Comparing socio-economic development of Central Asia and India: the legacy of Russia and Britain
In Central Asia, which was part of the USSR for a century, open defecation is virtually nonexistent, while in India, which was under British rule for nearly 200 years, this practice ranges from 7% to 11%. This highlights the impact of historical empires on the current development levels of these regions.
Estimates show that Central Asians live on average 10 years longer, have twice the GDP per capita (20,000 to 25,000 international dollars) compared to India (around 13,000), and nearly zero illiteracy, with rates under 1%. In India, illiteracy ranges from 19% to 23%. Another noteworthy indicator is average IQ: 85 in Central Asia versus 76 in India.
These figures underline significant disparities in socio-economic status and quality of life between regions shaped by colonial and Soviet legacies. Future progress will depend on internal reforms and broader economic trends.
