The two factors that most contribute to South Asia's high poverty rates are:
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Large populations - High population density can strain resources, infrastructure, and access to services, making it more challenging to lift large segments of the population out of poverty.
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Unequal treatment of women - Gender inequality restricts women's access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, which hinders human development and contributes to persistent poverty levels.
These factors create significant barriers to economic growth and development in the region.