South Asia encompasses Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. This region is not only the cradle of the ancient Indus civilization but also among the most densely populated areas in the world. Divided by religion, ethnicity, language, and politics.
Covering the Indo-Gangetic Plain and peninsular India, South Asia comprises eight countries with a population of over 1.82 billion. Remarkably, it hosts 4,042 people groups, 91% of whom are unreached, including 3,661 Unreached People Groups (Joshua Project, 2021). The region is a focal point for the world's three largest non-Christian religions—1.1 billion Muslims, 950 million Hindus, and between 470 to 920 million Buddhists (Operation World, 2021).
South Asia stands as the region with the highest number of unevangelized individuals and groups globally. Despite its complex ethnic, linguistic, and religious landscape, there are signs of vigorous Church growth in certain areas, illustrating the dynamic interplay of challenges and opportunities for spreading the Gospel in this diverse and populous region.
South Asia
South Asia encompasses Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. This region is not only the cradle of the ancient Indus civilization but also among the most densely populated areas in the world. Divided by religion, ethnicity, language, and politics.
Covering the Indo-Gangetic Plain and peninsular India, South Asia comprises eight countries with a population of over 1.82 billion. Remarkably, it hosts 4,042 people groups, 91% of whom are unreached, including 3,661 Unreached People Groups (Joshua Project, 2021). The region is a focal point for the world's three largest non-Christian religions—1.1 billion Muslims, 950 million Hindus, and between 470 to 920 million Buddhists (Operation World, 2021).
South Asia stands as the region with the highest number of unevangelized individuals and groups globally. Despite its complex ethnic, linguistic, and religious landscape, there are signs of vigorous Church growth in certain areas, illustrating the dynamic interplay of challenges and opportunities for spreading the Gospel in this diverse and populous region.