South Asia is made up of 9 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, British Indian Ocean Territory, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

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Afghanistan
Afghanistan was founded by Durrani through the unification of the Pashtun tribes in 1747. It won independence from Britain in 1919. Democracy was used until 1973, as well as a 1978 communist coup. In 1979, the country was invaded by the Soviet Union. As a result, a long and destructive war began. In 1989, the USSR withdrew from Afghanistan. The Taliban took control in 1996. After 9/11, the Taliban was overthrown by the US, Allied, and anti-Taliban Northern Alliance.

Bangladesh
During the 10th century, Arab and Persians began converting Bangladesh to Muslim and settling in the region. During the 16th century, Europeans joined them. The eastern and western wings of Pakistan caused Bengali independence during 1947. This was done through a brief war in 1971, resulting in the deaths of at least 300,000 civilians. Another series of coups in 1975 created the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Further coups in 1981 caused military-back rule. In 1991, democratic elections were held.

Bhutan
British India gained border land during 1865 due to the Treaty of Sinchulu. In return, a subsidy was provided to Bhutan. A monarchy was developed in 1907. In 1910, a treaty was established requiring Britain to not interfere in internal affairs and to direct Bhutan’s foreign affairs. After 1947, India took over this role. In 1949, the region was annexed and subsidies formalized. In 2005, democracy was introduced. In 2007, the treaty between India and Bhutan was renegotiated, allowing India to guide Bhutan, but not control its foreign affairs. In 2008, the constitution was ratified and the 2013 elections were followed by the peaceful turnover of government status.

British Indian Ocean Territory
This area was originally the British Crown Colony of Mauritius, established in 1965. However, the Seychelles obtained many islands after gaining independence in 1976. As such, the area has six islands that make up the Chagos Archipelago. One island, Diego Garcia, is noted for its UK-US naval support facility. However, the remaining islands are uninhabited .

India
The Indus Valley civilization established itself in north-western India. However, Aryan tribes entered around 1500 B.C. The classic Indian culture was established through cooperation with Dravidian inhabitants. Thus, much of South Asia was united under the Maurya Empire during the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. Indian science, art, and culture was strengthened during the Golden Age (4th to 6th centuries A.D.). Furthermore, during a period of 700 years, Islam spread across the area. However, invasions occurred by the Turks and Afghans during the 10th and 11th centuries. The Mughal Dynasty ruled for more than three centuries. However, in the 16th century, European explores began expanding into the area. As such, Great Britain claimed dominant political power during the 19th century .

Maldives
In 1887, the area ceased to being a sultanate, as it had been since the 12th century. At this time, it became a British protectorate. In 1968, the area became a republic. For the next 30 years, Gayoom dominated the political area. In 2003, the government began establishing liberalization policies and democratic reforms. This resulted in a representative political system, as well as increased political freedoms. However, progress took time. In 2005, there was legalization of political parties. Following this in 2008, a new constitution was ratified. The first multi-candidate and –party election was held in 2008. Gayoom was forced to step down and the new president Nasheed had issues to contend with, such as strengthening the democracy and eliminating poverty and drug use .

Nepal
A cabinet system of government was initiated in 1951 after a system of hereditary premier rule. Furthermore, in 1990, democracy was developed, using constitutional monarchy. In 1996, a civil war between Maoist and government forces commenced. As a result, a complete monarchy was established in 2002. In 2006, protests occurred, prompting peace negotiations between Maoists and government officials. This led to the establishment of an interim constitution. In 2008, a Constituent Assembly was established, declaring the country a federal democratic republic. However, the Constituent Assembly did not draft a constitution by the 2012 deadline. This resulted in more negotiations, establishing an interim government. In 2013, elections were held, allowing Nepali Congress to gain control of the Constituent Assembly .

Pakistan
Pakistan was originally inhabited by the Indus Valley civilization. This is significant because this civilization dates back at least 5,000 years and is one of the oldest in the world. However, this civilization joined with Indo-Aryan people in the 2nd millennium B.C. Furthermore, there were consistent invasions by Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs, Afghans, and Turks. Despite the invasions, the 16th and 17th centuries were a time of prosperity for the Mughal Empire. However, during the 18th century, the British came and claimed dominance over the region. In 1947, Pakistan separated from British India. Despite this separation, it was not resolved with India. As a result, two wars (1947-948 and 1965) were fought regarding the Kashmir territory. A third war in 1971 led to the establishment of Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has its beginnings rooted in the 6th century B.C. It is believed that the first inhabitants were Sinhalese from northern India. Around mid-3rd century B.C., the country was introduced to Buddhism. As a result, the cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa were developed. However, within the 14th century, a Tamil kingdom was established in northern Sri Lanka. Furthermore, between the 16th and 17th century, the coastal areas were controlled by the Portuguese and Dutch respectively. In 1796, the country as ceded to the British, then, in 1802, was considered a crown colony, which allowed it to be ruled by the British in 1815. The country was previously known as Ceylon until 1948 when it gained its independence. However, its name would not be changed to Sri Lanka until 1972 .