India
| Republic of India भारत गणराज्य | |
|---|---|
| |
| Capital | New Delhi |
| Largest city | Mumbai |
| Official languages | Hindi, English |
| Government | Federal parliamentary constitutional republic |
| Independence | 15 August 1947 (from the United Kingdom) |
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: भारत गणराज्य), is a country in South Asia. It is the world's most populous country and the seventh-largest country by land area. India is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal on the southeast. It shares land borders with Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east.[1]
History
India's history dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization of the Bronze Age. The region has been home to many empires and dynasties, including the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Mughal Empire, and British Raj. India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, after a long struggle for freedom led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.[2]
Geography
India comprises diverse landscapes, including the Himalayan mountain range in the north, the Thar Desert in the west, and tropical rainforests in the northeast. The country is home to several major rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna.[3]
Government and Politics
India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic with a multi-party system. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories.[4]
Economy
India has a mixed economy and is one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. It is a major player in sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and automotive manufacturing. The country is also known for its large and skilled workforce.[5]
Culture
Indian culture is known for its diversity, with numerous languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food, and customs differing from place to place within the country. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all originated in India, and the country is home to significant populations of Muslims and Christians as well.[6]