India Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

India, Federal Republic of South Asia; 3.2 million km², 1,353 million residents (2019).The country covers most of the Ancient India peninsula between the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean’s two coastal Bengal and Arabian Gulf. India extends about 3,200 km from north to south and about 3,000 km from west to east. The capital is New Delhi (250,000 residents, 2011).

Country facts

Bhārat (Hindi), Republic of India (English) / Republic of India
Country abbreviation: IN
Area: 3.2 million km²
Population (2019): 1,353 million residents
Capital: New Delhi
Main languages: Hindi, English
State: Republic
Head of State: Ram Nath Kovind (President)
Head of Government: Narendra Modi
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 2,016
GNI per capita (2018): USD 2,020
Currency unit: 1 rupee = 100 paise
Currency code: INR
Country number (telephony): 91
Internet domain name: in
Time difference compared to Sweden: +4.5
National Day: January 26 (Founding of the Republic, 1950)
Independence Day: August 15, 1947

Nature

Land use: forest (23%), agricultural land (57%), other (20%)
Highest mountain: Kanchenjunga (8,586 m above sea level)
Longest river: Ganges (2,506 km)

Population

Population density (2019): 423 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.4%; birthrate 20 ‰, deathrate 6 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (27%), 15-64 (67%), 65- (6%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 67 years, women 70 years
Infant mortality (2019): 33 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 1 670 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.640 (place 130 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 31%
Most populous cities (2011): Mumbai (Bombay) (12.5 million residents), Delhi (11.0 million), Bengaluru (8.4 million)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (15%), industry (23%), service (62%)
Exports (2017): US $ 304 100 million
Main export products: oil products, gemstones, workshop products
Main exporting countries: United States, United Arab Emirates, China
Imports (2017): US $ 452,200 million
Main import products: oil, precious stones, machinery
Main Importing Countries: China, USA, United Arab Emirates
Railway network (2014): 68,500 km

Geography

Location and Borders

India is located in South Asia and is the seventh-largest country in the world by land area, covering approximately 3.29 million square kilometers. It is bordered by Pakistan to the northwest, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. To the south, India is bounded by the Indian Ocean, which provides it with an extensive coastline that stretches over 7,500 kilometers. The country’s diverse geography and strategic position make it a critical hub in Asia for trade, culture, and geopolitics.

India’s geographic diversity spans from the towering Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south. The vast size of India includes plains, deserts, hills, and plateaus, giving rise to varied ecosystems. It also has the world’s largest river delta, the Sundarbans, which is home to one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

Major Landforms

India’s landscape is defined by a variety of landforms, ranging from high mountains to low-lying coastal plains. The northern region is dominated by the majestic Himalayan mountain range, which includes the world’s highest peaks, such as Mount Everest (shared with Nepal) and Kanchenjunga. The Himalayas serve as a natural barrier between India and the Tibetan Plateau, and they influence the climate of the entire subcontinent.

Below the Himalayas lies the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which includes the fertile plains of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra rivers. These plains are vital for agriculture, as they support some of the most densely populated regions of India. The Deccan Plateau, located to the south of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, is a vast elevated area covered by extensive forests and home to important cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

India is also home to the Thar Desert in the northwest, which stretches across Rajasthan and parts of Pakistan. This arid region is characterized by sand dunes, minimal rainfall, and extreme temperatures, but it also supports a variety of unique wildlife and vegetation adapted to dry conditions.

The western coastal region, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala, offers fertile land and major ports like Mumbai. The eastern coast, stretching along Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, has several important agricultural areas and features beautiful beaches and tropical rainforests.

Rivers and Lakes

India’s rivers have played a central role in the country’s development and culture for centuries. The Ganges River is the most sacred and significant river for millions of Indians, especially Hindus. Originating in the Himalayas, the Ganges flows through northern India, providing water to much of the northern plains. The Yamuna River, which also originates from the Himalayas, joins the Ganges at the holy confluence of Allahabad (Prayagraj). Other major rivers, such as the Godavari, Narmada, and Brahmaputra, serve as vital lifelines for agriculture, transport, and water supply.

The Brahmaputra River flows from Tibet into India, passing through Assam and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. This river basin is one of the world’s largest and most fertile. The Narmada and Tapi rivers in the central and western regions also flow towards the Arabian Sea, providing important irrigation for the agricultural lands in these areas.

India has several important lakes, including the vast Vembanad Lake in Kerala, which is a popular destination for houseboats, and the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, which is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. Many of India’s lakes are man-made, such as the Harike Wetland in Punjab, which provides a habitat for migratory birds and aquatic life.

Climate

Varied Climate Zones

India experiences a wide variety of climates, largely due to its vast size, topography, and proximity to the equator. The climate ranges from tropical in the south to temperate in the north, with mountainous regions experiencing alpine conditions. The diversity of climatic conditions is one of the factors that influence India’s wide range of flora, fauna, and agricultural practices.

The northern part of the country experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The Himalayan region sees heavy snowfall during the winter, while the plains experience hot, dry summers and relatively cold winters. In contrast, the southern part of India, including states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, experiences a tropical climate with higher humidity, moderate temperatures, and substantial rainfall year-round.

India’s most significant climatic feature is the monsoon, which is driven by seasonal winds and affects much of the country from June to September. The monsoon provides most of India’s rainfall, especially in the western Ghats and northeastern states. The southwest monsoon brings rain to the majority of the country’s agricultural lands, while the northeast monsoon affects the southeastern coast, particularly Tamil Nadu.

Seasonal Variation

India has three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. The summer season lasts from March to June and is characterized by hot and dry weather, particularly in the northern and central regions. Temperatures during the summer can soar above 40°C (104°F) in many parts of the country, particularly in the north and interior.

The monsoon season, from June to September, brings relief from the heat as the southwest monsoon winds bring heavy rains to much of the country. This season is vital for agriculture, as it replenishes water supplies and supports the growth of crops like rice, sugarcane, and cotton. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to floods and landslides, particularly in coastal and hilly areas.

The winter season, from December to February, brings cooler temperatures, especially in the northern regions. Temperatures in the plains can dip to around 5°C (41°F), while the southern and coastal regions remain mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The winter season is considered the best time to visit many parts of India due to the pleasant weather.

People

Demographics

India is the second-most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion people, and is projected to surpass China as the most populous nation in the coming years. The population is highly diverse, both ethnically and linguistically. India is home to hundreds of ethnic groups and more than 2,000 distinct languages. Hindi is the official language of India, but English is widely spoken, particularly in business and government.

The majority of India’s population is of Indo-Aryan descent, especially in the northern and central regions. Dravidian peoples are predominantly found in the southern part of India, with distinct languages, cultures, and traditions. There are also many other indigenous and tribal groups spread throughout the country, including in the northeast and central India, adding to the country’s rich ethnic mosaic.

India has a very youthful population, with a large percentage under the age of 35. The country’s demographic composition offers both challenges and opportunities, as a young, growing workforce is a source of potential economic growth, but the country also faces challenges related to education, employment, and infrastructure.

Religion and Culture

India is the birthplace of several major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Hinduism, which is the largest religion in India, is practiced by around 79% of the population. The country is home to some of the most sacred Hindu temples, including those in Varanasi, the holiest city for Hindus, and the temples of Tamil Nadu.

Islam is the second-largest religion in India, with approximately 14% of the population identifying as Muslim. India has a rich history of Islamic culture, particularly in the north, where the Mughal Empire left a lasting impact on architecture, art, and language. Sikhism, which originated in Punjab, and Christianity, practiced by many in the northeastern and southern states, are also significant religions in India.

India is also known for its cultural diversity, which is reflected in its language, food, music, dance, and festivals. Festivals like Diwali (the festival of lights), Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, and Durga Puja are celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. The rich tradition of classical music, including Hindustani and Carnatic music, and dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, highlight the depth of India’s artistic heritage.

Economy

Economic Overview

India has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, driven by services, manufacturing, agriculture, and a large and expanding consumer market. It is a member of the G20 and is classified as a newly industrialized economy. The country has witnessed significant growth since the 1990s, after implementing economic reforms that liberalized the economy, including reducing trade barriers, deregulating markets, and encouraging foreign investment.

India’s economy is diverse and characterized by a mix of traditional industries and modern sectors such as information technology, telecommunications, and biotechnology. The country’s technology sector is among the largest in the world, with companies such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys providing IT services globally. India has also become a hub for startups, with cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon emerging as important centers of innovation.

India’s agricultural sector, which employs a large portion of the population, is crucial to its economy. The country is one of the largest producers of rice, wheat, tea, coffee, and various fruits and vegetables. Despite urbanization, agriculture remains a central part of India’s economy, though the sector faces challenges such as water scarcity, land degradation, and fluctuating market prices.

Challenges and Opportunities

India faces several challenges that hinder its economic growth. These include poverty, unemployment, income inequality, and inadequate infrastructure in rural areas. While the country has made strides in improving its infrastructure, challenges such as traffic congestion, unreliable electricity supply, and inadequate healthcare and education systems persist in some areas.

The country also faces environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change. However, India has made significant efforts to address these issues through renewable energy projects, reforestation efforts, and the promotion of sustainable development.

India has substantial opportunities for continued growth. The country’s young population offers a large labor force that can contribute to economic growth, particularly in the technology and services sectors. Additionally, India’s growing middle class presents a significant market for domestic and foreign products, making the country an attractive destination for investment.

Government

Political Structure

India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, defines the framework for the country’s government, which is based on the principles of democracy, secularism, and the rule of law. The government operates under a system of checks and balances, with three branches: the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.

The President of India is the ceremonial head of state, elected every five years by an electoral college consisting of the members of the national and state legislatures. The Prime Minister, the head of government, is the leader of the largest party in the Lok Sabha (House of the People), the lower house of Parliament. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is responsible for leading the executive branch of the government.

India’s Parliament consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of India, while members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of the state legislative assemblies and by members of the Lok Sabha.

Political History

India’s political history is characterized by its struggle for independence from British colonial rule. After a long and nonviolent struggle led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, India gained independence in 1947 and became a republic in 1950. Jawaharlal Nehru became the country’s first prime minister, and the newly independent nation embarked on the path of modernization and economic development.

India’s political landscape has been shaped by its diverse population, with numerous political parties and regional movements playing a central role in its democratic process. The Indian National Congress (INC) dominated Indian politics for much of the post-independence period, but more recently, political power has shifted between the INC, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and regional parties.

India’s democracy has been marked by periodic elections, peaceful transitions of power, and the strengthening of democratic institutions, even in the face of challenges such as corruption, political polarization, and communal violence. The country continues to evolve politically, addressing issues such as federalism, regional autonomy, and social justice.

Culture

Art and Music

India’s art and cultural traditions date back thousands of years, with diverse expressions of creativity in painting, sculpture, architecture, and textiles. Indian classical dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and Kuchipudi, are deeply rooted in the country’s religious and cultural practices and are performed at temples, festivals, and cultural events. Indian visual arts, particularly those from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Kerala, include intricate painting styles and handcrafts, such as textiles, pottery, and jewelry.

Music plays an integral role in Indian culture, with classical music forms like Hindustani and Carnatic music being highly regarded. These traditions involve complex systems of ragas (melodies) and talas (rhythms), and musicians perform using traditional instruments such as the sitar, tabla, veena, and flute. Bollywood music, often a fusion of classical and contemporary genres, has become internationally popular, further solidifying India’s influence in global entertainment.

Festivals and Cuisine

India is home to a wide range of festivals, with religious and cultural celebrations taking place throughout the year. Major Hindu festivals include Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), and Navratri (a nine-night festival dedicated to the goddess Durga). Muslims in India celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, while Christians observe Christmas and Easter. Sikhs celebrate Gurpurabs, and Buddhists celebrate Vesak. These festivals often involve elaborate rituals, feasts, music, dance, and public gatherings, reflecting the country’s vibrant cultural traditions.

Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and use of spices. Dishes like biryani, masala dosa, samosas, butter chicken, and various types of curry are widely enjoyed across the country and globally. Indian cuisine varies by region, with distinct culinary traditions in the north, south, east, and west of India, influenced by historical, cultural, and religious practices.

Literature and Cinema

India has a rich literary tradition, with ancient texts like the Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the Upanishads forming the foundation of Indian literature. Over the centuries, Indian writers have produced significant works in many languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Urdu, and Marathi. Authors like Rabindranath Tagore, R.K. Narayan, and Arundhati Roy have contributed to both Indian and world literature.

Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has a global influence, producing a vast number of films in various languages. Bollywood movies, known for their colorful songs, dance numbers, and dramatic storylines, have become a central part of Indian culture and entertainment. Indian cinema also includes regional film industries, such as Tollywood (Telugu), Kollywood (Tamil), and Mollywood (Malayalam), each producing films that reflect the local culture and traditions.