This appendix gives a one-table snapshot of each of the eight countries of South Asia, listed alphabetically. Use it for quick reference while you read, or as a starting point for a club presentation. The country chapters (17 to 20) tell the fuller stories.
How to read these tables
Official name is the formal name used by the United Nations (UNTERM country list, checked October 2026).
Population is the 2025 figure from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL, dataset updated October 2026).
Main faiths are Pew Research Center estimates for 2020, published in June 2025. We use one source for all eight countries so they can be compared fairly. National census figures, where the book uses them, appear in the country chapters, and they can differ a little from Pew's estimates. Percentages are rounded and may not add to 100.
Currency names and codes come from the international ISO 4217 list (September 2026 edition).
UNESCO World Heritage sites are counted from each country's page on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre website, checked in October 2026. A site shared between countries counts for each country that lists it.
Numbers have birthdays
Every number on this page has a year attached, because populations, faith shares and even site lists change. If you use one in a project, copy the year and the source along with it.
The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (UN name). Since August 2021 the country has been governed by the Taliban, who call the state the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. As of October 2026, Russia (since July 2025) is the only country reported to have formally recognized the Taliban government.
Capital
Kabul
Population (2025, World Bank)
43,844,111 (about 44 million)
Official languages
Pashto and Dari
Main faiths (Pew, 2020)
Muslim 99.9%; most are Sunni, with a Shia minority
Currency
Afghani (AFN)
National day
Independence Day, 19 August. Afghanistan was never formally colonized, but Britain controlled its foreign affairs until the 1919 Treaty of Rawalpindi.
UNESCO World Heritage sites
2: Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (2002); Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (2003)
The Republic of India (also Bharat in the Constitution's own words)
Capital
New Delhi
Population (2025, World Bank)
1,463,865,525 (about 1.46 billion)
Official languages
Hindi and English for the national government; the Constitution's Eighth Schedule lists 22 languages
Main faiths (Pew, 2020)
Hindu 79.4%, Muslim 15.2%, Christian 2.2%, other faiths (including Sikhs and Jains) 2.5% together; Buddhists under 1%
Currency
Indian rupee (INR)
Independence
15 August 1947 (Independence Day); the Constitution took effect on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day)
UNESCO World Heritage sites
45 (37 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed). Examples: Taj Mahal (1983); Western Ghats (2012); Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath (2026), the newest.
National symbol
The peacock has been the national bird since 1963.
Disputed territory
Kashmir is disputed. India, Pakistan and China each administer part of the region, and India and Pakistan each claim the whole former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. India also claims Aksai Chin, which China administers.
Muslim 94.1%, Hindu 2.5%, Christian 1.6%, Buddhist 1.3%. Pew counts everyone living in the country, not only citizens; the Constitution requires Maldivian citizens to be Muslim.
Currency
Rufiyaa (MVR)
Independence
26 July 1965
UNESCO World Heritage sites
0. The Coral Stone Mosques of Maldives are on the Tentative List.
Urdu is the national language and English is an official language; Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Saraiki, Balochi and others are widely spoken
Main faiths (Pew, 2020)
Muslim 96.5%, Hindu 2.1%, Christian 1.3%
Currency
Pakistani rupee (PKR)
Independence
14 August 1947, the date Pakistan celebrates (the legal transfer of power was 15 August). Pakistan Day, 23 March, marks the 1940 Lahore Resolution.
UNESCO World Heritage sites
6: Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro (1980); Taxila (1980); Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol (1980); Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore (1981); Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta (1981); Rohtas Fort (1997)
Disputed territory
Kashmir is disputed. Pakistan administers part of the region and, like India, claims the whole former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Every number on this page has a year attached, because populations, faith shares and even site lists change. If you use one in a project, copy the year and the source along with it.