Last Updated on September 2, 2024
India is the world’s largest democracy by population size (China isn’t a true democracy despite its leaders continually portraying it as one). India is also one of the world’s most culturally diverse nations where multiple tribes and languages coexist harmoniously. Besides, the country stands out for its beautiful sceneries, iconic landmarks, and a vibrant entertainment scene.
These are just but a few of the numerous reasons India attracts millions of tourists annually. There’s a lot more to know about the country beyond its geographical and cultural appeal.
Join me as I unpack the 80 amazing facts about India that you’ll find nowhere else.
Geographical Facts
Location by Continent
1. India is an Asian country and one of the most iconic nations in the vast continent.
Location by Region
2. India is located in South Asia. Other countries in the same region include Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Iran, and Bangladesh.
3. India is also geographically situated in the Indian subcontinent. Other nations in the Indian subcontinent include Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives.
Location in Relation to the Equator
4. India is situated north of the equator. The country’s mainland is nestled between 8°4′ north and 37°6′ north latitude, and 68°7′ east and 97°25′ east longitude.
Absolute Size
5. India has a total area of 1,269,219 square miles or 3,287,263 square kilometers.
6. Continental space accounts for over 90% of India’s surface area. The country’s total land area is a whopping 1,147,955 square miles (2,973,190 square kilometers), with water bodies taking up the remainder.
7. India has a land frontier of 9,445 miles or 15,200 kilometers and nearly half the coastline, at 4,671 miles or 7,516.6 kilometers.
8. The country has a longer north-to-south distance of 1,997 miles or 3,214 kilometers, compared to its east-to-west distance of 1,822 miles or 2,933 kilometers.
Relative Size
9. With its total area of 1,269,219 square miles, India ranks the 7th largest country in the world and the third largest in Asia (if you consider Russia to be in Asia).
10. Still on relative size, India is nestled between Australia and Argentina.
Bordering Countries
11. India shares continental borders with Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The country also shares maritime borders with Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Bordering Water Bodies
12. India is bordered to the south by the Indian Ocean. To the west of the country lies the Arabian Sea, to the east the Bay of Bengal, and to the southwest the Lakshadweep Sea.
Islands
13. India boasts 1,382 islands. These include both inhabited islands and the uninhabited ones.
14. The main islands in India are the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago located in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep islands found in the Arabian Sea.
Physical Features and Landmarks
Natural Features
15. Kangchenjunga, also known as the Five Treasures of Snow, is the highest point in India. It towers to an elevation of 28,169 feet or 8,586 meters above sea level.
16. Kuttanad is India’s lowest point, dipping at -7.2 feet or -2.2 meters below sea level.
17. The Ganges, also known as Ganga, is the longest river in India if we consider the total length covered by a single river flowing through the country. The trans-boundary river, measuring 1,569 miles or 2,525 kilometers, originates from the western Himalayas and empties into the Bay of Bengal.
18. While the Ganges holds the record for the longest river within India’s borders, the title for the longest river passing through the country goes to the Indus. The Indus originates in the mountain springs located northeast of Mount Kailash in Western Tibet and empties into the Arabian Sea, covering a distance of 1975 miles (3,180 kilometers).
19. Brahmaputra is the deepest river in India, able to reach depths up to 380 feet. Originating in the Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range and emptying into the Bay of Bengal, Brahmaputra River is also the second-longest river in India in terms of total distance. It covers 1801 miles or 2900 kilometers.
20. Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in India. It measures 96.5 km long, 15 km wide, and has a surface area of 2,033 km².
21. Manasbal Lake is the deepest lake in India. The lake is located in Ganderbal District in Jammu and Kashmir. It’s believed to be up to 43 feet or 13 meters deep.
22. The Indian Ocean covers much of India’s coastline. It’s also the only Ocean bordering the country.
23. The Arabian Sea is the largest sea covering India’s coastline.
24. Marina Beach located along the Bay of Bengal is India’s longest beach. It stretches up to 8.1 miles or 13 kilometers.
25. The Thar Desert is the largest desert in India. Also known as the Great Indian Desert, Thar covers around 91,990 square miles (238,254 square kilometers).
26. The Deccan Plateau is the largest and most extensive plateau in India. It’s located to the south of Narmada River.
27. Kangra Valley situated in Himachal Pradesh is India’s largest valley. The valley offers a picturesque view of the rolling landscapes, including the Masroor Rock Cut Temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
28. Krem Liat Prah located in Jaintia Hills is the longest cave in India and one of the longest in the world. It covers an expansive distance of 101,565 feet or 30,957 meters.
Manmade Landmarks
29. The Taj Mahal is undeniably the most incredible manmade landmark in India and one of the world’s finest pieces of architecture. The white marble mausoleum was constructed in 1648 in commemoration of Emperor Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bucketlist for millions of travelers.
30. While the Taj Mahal is India’s most famous artificial landmark, Sanchi Stupa holds the record for the oldest building in the country. The building has been standing tall since the Indus Valley civilization.
Historical Facts
31. The name “India” derives from the Indus River.
32. India was once an island and a part of Antarctica. The country is believed to have connected with the Asian continental plate around 50 million years ago, giving birth to the iconic Himalayas.
33. The Indian subcontinent has been around for between 5,000 and 6,000 years. The region’s earliest civilization is the Vedic Civilization, which existed around 1500 BCE and is credited with laying out the foundations of what would become a thriving Hinduism religion.
34. Emperor Chandragupta Maurya (340 to 298 BCE) is considered the first official ruler of India and the founder of the Maurya Empire.
35. India’s city of Varanasi is believed to be one of the world’s oldest living cities, with a history dating back to around 11 BC.
36. Varanasi is also the holiest city in India as well as the birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda.
37. India gained her independence on August 15, 1947, breaking free from nearly a century of British Rule.
38. India became a republic on January 26, 1950, about two and a half years after gaining independence.
Demographic Facts
39. India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a population of 1.375 billion people as per 2022 estimates. China remains the world’s most populous country with a population of 1.412 billion people as of 2021.
40. India is the most populous democracy in the world. Although China has always portrayed itself to the outside world as a true democracy, the country is more of an authoritarian one-party state.
41. India also boasts some of the world’s most populous cities. The capital New Delhi and Mumbai each have over 10 million inhabitants.
42. There are over 30 million Indians residing overseas. That constitutes the world’s largest diaspora population.
43. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States of America (USA), and Saudi Arabia top the list of countries with Indian diasporas.
44. India’s population comprises mainly the relatively young (40 years and below), but this composition may change by 2050.
Cultural Facts
Indian Languages
45. There are 447 officially identified native languages in India and thousands of native dialects. That’s enough to make India one of the most culturally-diverse countries in the world.
46. Although India boasts hundreds of native languages, there are only two official languages – Hindi and English.
47. India has the world’s second-largest population of English speakers, coming only after the United States. About 10% of the Indian population (137 million people) are English speakers. For comparison, the entire US population of 300+ million are English speakers.
48. More interestingly, India has the world’s largest population of non-native English speakers.
Indian Religions
49. Hinduism is the most popular religion in India, with about 80% of the country’s citizens subscribing to the faith. Islam comes second with 14%, Christianity with 2.3%, and Sikhism with 1.7%. Others include Buddhism and Jainism, each with less than 1% popularity.
50. Hinduism is also the oldest religion in the world.
51. Despite close to four-fifth of Indians subscribing to one religion, India is one of the most religious-free countries in the world where members of the different faiths peacefully exist side by side.
India’s Entertainment Scene
52. India is the land of Bollywood, the second-most thriving entertainment industry in the world after Hollywood.
53. Rock superstar Freddie Mercury is regarded as the first Indian rock star. Freddie was born Farrokh Bulsara.
54. Chess was invented in India, around the 6th century AD.
55. Snakes & Ladders was also invented in India.
Indian Festivals
56. Diwali is the most popular Indian festival celebrated by Indians and non-Indians alike.
57. However, Kumbh Mela is the largest festival in India. The festival attracts very large gatherings that can often be seen from outer space.
58. The famous Holi festival originated in India too.
59. Indians celebrate Children’s Day on November 14th, exactly 9 months after Valentine’s Day.
Indian Cuisine
60. India is the official land of spices. Over 70% of the world’s spices originate from the country.
61. Chai (Tea) is India’s national drink.
62. India has the largest number of vegetarians in the world. Religion (particularly Hinduism and Jainism) and personal choices are responsible for this dietary inclination.
63. Most Indians eat with their fingers, regardless of the food type.
Economic Facts
64. For over 1000 years (beginning around the 4th century BC), India was the world’s only source of diamonds.
65. India is the world’s largest milk producer, able to hit an annual production volume of 150 million tonnes.
66. India is the world’s largest arms importer.
67. India has the second-largest military in the world, with an estimated 1.5 million active troops. China unsurprisingly comes first.
68. India has the third-highest number of billionaires in the world after the United States and China.
Animal Facts
69. The endangered Bengal Tiger is India’s national symbol.
70. Cows are considered sacred in India due to their association with Hinduism, the most dominant religion in the country. The Hindu Goddess Bhoomi, which represents Earth, is often depicted in the form of a cow.
71. Elephants are also revered in India, although as working animals. So respected are these animals that there are special elephant spas in the country.
Other Fun Facts about India
72. The village of Mawsynram in India’s northeast state of Meghalaya is the wettest place on earth, far wetter than the Amazon Rainforest. The village receives an average rainfall of 470 inches or 12, 000 millimeters.
73. The Hindu calendar has six seasons. They include spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, prewinter, and winter.
74. The world’s highest cricket ground, known as Chail Cricket Ground, is found in India. Constructed in 1893 and located in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, this enormous cricket ground has a towering height of around 7,500 feet above sea level.
75. The first floating post office was established in India (in 2011).
76. India has the third-highest number of records claimed in the Guinness Book of Records after the US and UK.
77. India has a hill that defies the force of gravity.
78. The Bailey Bridge located in India’s Ladakh Valley is the world’s highest bridge.
79. The village of Shani Shingnapur in India is famous for having houses with no doors or locks. Surprisingly, it’s also the safest village on earth and has been crime-free for over 400 years.
80. India has one of the lowest divorce rates in the world, with a paltry 1%.
Final Word
With so much to learn about India, it’s understandable why most people who’ve visited this majestic Asian country would die for a second trip.
Whether you’re planning a vacation to India this year or are simply a knowledge seeker wanting to know more about the Land of Bollywood, we hope this article was helpful enough.
