Afghanistan is one of many South Asian countries appearing in daily headlines, as it attempts to rebuild its society, including its educational system, after decades of war. Sri Lanka, devastated by the tsunami of 2004, and parts of Pakistan and Northern India, coping with the after-effects of a major earthquake, are also struggling for teachers, classrooms, supplies, and a sense of normalcy for their students. This volume, part of the "Global School Room" series, provides readers with a history and survey of education in eight of the region's countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). It examines the Primary, Secondary, and Postsecondary levels of education, identifying the types of education available (public, private, tutoring, etc), any race, gender or social class issues that impact education, and major reforms taking place. Readers will find discussions of curriculum and teaching methods most helpful, as well as a special "day in the life" feature, which gives a personal look at what it's like for students attending school in that country today.