangeably with South Asia, though it sometimes specifically refers to Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. 

With a population of 2.04 billion living in South Asia, it contains a quarter (25%) of the world's population. 

As of 2010, South Asia was home to the world’s largest population of Hindus, representing around 68% of the region's population, about 900 million people while Muslims make up 31%, or 510 million approximately; over 27 million Sikhs, 35 million Christians, and more than 25 million Buddhists. 

Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, and Christians are predominantly found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, while Muslims are primarily concentrated in Afghanistan (99%), Bangladesh (90%), Pakistan (96%), and the Maldives (100%) including India (14.2%). In fact, India is the country with the largest Muslim population outside Muslim-majority countries with more than 211.16 million adherents. 

With all major religions practiced across the subcontinent, South Asia is recognized as one of the most religiously diverse regions in the world.