THP
The Hunger Project Online
Briefing Program
The People and Nations of South Asia
Page 11 of 30
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The Hunger Project Online
Briefing Program |
People
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India Today |
India is a nation of extraordinary diversity and
contrasts: wealth and poverty, ancient traditions and
cutting-edge technology, fervent nationalism alongside deep and
divisive loyalties to caste, religion, ethnic background and
language.
It would be impossible to comprehend the "whole" of India. These next few pages will allow you to get some appreciation for the major social and economic forces that shape India today.
Population: India has the world’s second largest population - with over one billion people – and will most likely surpass China in the next 25 to 50 years.
Diversity: India has hundreds of languages and distinct local histories and traditions. Different states have different languages, and the level of economic and social development between North and South is dramatic.
Democracy: India is the world’s largest democracy, and is tremendously proud of having sustained democracy throughout its 52 years of independence.
Self-sufficiency: In the fields of agriculture and industry, self-sufficiency is more evident in India than in any other South Asian country. India grows its own food and manufactures its own telephones, automobiles, communication satellites, computers, copiers, and other products.
Economic reform: India was an ardent supporter of the socialist road of economic development until free-market reforms began in 1991. It still has many state-owned industries, and the debate between free-market and government protection of industry continues.
Human development: Despite public declarations in support of uplifting the poor, India invests far less in its grassroots people than other regions. Investments in education are predominantly for the urban elite rather than for the rural masses. India spends only 40% of its education budget for primary education, in contrast to 70% in East Asia.
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The Hunger Project Online Briefing
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People
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