Independence finally came in 1984, but Muslims demanded a separate area which led to Pakistan being separate from India. Many contrasts are found in this region. The wet monsoon brings rains which are crucial for agriculture. The Himalayas form a wall along the northern edge of Southern Asia. The major river valleys are densely populated and heavily farmed.
Water is the most essential resource.
Earthquakes and floods are environmental hazards. Human impacts on the environment are increasing. Globally, India is in the periphery, but within Southern Asia it dominates in population and economic activity. India s new government is based on strong Hindu nationalism. Although 80 percent of the people are Hindu, there is lots of religious, linguistic, and ethnic diversity.