Country Profile: India
India, located in Southern Asia, is characterized by its diverse geography that ranges from the vast Ganges plains, the Deccan Plateau, to the Himalayas in the north. With a population of approximately 1.41 billion, it is one of the most populous countries in the world. India's economy is the largest in South Asia and is rapidly growing, driven primarily by technology and service sectors, despite challenges such as poverty and income inequality. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, India boasts a rich historical legacy, having transitioned from British colonial rule to independence in 1947.
Geography
India occupies a strategic location in Southern Asia, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The country's topography includes the towering Himalayas, the vast plains of the Ganges, and the arid deserts of the west. It has a varied climate that ranges from tropical monsoon in the south to temperate in the north.
- Area: 3,287,263 sq km (slightly more than one-third the size of the US)
- Land boundaries: 13,888 km, sharing frontiers with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Nepal, and Pakistan
- Coastline: 7,000 km
- Major rivers: Brahmaputra (3,969 km), Indus (3,610 km), Ganges (2,704 km)
- Natural resources: Includes coal, titanium ore, natural gas, and arable land
People and Society
India has an estimated population of 1.41 billion as of 2024, representing a tapestry of cultures, languages, and religions. The country is home to a multitude of ethnic groups, with Indo-Aryans and Dravidians as the predominant communities. The official languages include Hindi and English, while the major religions are Hinduism and Islam.
- Urbanization: 36.4% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
- Median age: 29.8 years (2024)
- Literacy rate: 81.7% (2023)
- Life expectancy: 68.2 years (2024)
- Birth rate: 16.2 births/1,000 population (2024)
Economy
As India's economy continues to grow rapidly, it is marked by robust GDP expansion, mainly fueled by technology and service sectors. However, issues like high poverty rates and income inequality remain critical challenges. India's diversified economy includes agriculture, manufacturing, and a booming service industry.
- GDP (PPP): $14.244 trillion (2024 est.)
- GDP growth rate: 6.5% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 4.3% (2024 est.)
- Labor force: 607.7 million (2024 est.)
- Exports: $822 billion (2024 est.), major partners include the USA (19%) and UAE (7%)
Government
India operates as a federal parliamentary republic, characterized by a diverse range of political parties and a constitution that has undergone numerous amendments since its adoption in 1950. The government structure consists of an executive branch led by the President and the Prime Minister, along with a bicameral legislature.
- Capital: New Delhi
- Constitution: Adopted on 26 January 1950
- Executive: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Administrative divisions: 28 states and 8 union territories
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
Military and Security
The Indian Armed Forces comprise a large military presence prepared for external defense and internal security operations. India's military strategy includes significant investments in modern equipment and capabilities, primarily relying on a combination of domestic production and international acquisitions.
- Active personnel: Approximately 1.5 million (2025)
- Military expenditures: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Military equipment: Predominantly of Russian origin, with increasing acquisitions from Western nations
- Peacekeeping missions: Over 6,000 military and police personnel deployed in UN missions
Energy
India's energy sector is critical to its economic growth, relying heavily on fossil fuels. However, the country has made strides toward increasing its renewable energy capacity, particularly solar power.
- Electricity consumption: 1.5 trillion kWh (2023)
- Installed generating capacity: 499.136 million kW (2023)
- Electricity access: 99.2% of the population (2022)
- Coal production: 1.02 billion metric tons (2023)
Environment
India faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and the impacts of climate change, exacerbated by its large population and rapid industrialization.
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.821 billion metric tons (2023)
- Total waste generated: 189.75 million tons (2024 est.)
- Water resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 1.911 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Transportation
India's transportation infrastructure is extensive, featuring a vast network of railways, roads, and air transport systems essential for domestic and international connectivity.
- Airports: 315 (2025)
- Railways: Total length of 65,554 km (2014)
- Ports: 56 total ports with key locations at Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata
Communications
India's communications landscape is rapidly evolving, with growing internet penetration and mobile telecommunications.
- Internet users: 56% of the population (2022)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 1.14 billion (2022)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 27.5 million (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,409,128,296 | 2024 est. |
| Area | 3,287,263 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $14.244 trillion | 2024 est. |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | 2024 est. |
| Energy Consumption | 25.179 million Btu | Per capita (2023 est.) |
| Birth Rate | 16.2 births/1,000 | 2024 est. |
| Life Expectancy | 68.2 years | 2024 est. |
| Literacy Rate | 81.7% | 2023 est. |
| Total Fertility Rate | 2.03 children/woman | 2024 est. |
| Urban Population | 36.4% | 2023 |
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