India
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| India | |
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| Location of India | |
| Capital | New Delhi |
| Largest City | Mumbai |
| Official Languages | Hindi, English |
| Government Type | Federal parliamentary republic |
| Area (km²) | 3,287,263 |
| GDP (Nominal) | $3.7 trillion |
| Currency | Indian rupee (₹, INR) |
| Drives on | left |
| Calling Code | +91 |
India is a country in South Asia, 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, it is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, and it shares maritime borders with Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia.[1] India is the world's most populous democracy and a rapidly growing economy with significant cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity.
History
The history of India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. Over centuries, India saw the rise of powerful empires like the Maurya and Gupta Empire, which contributed to advancements in science, mathematics, and culture. In the medieval period, the Mughal Empire left a lasting impact on Indian art, architecture, and culture.[2] British colonial rule, lasting from 1858 to 1947, deeply influenced modern India, which gained independence under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Geography
India is the 7th-largest country by area and boasts diverse geographical features, from the Himalayas in the north to the Thar Desert in the west and the tropical coastline along the Indian Ocean. Major rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra play a crucial role in the country's agriculture.[3]
Government and Politics
India is a federal republic with a parliamentary system of government. The President serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Indian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).[4]
Economy
India has a mixed economy, with agriculture, industry, and services as its main sectors. It is one of the world's fastest-growing economies, with major industries including information technology, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. India is also a leading producer of films, known globally as Bollywood.[5]
Demographics
India has a population of approximately 1.4 billion, making it the second-most populous country in the world. It is known for its cultural diversity, with hundreds of languages spoken across various regions, including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil. The major religions practiced are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.[6]
Culture
India's culture is rich and varied, influenced by its history and regional diversity. The country is known for its classical arts, including Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance forms, classical music, and traditional festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Eid. Indian cuisine, particularly its spices and diverse regional dishes, is popular worldwide.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ Government of India. "Geography of India," National Portal of India.
- ↑ Basham, A. L. The Wonder That Was India. Picador, 2004.
- ↑ National Geographic Society. "India's Geography," 2024.
- ↑ Government of India. "Structure of the Indian Government," Ministry of Law and Justice.
- ↑ World Bank. "India Economic Overview," 2023.
- ↑ Census of India. "Population Census 2021," Government of India.
- ↑ Sen, Colleen Taylor. Feasts and Fasts: A History of Food in India. Reaktion Books, 2015.