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South Asia Government & Economics • After gaining independence many countries in South Asia chose different forms of governments • Republics, parliamentary, constitutional monarchies, etc…. Afghanistan • 1964 constitution – Constitutional Monarchy • 1973 – Monarchy collapses • 1979 – Soviet Union invaded – made them a communist government • 1989- UN agreement – Soviet troops withdraw but leave a communist government • Communist government overturned – becomes an Islamic republic • Taliban (fundamentalist Muslims) take over Under the Taliban • • • • • Women cannot go to school or hold jobs Women cannot go into public without a male relative Punishment for breaking rules is severe They have been at war with Muslim groups for years. 2001- accused of helping terrorists responsible for 9/11 Afghanistan Economically • One of the poorest countries in the world • Ruined by Soviet invasion • Only 12% arable land and only ½ of that is cultivated each year Bangladesh • 1971 – Independence from Pakistan • 1972 – Constitution adopted • Parliamentary Government • Prime Minister & President • Military has taken over the government several times Bangladesh Economically • • • • • Agriculture 3/5’s are farmers Cash crops – Rice, jute, and tea Monsoons are an issue Almost no mineral resources Bhutan • 300 years – ruled by spiritual leader AND political leader • Since 1907 – only had king • 1953 – formed an assembly that meets twice a year to pass laws • 1968 – Council of Ministers created – they advise the king Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck was officially crowned the king of Bhutan on November 06, 2008. He is one of the youngest monarchs in the world. Nepal • Was a monarchy for years • 1962 – Constitutional Monarchy • All political parties banned • 1990s – King allowed political parties • This brought about changes - new constitution and parliamentary system Nepal's President Ram Baran Yadav (R) shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Nepal’s President Ram Baran Yadav (C) inspects a guard of honor during his ceremonial reception. Bhutan and Nepal - Economics • Similar • Until 1950s/60s – isolated from the rest of the world • No highways or cars. • Bhutan did not have currency – still used barter system • Working on modernizing their economies Maldives • 1965 – Independence gained from Great Britain • 1968 – Became a republic • Citizens Council – 48 members – 40 elected by the people and 8 appointed by the president • President appoints judges who follow Islamic law • Most money comes from tourism • Almost all food is imported Pakistan • 1958 – martial law declared • Military took control until 1988 • Today – republic with a prime minister and president – who both must be Muslim • Benazir Bhutto – 1st Woman Prime Minister, 1988 -ousted in 1993 on corruption charges -Struggle between modernizers and fundamentalists. General Perez Musharaff Coup d’etat. Secular govt. against Islamic fundamentalists. U.S. ally in the “War on Terror.” MAJOR PROBLEMS AND ISSUES FACING PAKISTAN TODAY Economic development – Richest country in South Asia Political instability/military dictatorship. Hindu-Muslim tensions. Gender issues honor killings. Terrorism. The Kashmir dispute and nuclear weapons. Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa • • • • • • • 1948 – Independence from Great Britain Democracy President 2 political parties Most similar to the US Economy depends on agriculture and tourism Have many mineral resources but have not benefitted from them yet Jawarlal Nehru Ally of Gandhi. 1st Prime Minister of India, 1947-1964. Advocated Industrialization Promoted “Green Revolution” Mixed Economy India’s Mixed Economy The “mix” refers to private and public ownership. Information Technology is largest growing industry – since 1991 software exports have been doubling every year. Urban areas have high-tech companies. Three quarters of the population are farmers living in small villages. Rice & Wheat most important crops India's "Green Revolution" allowed farmers to triple their crop by using modern science & technology. “Green Revolution” Introducing higheryielding varieties of seeds in 1965. Increased use of fertilizers & irrigation. GOAL make India self-sufficient in food grains. India World’s largest democracy 1999 – 370 million people voted Head of state = president Prime minister – actually runs government 1950 – constitution went into effect Constitution gave ‘dalits’ (untouchables) more political power • Women granted the right to vote • 1966 – Indira Gandhi became India’s first female prime minister • • • • • Indira Gandhi Nehru’s daughter. Prime Minister of India, 1966-1984. Continues Nehru’s policies. Faced corruption charges & internal rebellion. Assassinated in 1984. Rajiv Gandhi Indira’s son. Prime Minister of India, 1984-1989. Some reform of economy and government. Also faced rebellion. Assassinated in 1991 while campaigning. Italian-born Sonia Maino married Rajiv in 1968. She moved into the house of mother-in-law, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. 1983 Indian citizen. 1984 first lady when her husband, Rajiv Gandhi,succeeded his assassinated mother as P.M. Sonia Gandhi remains Roman Catholic, but follows Hindu and Indian traditions With her children, she scattered Rajiv’s ashes in the Ganges After Rajiv's death Sonia shied away from the spotlight. In 1998, she agreed to start her own career as a “Gandhi” again and became an important political leader. “The Jewel turns down the crown!” When her party won in the elections, she was asked to be Prime Minister. She decided not to accept Manmohan Singh May 2004 he held up a letter from India's president authorizing him to form a new government as prime minister. He stood next to Sonia Gandhi,the candidate for the post who stunned the country when she declined the office. May 2004 India Swears in 13th Prime Minister and the first Sikh in the job. Major Problems & Issues in India today Overpopulation 1 billion & climbing. Economic development. Hindu-Muslim tensions. Gender issues dowry killings. Caste bias discrimination against untouchables The Kashmir disputes. Political assassinations. Kashmir Dispute • India/Pakistan split – both nations claimed region of Kashmir • Important region because of water resources • Conflict over whether it should be part of India or Pakistan or become independent • To add to this problem – both nations tested nuclear weapons and then refused to sign a nuclear test-ban treaty.