India — map and facts

India is the world's most populous country and the largest democracy on Earth, a vast nation on the South Asian subcontinent where diverse cultures, religions, and languages have coexisted for millennia. With a population of approximately 1.4 billion, a rapidly growing economy, and a civilisation spanning over five millennia, India occupies a unique place in the world. The capital is New Delhi. The currency is the Indian rupee (INR).

About India

India, officially the Republic of India, is a federal democratic republic in South Asia. It is the seventh largest country by area and shares borders with Pakistan to the north-west, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan and Bangladesh to the north-east, and Myanmar to the east. India has 28 states and 8 union territories. The constitution recognises 22 scheduled languages; Hindi and English serve as official languages at central government level.

Geography and landscape

India covers approximately 3.29 million km² and spans an extraordinary range of landscapes. The Himalayas form the northern border. The Gangetic Plain, one of the world's most fertile and densely populated regions, stretches across the north. The Thar Desert occupies Rajasthan in the north-west. The Deccan Plateau dominates the southern interior, flanked by the Western and Eastern Ghats. Major rivers include the Ganges, the Indus, and the Brahmaputra. The climate ranges from alpine in Ladakh to tropical in Kerala; the monsoon (June to September) defines agriculture and daily life.

History

The Indian subcontinent is home to one of the world's oldest urban civilisations: the Indus Valley Civilisation, which flourished around 3000–1500 BCE. The Vedic period gave rise to Sanskrit, Hinduism, and the foundations of Indian philosophy. A succession of powerful empires — the Maurya, Gupta, Mughal, and others — shaped the subcontinent. European trading companies arrived in the 16th century; Britain controlled India from 1858 as part of the British Empire. The independence movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, culminated in independence and partition on 15 August 1947.

Economy and currency

India has the world's fifth largest economy by nominal GDP and is the fastest growing major economy. Key sectors include information technology (Bangalore is a global IT hub), pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing. The Indian rupee (INR) is the national currency. India's young, large workforce and growing middle class position it as a major economic force in the 21st century.

Culture and language

India is one of the world's most linguistically diverse countries. Hindi is the most widely spoken native language; English is widely used in business and government. India is the birthplace of four major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Religious festivals — Diwali, Holi, Eid — are celebrated with great energy. Indian classical dance, music, cinema (Bollywood), and cuisine are globally influential. Cricket is the dominant sport.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of India? New Delhi, forming part of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

What currency does India use? The Indian rupee (INR).

What languages are spoken in India? Hindi and English are official at the central level; the constitution recognises 22 scheduled languages.

What is the population of India? India is the world's most populous country with approximately 1.4 billion people.

What religions are practised in India? India is pluralistic: Hinduism (~80%), Islam (~14%), with Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism accounting for most of the remainder.