Country Profile: India
India, located in Southern Asia, is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, sharing land boundaries with several countries including Pakistan and China. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the most populous democracy in the world. The Indian economy is characterized by robust growth driven by technology and services, although challenges remain in poverty and inequality. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, India has a rich cultural heritage shaped by its diverse population and historical significance.
Geography
India's geography is marked by a varied landscape that ranges from tropical monsoons in the south to temperate climates in the north. The country encompasses the well-known Deccan Plateau, fertile plains of the Ganges River, and the formidable Himalayas to the north.
- Total Area: 3,287,263 sq km
- Land Boundaries: 13,888 km with neighbors including Bangladesh and China.
- Climate: Ranges from tropical in the south to temperate in the north.
- Natural Resources: Houses significant reserves of coal, iron ore, and rare earth elements.
People and Society
India is home to a diverse population of over 1.4 billion people, with various ethnic groups, languages, and religions. The society is primarily composed of Indo-Aryan (72%) and Dravidian (25%) ethnic groups.
- Life Expectancy: 68.2 years (2024 est.)
- Languages: Over 22 recognized languages, with Hindi and English being prominent.
- Urbanization: Approximately 36.4% of the population resides in urban areas (2023).
- Literacy Rate: 82% (2023 est.), with significant disparities between male (88%) and female (75%) literacy.
Economy
India is the largest economy in South Asia, benefiting from sustained growth driven by technology, services, and foreign investment. Despite this, it faces high poverty and income inequality.
- GDP (PPP): Estimated at $14.244 trillion in 2024.
- Growth Rate: Projected real GDP growth of 6.5% for 2024.
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3% (2024 est.).
- Labor Force: Approximately 607.691 million people engaged in economic activities.
Government
India operates as a federal parliamentary republic, characterized by a complex legal framework and a multi-tiered system of governance.
- Current President: Droupadi Murmu since July 25, 2022.
- Capital: New Delhi, with a significant administrative setup including 28 states and 8 union territories.
- Suffrage: Universal voting age is 18 years.
- Constitution: The current constitution was adopted on January 26, 1950.
Military and Security
India maintains a large military force, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with significant expenditures directed towards defense and security.
- Active Personnel: Approximately 1.5 million in the armed forces.
- Military Expenditure: 2% of GDP allocated for defense in 2024.
- UN Peacekeeping: India has over 6,000 personnel deployed in various UN missions.
Energy
India's energy landscape is diverse, relying heavily on fossil fuels while also enhancing renewable sources.
- Electricity Access: 99.2% of the population has access to electricity (2022).
- Installed Capacity: Approximately 499.136 million kW (2023).
- Coal Consumption: 1.262 billion metric tons in 2023.
Environment
India faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution, necessitating comprehensive conservation efforts.
- Forests: Approximately 24.4% of land area is forested (2022).
- Biodiversity: There is a rapid loss of biodiversity owing to urbanization.
- Climate Agreements: India is a party to various international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement.
Transportation
India's transportation network is vast, with extensive railways, roadways, and airways connecting its diverse regions.
- Railways: Total of 65,554 km of rail track available (2014).
- Airports: 315 airports as of 2025.
- Ports: India has 56 major ports facilitating maritime trade.
Communications
India's telecommunications sector has seen rapid growth, particularly with mobile and internet services.
- Mobile Subscriptions: Over 1.14 billion mobile subscriptions (2022).
- Internet Users: Approximately 56% of the population are internet users (2022).
- Fixed-line Subscriptions: 27.455 million fixed-line phone subscriptions (2022).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,409,128,296 (2024 est.) | |
| Area (total) | 3,287,263 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $14.244 trillion | 2024 est. |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | 2024 est. |
| Life Expectancy | 68.2 years | 2024 est. |
| Literacy Rate | 82% | 2023 est. |
| Energy Access (Electricity) | 99.2% | 2022 est. |
| Military Expenditure | 2% of GDP | 2024 est. |
| Urban Population | 36.4% | 2023 |
| Agricultural Land | 60% | 2022 est. |
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