South Asia
Millions of people in South Asia have been living in poverty for decades, but two events have made this poverty even worse.
Tsunami
In 2004, a tsunami (that’s a giant wave) hit the coast of South Asia, killing tens of thousands of people in many different countries. Sri Lanka was hit very hard, making the poverty that already existed even worse. Even though the tsunami happened a few years ago, most places still haven’t been rebuilt. Schools have been destroyed and many people can’t find work.
War in Sri Lanka
The northeast part of Sri Lanka where the fighting is the worst has never developed properly because the war has been going on for more than 20 years. Schools, health care and other basics are needed. Poverty is especially hard on kids.
South Asia Poverty Facts
- South Asia is the region with the second highest number of children who die before they turn five.
- In India, almost one in five kids will die before they turn five.
- Poverty is especially hard for kids in rural areas, where proper health care isn’t available.