Political Economy of South Asia South Asia accounts for nearly 23 per cent of the total world population. However, its share in the global GDP is less than 3 per cent. The region is home to the world's 400 million poor, which means nearly 30 per cent of the region's population lives below the poverty line.* To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and political organization of eight countries in Southern Asia. In terms of population, its sphere of influence is the largest of any regional organization: almost 1.5 billion people, the combined population of its member state. Membership . Afghanistan . Bangladesh . Bhutan India . Maldives . Nepal . Pakistan . Sri Lanka In April 2007, at the Association's 14th summit, Afghanistan became its eighth member. enon kona Observers . Australia . China . Europe Union Iran . Japan . Mauritius . Myanmar (Burma) South Kerea . United States wo mMNIAaARUNpa