Economy of South Asia
The economy of South Asia comprises 2 billion people (25% of the world population) living in eight countries (though Afghanistan is sometimes excluded). The Indian subcontinent was historically one of the richest regions in the world, comprising 25% of world GDP as recently as 1700, but experienced significant de-industrialisation and a doubling of extreme poverty during the colonial era of the late 18th to mid-20th century. In the post-colonial era, South Asia has grown significantly, with India advancing because of economic liberalisation from the 1980s onwards, and extreme poverty now below 15% in the region. South Asia has been the fastest-growing region of the world since 2014. History

Ancient and medieval era

Colonial era

Modern era 
India is the largest economy in the region (US$3.535 trillion) and makes up almost 80% of the South Asian economy; it is the world's 5th largest in nominal terms and 3rd largest by purchasing power adjusted exchange rates (US$11.745 trillion). India is the member of G-20 major economies and BRICS from the region. It is the fastest-growing major economy in the world and one of the world's fastest registering a growth of 7.2% in FY 2022-23. India is followed by Bangladesh, which has a GDP of ($411 billion) and a GDP per capita of $2,340, which is 5th in the region above  Pakistan. It has the fastest GDP growth rate in Asia. It is one of the emerging and growth-leading economies of the world, and is also listed among the Next Eleven countries. It is also one of the fastest-growing middle-income countries. It has the world's 33rd largest GDP in nominal terms and is the 27th largest by purchasing power adjusted exchange rates ($1.015 trillion). Bangladesh's economic growth was 6.4% in 2022. Pakistan has an economy of ($314 billion) and ranks 6th in GDP per capita in the region. Next is Sri Lanka, which has the 2nd highest GDP per capita and the 4th largest economy in the region. Certain parts of South Asia are significantly wealthier than others; the four Indian states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Karnataka are projected to account for almost 50% of India's GDP by 2030, while the five South Indian states comprising 20% of India's population are expected to contribute 35% of India's GDP by 2030. The major stock exchanges in the region are Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) with market Capitalization of $3.5 trillion (10th largest in the world), National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) with market capitalization of $3.55 trillion (9th largest in the world), Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), and Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) with market capitalization of $72 billion. Economic data is sourced from the International Monetary Fund, current as of April 2017, and is given in US dollars. India is home to the Indian Premier League, which is the second-most valued sports league in the world on a per-match basis. Poverty 

Poverty rates vary greatly throughout the region, with a majority of Afghanistan relying on humanitarian aid, and 40% of Sri Lankans slipping into poverty due to the economic crisis that started in 2019. India

Bangladesh

Pakistan

Afghanistan

Bhutan

Maldives

Nepal

Sri Lanka

See also 

 Economy of East Asia

References 

Economy of South Asia
South Asia
Economies by region