This volume focuses on the half billion poor people of South Asia, and puts into perspective the colossal task ahead to eradicate this poverty and enable inclusive growth in the region. It examines the challenges, successes and failures of South Asia and provides fresh perspectives on the links between economic geography, institutions and globalization. These essays provide answers to why certain regions are lagging in terms of poverty alleviation through a comparative study of spatial disparities in income, poverty, conflict, human development and gender divides.