In 1800, the population of the area of modern-day Pakistan was estimated to be just over 13 million. Population growth in the 19th century would be gradual in the region, rising to just 19 million at the turn of the century. In the early 1800s, the British Empire slowly consolidated power in the region, eventually controlling the region of Pakistan from the mid-19th century onwards, as part of the British Raj. From the 1930s on, the population's growth rate would increase as improvements in healthcare (particularly vaccination) and sanitation would lead to lower infant mortality rates and higher life expectancy. Independence In 1947, the Muslim-majority country of Pakistan gained independence from Britain, and split from the Hindu-majority country of India. In the next few years, upwards of ten million people migrated between the two nations, during a period that was blemished by widespread atrocities on both sides. Throughout this time, the region of Bangladesh was also a part Pakistan (as it also had a Muslim majority), known as East Pakistan; internal disputes between the two regions were persistent for over two decades, until 1971, when a short but bloody civil war resulted in Bangladesh's independence. Political disputes between Pakistan and India also created tension in the first few decades of independence, even boiling over into some relatively small-scale conflicts, although there was some economic progress and improvements in quality of life for Pakistan's citizens. The late 20th century was also characterized by several attempts to become democratic, but with intermittent periods of military rule. Between independence and the end of the century, Pakistan's population had grown more than four times in total. Pakistan today Since 2008, Pakistan has been a functioning democracy, with an emerging economy and increasing international prominence. Despite the emergence of a successful middle-class, this is prosperity is not reflected in all areas of the population as almost a quarter still live in poverty, and Pakistan ranks in the bottom 20% of countries according to the Human Development Index. In 2020, Pakistan is thought to have a total population of over 220 million people, making it the fifth-most populous country in the world.

With almost all major religions being practiced throughout the country, India is known for its religious diversity. Islam makes up the highest share among minority faiths in the country. According to the Indian census of 2011, the Muslim population in Uttar Pradesh more than ** million, making it the state with the most Muslims.

Socio-economic conditions of Muslims
Muslims seem to lag behind every other religious community in India in terms of living standards, financial stability, education and other aspects, thereby showing poor performance in most of the fields. According to a national survey, 17 percent of the Muslims were categorized under the lowest wealth index, which indicates poor socio-economic conditions.

Growth of Muslim population in India
Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions worldwide. According to India’s census, the Muslim population has witnessed a negative decadal growth of more than ** percent from 1951 to 1960, presumably due to the partitions forming Pakistan and Bangladesh. The population showed a positive and steady growth since 1961, making up ** percent of the total population of India . Even though people following Islam were estimated to grow significantly, they would still remain a minority in India compared to *** billion Hindus by 2050.

This dataset provides a comprehensive look at population and migration trends in five South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, covering the years 1960 to 2023. The data is sourced directly from the World Bank API and contains detailed statistics on total population and net migration for each year.

This dataset is ideal for:

• Time-series analysis to study population trends over six decades.
• Migration studies to assess policy impacts and demographic shifts.
• Data visualization for dashboards and presentations.
• Machine learning applications in predictive analytics.

Columns: - Country: Name of the country. - Year: Year of the recorded data. - Total Population: The total population of the country. - Net Migration: Net migration balance (positive for immigration surplus, negative for emigration surplus).

Key Insights: - Afghanistan: Significant migration shifts due to conflicts and crises. - India: Continuous population growth with varying migration trends. - Bangladesh: A history of large emigration and its impact on demographics. - Pakistan: Migration surpluses in some years and large outflows in others. - Sri Lanka: Gradual population growth and consistent emigration patterns.

In 2025, India overtook China as the world's most populous country and now has almost 1.46 billion people. China now has the second-largest population in the world, still with just over 1.4 billion inhabitants, however, its population went into decline in 2023. Global population As of 2025, the world's population stands at almost 8.2 billion people and is expected to reach around 10.3 billion people in the 2080s, when it will then go into decline. Due to improved healthcare, sanitation, and general living conditions, the global population continues to increase; mortality rates (particularly among infants and children) are decreasing and the median age of the world population has steadily increased for decades. As for the average life expectancy in industrial and developing countries, the gap has narrowed significantly since the mid-20th century. Asia is the most populous continent on Earth; 11 of the 20 largest countries are located there. It leads the ranking of the global population by continent by far, reporting four times as many inhabitants as Africa. The Demographic Transition The population explosion over the past two centuries is part of a phenomenon known as the demographic transition. Simply put, this transition results from a drastic reduction in mortality, which then leads to a reduction in fertility, and increase in life expectancy; this interim period where death rates are low and birth rates are high is where this population explosion occurs, and population growth can remain high as the population ages. In today's most-developed countries, the transition generally began with industrialization in the 1800s, and growth has now stabilized as birth and mortality rates have re-balanced. Across less-developed countries, the stage of this transition varies; for example, China is at a later stage than India, which accounts for the change in which country is more populous - understanding the demographic transition can help understand the reason why China's population is now going into decline. The least-developed region is Sub-Saharan Africa, where fertility rates remain close to pre-industrial levels in some countries. As these countries transition, they will undergo significant rates of population growth.

Context The current US Census Bureau world population estimate in June 2019 shows that the current global population is 7,577,130,400 people on earth, which far exceeds the world population of 7.2 billion in 2015. Our own estimate based on UN data shows the world's population surpassing 7.7 billion.

China is the most populous country in the world with a population exceeding 1.4 billion. It is one of just two countries with a population of more than 1 billion, with India being the second. As of 2018, India has a population of over 1.355 billion people, and its population growth is expected to continue through at least 2050. By the year 2030, the country of India is expected to become the most populous country in the world. This is because India’s population will grow, while China is projected to see a loss in population.

The following 11 countries that are the most populous in the world each have populations exceeding 100 million. These include the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Mexico, Japan, Ethiopia, and the Philippines. Of these nations, all are expected to continue to grow except Russia and Japan, which will see their populations drop by 2030 before falling again significantly by 2050.

Many other nations have populations of at least one million, while there are also countries that have just thousands. The smallest population in the world can be found in Vatican City, where only 801 people reside.

In 2018, the world’s population growth rate was 1.12%. Every five years since the 1970s, the population growth rate has continued to fall. The world’s population is expected to continue to grow larger but at a much slower pace. By 2030, the population will exceed 8 billion. In 2040, this number will grow to more than 9 billion. In 2055, the number will rise to over 10 billion, and another billion people won’t be added until near the end of the century. The current annual population growth estimates from the United Nations are in the millions - estimating that over 80 million new lives are added each year.

This population growth will be significantly impacted by nine specific countries which are situated to contribute to the population growing more quickly than other nations. These nations include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the United States of America. Particularly of interest, India is on track to overtake China's position as the most populous country by 2030. Additionally, multiple nations within Africa are expected to double their populations before fertility rates begin to slow entirely.

Content In this Dataset, we have Historical Population data for every Country/Territory in the world by different parameters like Area Size of the Country/Territory, Name of the Continent, Name of the Capital, Density, Population Growth Rate, Ranking based on Population, World Population Percentage, etc.

The territories of Pakistan and India are mostly covered by the non-political blocks AS42 through AS50, going roughly from West to East. Please see the attached map of these non-political boundary blocks.

In 2020, Indonesia recorded the largest population of Muslims worldwide, with around 239 million. This was followed with around 226.88 million Muslims in Pakistan and 213 million Muslims in India.

The dataset contains Decade and State wise Urban, Rural, Total Population and Decadal Growth Rate

Note: 1. The Population figures exclude population of areas under unlawful occupation of Pakistan and China, where Census could not be taken. 2. In Arunachal Pradesh, the census was conducted for the first time in 1961. 3. Population data of Assam include Union Territory of Mizoram, which was carved out of Assam after the 1971. 4. The 1981 Census could not be held in Assam. Total Population for 1981 has been worked out by Interpolation. 5. The 1991 Census could not be held in Jammu & Kashmir. Total Population for 1991 has been worked out by Interpolation. 6. India and Manipur figures include estimated Population for those of the three sub-divisions viz., Mao Maram,Paomata and Purul of Senapati district of Manipur as census result of 2001 in these three sub-divisions were cancelled due to technical and administrative reasons

Officially Taiwan has only 60,000 Muslim population, which constitutes only 0.2 % of the total population of Taiwan but many Muslims from countries like Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and countries from Africa and the Middle East are part of the workforce which was estimated up to 254,000 in 2015. Interestingly, the number of local Muslims is less than those who came here to work or to study. There are about 7 mosques in Taiwan but it also has many other places where people can perform daily prayers.

"Total population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. The values shown are midyear estimates.This dataset includes demographic data of 22 countries from 1960 to 2018, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Maldives, etc. Data fields include: country, year, population ratio, male ratio, female ratio, population density (km). Source: ( 1 ) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2019 Revision. ( 2 ) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, ( 3 ) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, ( 4 ) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot ( various years ), ( 5 ) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and ( 6 ) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme. Periodicity: Annual Statistical Concept and Methodology: Population estimates are usually based on national population censuses. Estimates for the years before and after the census are interpolations or extrapolations based on demographic models. Errors and undercounting occur even in high-income countries. In developing countries errors may be substantial because of limits in the transport, communications, and other resources required to conduct and analyze a full census. The quality and reliability of official demographic data are also affected by public trust in the government, government commitment to full and accurate enumeration, confidentiality and protection against misuse of census data, and census agencies' independence from political influence. Moreover, comparability of population indicators is limited by differences in the concepts, definitions, collection procedures, and estimation methods used by national statistical agencies and other organizations that collect the data. The currentness of a census and the availability of complementary data from surveys or registration systems are objective ways to judge demographic data quality. Some European countries' registration systems offer complete information on population in the absence of a census. The United Nations Statistics Division monitors the completeness of vital registration systems. Some developing countries have made progress over the last 60 years, but others still have deficiencies in civil registration systems. International migration is the only other factor besides birth and death rates that directly determines a country's population growth. Estimating migration is difficult. At any time many people are located outside their home country as tourists, workers, or refugees or for other reasons. Standards for the duration and purpose of international moves that qualify as migration vary, and estimates require information on flows into and out of countries that is difficult to collect. Population projections, starting from a base year are projected forward using assumptions of mortality, fertility, and migration by age and sex through 2050, based on the UN Population Division's World Population Prospects database medium variant."

Context:

A comprehensive dataset covering key socio-economic, environmental, and governance indicators of South Asian countries from 2000 to 2023. The dataset includes GDP, unemployment, literacy rates, energy usage, governance metrics, and more, enabling in-depth analysis of growth, stability, and development in the region.

Source:

The World Bank DataBank

South Asian Countries:

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Maldives.

Column Description:

• GDP (current USD)
• GDP growth (annual %)
• GDP per capita (current USD)
• Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate)
• Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)
• Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP)
• Trade (% of GDP)
• Gini index
• Population, total
• Population growth (annual %)
• Poverty headcount ratio at $2.15 a day (2017 PPP) (% of population)
• Life expectancy at birth, total (years)
• Mortality rate, infant (per 1,000 live births)
• Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above)
• School enrollment, primary (% gross)
• Urban population (% of total population)
• Access to electricity (% of population)
• People using at least basic drinking water services (% of population)
• People using at least basic sanitation services (% of population)
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita)
• PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)
• Renewable energy consumption (% of total final energy consumption)
• Forest area (% of land area)
• Control of Corruption: Percentile Rank
• Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism: Estimate
• Regulatory Quality: Estimate
• Rule of Law: Estimate
• Voice and Accountability: Estimate
• Individuals using the Internet (% of population)
• Research and development expenditure (% of GDP)
• High-technology exports (% of manufactured exports)

Halal Frozen Entrees Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Global Halal Frozen Entrees market size was valued at $7.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $15.6 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 8.1% during 2024–2033. One of the major factors propelling the growth of this market globally is the rising demand for convenient, ready-to-eat halal-certified food options among the growing Muslim population and health-conscious consumers. This trend is further reinforced by increasing urbanization, busy lifestyles, and the proliferation of modern retail formats, which have significantly enhanced the accessibility and visibility of halal frozen entrees worldwide. As consumers seek products that align not only with religious dietary requirements but also with modern convenience, manufacturers are innovating and expanding their product portfolios to cater to evolving preferences and dietary needs, thus driving robust market expansion.

Regional Outlook

The Asia Pacific region commands the largest share in the global halal frozen entrees market, accounting for over 38% of the total market value in 2024. This dominance can be attributed to the region’s substantial Muslim population, particularly in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Pakistan, where halal dietary compliance is a critical aspect of daily life. The maturity of the halal food sector in these countries, combined with supportive government policies and robust certification frameworks, has fostered a thriving market environment. Additionally, the presence of established local brands, extensive distribution networks, and increasing investments in cold chain infrastructure have further solidified Asia Pacific’s leadership in the halal frozen entrees market. The region’s well-developed retail sector, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, has also played a pivotal role in making halal frozen meals readily available to a broad consumer base.

In terms of growth momentum, the Middle East & Africa region is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period. This surge is primarily driven by a combination of factors, including rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a youthful demographic profile with a preference for convenient meal solutions. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt are witnessing increased investment in food processing and retail infrastructure, aimed at catering to both domestic and expatriate Muslim populations. The region’s strong regulatory emphasis on halal compliance, coupled with government-led initiatives to promote local food manufacturing, has attracted significant investments from global and regional players. Furthermore, the growing influence of Western-style retail formats and the proliferation of e-commerce channels are making halal frozen entrees more accessible than ever before, thereby fueling market growth.

Emerging economies in Latin America and parts of Europe are also experiencing a gradual but notable rise in the adoption of halal frozen entrees. However, these markets face unique challenges, such as limited consumer awareness, fragmented certification standards, and logistical constraints in maintaining the halal integrity of frozen products throughout the supply chain. In Latin America, the increasing Muslim immigrant population and rising interest in ethnic and specialty foods are gradually boosting demand, while European countries like France, Germany, and the UK are witnessing localized demand spikes due to multicultural urban centers. Policymakers and industry stakeholders in these regions are working to address certification and distribution hurdles, which, if resolved, could unlock significant untapped potential in the coming years.

Report Scope

According to the 2021 Census, 81.7% of the population of England and Wales was white, 9.3% Asian, 4.0% black, 2.9% mixed and 2.1% from other ethnic groups.

BackgroundMost pregnancy hypertension estimates in less-developed countries are from cross-sectional hospital surveys and are considered overestimates. We estimated population-based rates by standardised methods in 27 intervention clusters of the Community-Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) cluster randomised trials.Methods and findingsCLIP-eligible pregnant women identified in their homes or local primary health centres (2013–2017). Included here are women who had delivered by trial end and received a visit from a community health worker trained to provide supplementary hypertension-oriented care, including standardised blood pressure (BP) measurement. Hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg) was defined as chronic (first detected at <20 weeks gestation) or gestational (≥20 weeks); pre-eclampsia was gestational hypertension plus proteinuria or a pre-eclampsia-defining complication. A multi-level regression model compared hypertension rates and types between countries (p < 0.05 considered significant). In 28,420 pregnancies studied, women were usually young (median age 23–28 years), parous (53.7%–77.3%), with singletons (≥97.5%), and enrolled at a median gestational age of 10.4 (India) to 25.9 weeks (Mozambique). Basic education varied (22.8% in Pakistan to 57.9% in India). Pregnancy hypertension incidence was lower in Pakistan (9.3%) than India (10.3%), Mozambique (10.9%), or Nigeria (10.2%) (p = 0.001). Most hypertension was diastolic only (46.4% in India, 72.7% in Pakistan, 61.3% in Mozambique, and 63.3% in Nigeria). At first presentation with elevated BP, gestational hypertension was most common diagnosis (particularly in Mozambique [8.4%] versus India [6.9%], Pakistan [6.5%], and Nigeria [7.1%]; p < 0.001), followed by pre-eclampsia (India [3.8%], Nigeria [3.0%], Pakistan [2.4%], and Mozambique [2.3%]; p < 0.001) and chronic hypertension (especially in Mozambique [2.5%] and Nigeria [2.8%], compared with India [1.2%] and Pakistan [1.5%]; p < 0.001). Inclusion of additional diagnoses of hypertension and related complications, from household surveys or facility record review (unavailable in Nigeria), revealed higher hypertension incidence: 14.0% in India, 11.6% in Pakistan, and 16.8% in Mozambique; eclampsia was rare (<0.5%).ConclusionsPregnancy hypertension is common in less-developed settings. Most women in this study presented with gestational hypertension amenable to surveillance and timed delivery to improve outcomes.Trial registrationThis study is a secondary analysis of a clinical trial - ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT01911494.

The 20th-century partition of British India was a watershed moment that radically reconfigured the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. This article conducts a counterfactual analysis to explore the potential outcomes of a hypothetical "undivided India," comprising modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. By synthesizing historical data, contemporary economic indicators, and social analyses, the study assesses the synergistic advantages a unified subcontinent might have possessed and, conversely, the enduring costs imposed by its fragmentation. The analysis posits that a unified state, with a combined 2024 population of approximately 1.93 billion and a GDP of $4.8 trillion, could have emerged as a premier global economic and political power. Key potential advantages include a seamlessly integrated single market, optimized infrastructure and resource management (particularly transboundary water resources), pooled human capital, and substantially greater international influence. In contrast, the actual partitions are shown to have inflicted deep and lasting wounds, including catastrophic human displacement and violence, chronic economic disruption, severed supply chains, and the creation of persistent geopolitical rivalries that divert crucial resources from development to defense. While acknowledging the immense complexities of governing such a diverse entity, this paper concludes that understanding the scale of these lost opportunities underscores the critical importance of fostering greater economic integration and peaceful cooperation among the subcontinent's successor states today.

Use this application to view the pattern of concentrations of people by race and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. Data are provided at the U.S. Census block group level, one of the smallest Census geographies, to provide a detailed picture of these patterns. The data is sourced from the U.S Census Bureau, 2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File. Definitions: Definitions of the Census Bureau’s categories are provided below. This interactive map shows patterns for all categories except American Indian or Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. The total population countywide for these two categories is small (1,582 and 263 respectively). The Census Bureau uses the following race categories:Population by RaceWhite – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.Black or African American – A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.American Indian or Alaska Native – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.Asian – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.Some Other Race - this category is chosen by people who do not identify with any of the categories listed above. People can identify with more than one race. These people are included in the Two or More Races Hispanic or Latino PopulationThe Hispanic/Latino population is an ethnic group. Hispanic/Latino people may be of any race.Other layers provided in this tool included the Loudoun County Census block groups, towns and Dulles airport, and the Loudoun County 2021 aerial imagery.

The current US Census Bureau world population estimate in June 2019 shows that the current global population is 7,577,130,400 people on earth, which far exceeds the world population of 7.2 billion from 2015. Our own estimate based on UN data shows the world's population surpassing 7.7 billion.

China is the most populous country in the world with a population exceeding 1.4 billion. It is one of just two countries with a population of more than 1 billion, with India being the second. As of 2018, India has a population of over 1.355 billion people, and its population growth is expected to continue through at least 2050. By the year 2030, the country of India is expected to become the most populous country in the world. This is because India’s population will grow, while China is projected to see a loss in population.

The next 11 countries that are the most populous in the world each have populations exceeding 100 million. These include the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Mexico, Japan, Ethiopia, and the Philippines. Of these nations, all are expected to continue to grow except Russia and Japan, which will see their populations drop by 2030 before falling again significantly by 2050.

Many other nations have populations of at least one million, while there are also countries that have just thousands. The smallest population in the world can be found in Vatican City, where only 801 people reside.

In 2018, the world’s population growth rate was 1.12%. Every five years since the 1970s, the population growth rate has continued to fall. The world’s population is expected to continue to grow larger but at a much slower pace. By 2030, the population will exceed 8 billion. In 2040, this number will grow to more than 9 billion. In 2055, the number will rise to over 10 billion, and another billion people won’t be added until near the end of the century. The current annual population growth estimates from the United Nations are in the millions - estimating that over 80 million new lives are added each year.

This population growth will be significantly impacted by nine specific countries which are situated to contribute to the population growth more quickly than other nations. These nations include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the United States of America. Particularly of interest, India is on track to overtake China's position as the most populous country by the year 2030. Additionally, multiple nations within Africa are expected to double their populations before fertility rates begin to slow entirely.

Global life expectancy has also improved in recent years, increasing the overall population life expectancy at birth to just over 70 years of age. The projected global life expectancy is only expected to continue to improve - reaching nearly 77 years of age by the year 2050. Significant factors impacting the data on life expectancy include the projections of the ability to reduce AIDS/HIV impact, as well as reducing the rates of infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Population aging has a massive impact on the ability of the population to maintain what is called a support ratio. One key finding from 2017 is that the majority of the world is going to face considerable growth in the 60 plus age bracket. This will put enormous strain on the younger age groups as the elderly population is becoming so vast without the number of births to maintain a healthy support ratio.

Although the number given above seems very precise, it is important to remember that it is just an estimate. It simply isn't possible to be sure exactly how many people there are on the earth at any one time, and there are conflicting estimates of the global population in 2016.

Some, including the UN, believe that a population of 7 billion was reached in October 2011. Others, including the US Census Bureau and World Bank, believe that the total population of the world reached 7 billion in 2012, around March or April.

The US Census Bureau defines Other Ethnic Origin or Race as "A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam. This includes people who reported detailed Asian responses such as: Asian Indian, Bangladeshi, Bhutanese, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Other Asian specified, Other Asian not specified." Asian population percentage was calculated based upon total Asian population within the census block group divided the total population of the same census block group. 2020 Census block groups for the Wichita / Sedgwick County area, clipped to the county line. Features were extracted from the 2020 State of Kansas Census Block Group shapefile provided by the State of Kansas GIS Data Access and Support Center (https://www.kansasgis.org/index.cfm).Standard block groups are clusters of blocks within the same census tract that have the same first digit of their 4-character census block number. For example, blocks 3001, 3002, 3003… 3999 in census tract 1210.02 belong to Block Group 3. Due to boundary and feature changes that occur throughout the decade, current block groups do not always maintain these same block number to block group relationships. For example, block 3001 might move due to a change in the census tract boundary. Even if the block is no longer in block group 3, the block number (3001) will not change. However, the identification string (GEOID20) for that block, identifying block group 3, would remain the same in the attribute information in the TIGER/Line Shapefiles because block identification strings are always built using the decennial geographic codes.Block groups delineated for the 2020 Census generally contain between 600 and 3,000 people. Local participants delineated most block groups as part of the Census Bureau's Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP). The Census Bureau delineated block groups only where a local or tribal government declined to participate or where the Census Bureau could not identify a potential local participant.A block group usually covers a contiguous area. Each census tract contains at least one block group and block groups are uniquely numbered within census tract. Within the standard census geographic hierarchy, block groups never cross county or census tract boundaries, but may cross the boundaries of county subdivisions, places, urban areas, voting districts, congressional districts, and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian areas.Block groups have a valid range of 0 through 9. Block groups beginning with a zero generally are in coastal and Great Lakes water and territorial seas. Rather than extending a census tract boundary into the Great Lakes or out to the 3-mile territorial sea limit, the Census Bureau delineated some census tract boundaries along the shoreline or just offshore.

South Asia is one of the most densely populated regions in the world. This dataset comprehensively collects historical materials related to the population of South Asia and previous research results (see data description documents and references for details), carefully examines and estimates the population of South Asia (now India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh) from 640 to 1801 AD, and connects it with the population census data of British India from 1871 to 1941 (Nepal's data comes from Nepal's census data) and the United Nations World Population Prospects data from 1950 to 2020, obtaining the population of South Asia for a total of 22 periods (640, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1595, 1750, 1801, 1871, 1901, 1921, 1941, 1960, 1980, 2000, 2010, 2020) from 640 to 2020. Next, based on geographic detectors, select the dominant environmental factors that affect the spatial distribution of population, collect historical data on the distribution of residential areas (see data description document and references for details), and use a random forest regression model to spatialize the population size. On the basis of excluding uninhabited areas such as water bodies, glaciers, and bare/unused land, and determining the maximum historical population distribution range, a 1km resolution population dataset for South Asia from 640 to 2020 was developed. The leave one method was used to test the model, and the variance explained was 0.81, indicating good model accuracy. Compared with the existing HYDE historical population dataset, this study incorporates more historical materials and the latest research results in estimating the historical population; In using random forest regression for historical population spatial simulation, this study considers the changes in South Asian settlements over the past millennium, while the HYDE dataset only considers natural elements and considers them stable and unchanged. Therefore, this dataset is more reliable than the HYDE dataset and can more reasonably reveal the spatiotemporal characteristics of population changes in South Asia during historical periods. It is the basic data for the long-term evolution of human land relations, climate change attribution, and ecological protection research in South Asia.

Maternal and child mortality rates remain a significant concern in South Asian countries, primarily due to limited access to maternal care services and socioeconomic disparities. While previous studies have examined the factors influencing the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services in individual countries, there is a lack of comparative analysis across South Asian nations. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting ANC utilization among women aged 15–49 in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Maldives, and Pakistan using the latest Demographic and Health Survey data. The study utilized a total weighted sample size of 262,531 women. Simple bivariate statistics and binary logistic regression were employed to identify potential factors influencing ANC utilization. Decomposition analysis and concentration curve (Lorenz curve) were used to assess inequality in ANC service utilization. The prevalence of ANC utilization varied across the countries, with Maldives having the highest (96.83%) and Bangladesh the lowest (47.01%). Women’s and husbands’ education, household wealth status, BMI, and urban residence were found to significantly influence maternal healthcare services utilization. Higher education levels, affluent wealth quintiles, and urban living were identified as significant contributors to socioeconomic disparities in accessing ANC services. This study highlights the crucial role of socioeconomic factors in the utilization of maternal healthcare services in South Asian countries. Governments should focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, addressing cultural barriers, and promoting education to address these disparities. Identifying context-specific causes of maternal healthcare utilization is essential to inform targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving access to ANC services and reducing maternal mortality rates.