India at a glance

Total Area
 3.3 million sq. km

Population
1.8 billion

Languages
 122 major languages

A collage featuring the Taj Mahal, an ancient Indian rock-cut cave with carvings, and an Indian stone temple with intricate architecture.

Facts about India

  • The largest of the South Asian region’s countries in terms of physical area and population.

  • It is a peninsula that has the Himalayas to the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south.

  • While Hindi and English are recognized as official languages, there are over 122 major languages and over 1500 other languages, dialects, and regional variations that exist.

  • The Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, and the Sun Temple at Konark are three UNESCO World Heritage sites in India.

A vibrant peacock standing next to a tiger with a pink lotus flower in the foreground.

  • The Prime Minister is Mr. Narendra Modi, as of May 26, 2014.  He is the 15th Prime Minister and is the leader of  the Bharatiya Janata Party.

  • India is considered the world’s largest democracy and exercises a parliamentary form of government.

  • The current President is Droupadi Murmu

  • India has 28 states and 8 union territories.

  • The national bird of India is the peacock, the national animal is the Bengal tiger, and the national flower is the lotus.

  • Other Notable Facts:

    • Hinduism: Hinduism is the oldest religion, with roots dating back to 5500 BCE. 

    • Sacred Cows: Cows are considered sacred in India. 

    • Yoga: India is considered the birthplace of yoga. 

    • Dance: Various dance forms like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam are integral to Indian culture. 

    • Vegetarianism: India has a large vegetarian population. 

    • Spices: India is the world's largest producer of spices. 

    • Chess: The game of chess originated in India. 

    • Diamonds: India was the first country to mine diamonds. 

    • Wettest Place: Mawsynram, in Meghalaya, is the wettest inhabited place on Earth. 

Colorful prayer flags flutter in front of snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky in a scenic mountain landscape.
A traditional Indian dance performance with a performer dressed as a deity in yellow attire, surrounded by musicians and spectators, amid flower petals on the ground during a festival.
The Taj Mahal with white marble domes and minarets, bathed in warm sunlight.