Overview of India

Profile

India has a population exceeding 1.4 billion, with diverse climates and landscapes spanning from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean across approximately 3.3 million km². Gaining independence from British rule in 1947, it maintains the world's largest parliamentary democracy based on its constitution. With rapid growth centered on IT and services, GDP ranks fifth globally. A multi-religious and multilingual society, it also preserves traditional arts and festivals rooted in Hindu culture. As a nuclear power and regional power, its international political presence continues to grow.

Official name: Republic of India
Common name: India
Numeric code: 356
Alpha-3 code: IND
Alpha-2 code: IN
Population: Approximately 1.42 billion (2023)
Population density: Approximately 464 per km²
Primary languages: Hindi, English, 22 scheduled languages
Major religions: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism
National anthem: Jana Gana Mana
Calling code: +91
Internet TLD: .in

History

Beginning with the Indus Civilization, through Mughal Empire and British colonization, it gained independence in 1947.

Originating around 2500 BCE with the Indus Valley Civilization, classical culture flourished during the Vedic period, Maurya, and Gupta dynasties. Medieval period saw the rise of Islamic dynasties and Mughal Empire, forming a foundation of religious syncretism. From the late 18th century, the East India Company gained prominence, and after 1858 it became directly ruled as the British Indian Empire. Following Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent independence movement, it separated on August 15, 1947, and became a republic in 1950. After non-aligned policies and planned economy, market reforms since 1991 led to ICT-driven high growth to the present.

Geography & climate

Three major tiers of northern Himalayas, central Hindustani plains, and southern Deccan plateau, with deserts to the west and delta wetlands to the east

Diverse from tropical monsoon to alpine climates

Area: Asia / 3287263 km²
Capital: New Delhi
Largest city: Mumbai
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Chilika Lake, Wular Lake, Loktak Lake
Bordering countries: Pakistan, People's Republic of China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar

Natural resources

Coal, Iron ore, Bauxite, Mica, Manganese, Natural gas, Uranium, Crude oil, Limestone, Thorium, Hydropower, Solar, Wind

Politics

Government: Federal republic with parliamentary democracy

Economy

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

GDP (nominal): 3.4 trillion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 14.0 trillion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Hindi, English, 22 scheduled languages

Time zone: IST

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Mongoloid, Austroasiatic, Anglo-Indian

Life expectancy

70.8

Literacy rate

77.7

National sports

Cricket, Field hockey, Kabaddi, Badminton, Football, Chess