Important facts about India

India is a land of rich history, diverse culture, and remarkable achievements. Here are some interesting facts about India:

Name Origin

• The name “India” is derived from the Indus River, around which ancient civilizations settled.
• India is the world’s oldest, largest, and continuous civilization, with roots dating back to the Indus Valley civilization.

Geography and Demographics

• Location: South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It has a coastline along the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal.
• Area: Approximately 3.287 million square kilometers, making it the seventh-largest country in the world by land area.
• Capital: New Delhi.
• Major Cities: Mumbai (the largest city), Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
• India also has a maritime border with Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives, and Indonesia.

Population

• The current population of India is 1,440,446,382 as of Monday, May 27, 2024, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data.
• India’s 2023 population is estimated at 1,428,627,663 people at mid-year.
• India’s population is equivalent to 17.76% of the total world population.
• India ranks number 1 in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.
• The population density in India is 481 per Km² (1,244 people per mi²).
• The total land area is 2,973,190 Km2 (1,147,955 sq. miles)
• 36.3 % of the population is urban (518,239,122 people in 2023)
• The median age in India is 28.2 years.

History and Politics

• Independence: India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
• Republic: Became a republic on January 26, 1950, with the adoption of its constitution.
• Government: Federal parliamentary democratic republic. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
• States and Union Territories: 28 states and 8 union territories.

Democracy and Postal System

• India is the largest democracy globally, with a federal government.
• The Indian postal system boasts more than 150,000 post offices, making it the world’s largest. Interestingly, it’s three times the size of China’s postal system.
• Notably, India even has the world’s only floating post office, located on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Culture and Society

1. Languages: Hindi and English are the official languages. There are 22 scheduled languages recognized in the constitution, including Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu.
2. Religions: India is the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Major religions practiced include Hinduism (majority), Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
3. Festivals: Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Vaisakhi, Pongal, Navratri, and Durga Puja are some of the major festivals celebrated.
4. Cuisine: Indian cuisine is known for its diversity, with each region having its own specialties. Common elements include spices, rice, lentils, and various types of bread.

Economy

1. Economy Size: One of the world’s largest economies by nominal GDP and purchasing power parity (PPP).
2. Industries: Major industries include information technology, telecommunications, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and agriculture.
3. Agriculture: India is one of the largest producers of rice, wheat, tea, spices, and dairy products.
4. Exports: Key exports include petroleum products, gems and jewelry, textiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and software services.

Economic Disparities

• While India has more than a million millionaires, a significant portion of its population lives on less than two dollars a day.
• Approximately 35% of India’s population falls below the poverty line.

Innovations and Achievements

• Solar-Powered Campus: Ladakh-born engineer and innovator Sonam Wangchuk designed the SECMOL campus, which runs entirely on solar energy. The campus provides clean energy for heating, lighting, and cooking, even in extremely cold temperatures.
• Active Mosques: India hosts over 300,000 active mosques, surpassing even Muslim-majority countries.

Landmarks and Natural Wonders

1. Taj Mahal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
2. Himalayas: The world’s highest mountain range, with notable peaks like Kanchenjunga.
3. Ganges River: Considered sacred in Hinduism and a vital water source for millions.
4. Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats: Mountain ranges known for their biodiversity.
5. Deserts: The Thar Desert in Rajasthan.

Science and Technology

1. Space Program: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is known for its successful missions, including Chandrayaan (lunar exploration) and Mangalyaan (Mars orbiter).
2. IT Industry: India is a global leader in information technology and software services, with Bangalore often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India.”
3. Medicine: India has a well-established pharmaceutical industry and is a major exporter of generic drugs.

Education

1. Literacy Rate: Around 77% (as of recent data), with significant efforts ongoing to improve education access.
2. Institutions: Home to prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

Wildlife and Conservation

1. Biodiversity: India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries, with a wide variety of flora and fauna.
2. National Parks: Notable ones include Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Ranthambore National Park.
3. Conservation Efforts: Programs to protect endangered species like tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses.

Miscellaneous

1. Sports: Cricket is the most popular sport, with significant achievements in hockey, badminton, and wrestling.
2. Cinema: India has a vibrant film industry, popularly known as Bollywood, centered in Mumbai. It’s one of the largest producers of films in the world.
3. Cultural Heritage: Known for its classical dance forms (Bharatanatyam, Kathak), music (Carnatic, Hindustani), and a rich tradition of literature and arts.

Read Also

• Languages of India
• India’s International Borders
• Major Gold Mines in India
• Major Lakes in India
• Indian States Zones
• Major Stadiums in India
• National Identity Card India
• Important Mountain Passes in India
• The Structure of the Indian Armed Forces
• India’s 78th Independence Day

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