Republic of India – Complete Country Profile
BY : ALTAMASH FAROOQUI
Basic Information
Government & Leadership
India is governed under a democratic parliamentary system. The President is the constitutional head, while the Prime Minister is the executive head.
Geography
India lies in South Asia and is shaped by the Indian tectonic plate. It has mighty mountain ranges like the Himalayas, fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, extensive coastlines, plateaus and deserts.
Major rivers include the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna and Narmada.
Climate
India’s climate is influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. The monsoon governs rainfall patterns. India experiences tropical, subtropical and alpine climates.
Climate change is increasing heatwaves, glacier melt and erratic rainfall.
Biodiversity & Wildlife
India is a megadiverse nation with four global biodiversity hotspots. It hosts rare species like the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, and one-horned Rhinoceros.
India has 500+ wildlife sanctuaries and 18 biosphere reserves.
History
India has one of the world’s oldest civilizations dating back to the Indus Valley. It witnessed Maurya, Gupta, Sultanate, Mughal and British rule before gaining independence in 1947.
The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 making India a Republic.
Economy
India is the world’s 5th largest economy by nominal GDP and 3rd by PPP. It is a global hub for IT services, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and agriculture.
Major sectors include services, industry and agriculture.
Demographics
India is the most populous country in the world. It is home to people of diverse ethnicities, languages, religions and cultures.
Life expectancy has crossed 72 years.
Languages
India recognizes 22 scheduled languages. Hindi and English are the official languages of the Union Government.
Over 400 native languages are spoken across India.
Religion
India is the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Major religions include Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Culture
Indian culture is shaped by ancient traditions, languages, festivals, dance, music, architecture and cuisine.
Classical dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi and Kathakali are world-famous.
Education
India has the world’s second-largest education system with 900+ universities and 40,000+ colleges. Literacy stands above 74%.
Sports
Cricket is the most popular sport. India has also dominated field hockey and produced world-class chess players and athletes.
Administrative Divisions
India consists of 28 States and 8 Union Territories governed under a federal structure.