India
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Southern Asia
- Capital
- New Delhi
- Population
- 1450.9 million (2024)
- Area
- 3,287,590 km²
- Languages
- English, Hindi, Tamil
- Currency
- Indian rupee (INR)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +91
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
The Republic of India is located in South Asia. It is the second most populated country in the world, almost overtaking China.
At 2018 it recorded a population of 1.353 billion and covers an area of 3.287 million km2. The capital city is New Delhi since 1911. Mumbai is the largest city; it is the major financial, entertainment and commercial centre. The Bollywood and Marathi cinema industries are located in Mumbai. Hyderabad is referred to as the ‘City of Pearls’ since it was a trading centre of pearl and diamond.
Gateway to India monument near the entrance to Mumbai (Bombay) Harbour, India.
History
In 1895, the country fell under the direct administration of the British. Protest against the British started in 1920 led by Mahatma Gandhi which resulted in independence in 1947. The country was split into two; the union of India with the Hindus and the Islamic Pakistan.
The country performed its first underground nuclear test in 1974.
Food & culture
Dharmic religions majorly influence the culture.
It is the highest producer of lemons, bananas, mangoes, papayas and oilseeds. It also produces wheat, tea, cotton, rice and vegetables. Among common foods in the country are biryani, Kashmiri, korma and masala.
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983
Wildlife
The wild animals found in the country are Asiatic lions, Asian elephants, Bengal, Indochinese tigers, clouded leopards, Indian leopards, Indian rhinoceros, Indian bear, Sangai deer and Lion-tailed macaque.
Festivals & events
The main festivals celebrated throughout the nation are Ganesh Chaturthi on 22nd August, Diwali, Durga Puja on 26th October, Eid ul-Fitr and Christmas.
Rajput fort overlooking Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, designated a World Heritage site in 2013
Things to see
The country has a very beautiful architecture for tourist to view like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, the India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and The Lotus Temple.
Delhi has a beautiful market where food is also sold.
One can also visit national parks such as Hemis National Park, Khangchendzonga National Park, Jim Corbett National Park and Gir forest National park to view a variety of wildlife.
Interesting facts
India is the seventh-largest in the world in terms of area and the most populous democracy in the world.
The official language is Hindi; though English is also widely used.
The majority of the population is Hindu.
The education for children begins at age six comprising of five years of lower primary schooling, two years of upper primary, three years of high school and two years of higher secondary.
