Question

What are the two smallest countries in South Asia?

Hint:

When asked about country sizes, always consider both area and population if not specified. For exams, knowing the smallest and largest countries in major regions like South Asia, Europe, etc., is valuable general knowledge.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
South Asia is a subregion of Asia, typically consisting of countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The size of a country can be measured by its geographical area or its population. The question asks for the two smallest countries, which usually refers to the area unless specified otherwise.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
When comparing the countries of South Asia by geographical area:
1. The Maldives: It is an archipelago of islands and is the smallest country in Asia by both land area (approximately 298 square kilometers) and population.
2. Bhutan: It is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. While larger than the Maldives, it is the second smallest sovereign state in South Asia by population and one of the smallest by area (approximately 38,394 square kilometers).
Therefore, based on both land area and population metrics, the Maldives and Bhutan are consistently ranked as the smallest.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The two smallest countries in South Asia, considering both area and population, are the Maldives and Bhutan.