Basic Information About India: Geography, People & Government - UPSC Notes
India, located in South Asia, is the seventh-largest country in the world by land area and the second-most populous country, home to over 1.4 billion people. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and significant influence on global affairs, India is a country with deep historical roots that stretch back thousands of years. It is a land of diverse landscapes, ranging from the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south. India is recognized for its democratic system of government, a flourishing economy, and its cultural heritage, which includes unique traditions, languages, festivals, and arts. The phrase 'basic information about India' encompasses key aspects such as its geography, people, government, and economy, which are crucial for understanding the nation’s role in the world.
This topic is relevant to various UPSC exam papers, especially General Studies Paper 1 and General Studies Paper 2. Questions related to India’s geography, people, culture, and governance structure often appear in both the Prelims and Mains exams. Understanding the foundational aspects of India is vital for comprehending the nation's development, its challenges, and the potential future it holds.
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List of Basic Information About India
India is a country with a rich and varied landscape, diverse population, and a unique government structure. Below is a detailed breakdown of the essential information about India.
Geography of India
India is a vast country located in South Asia, covering an area of 3.287 million square kilometers. It has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, plains, deserts, and coasts, with notable features like the Himalayas, Thar Desert, and the Gangetic Plain. India is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal on three sides.
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Geography of India |
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Location |
Located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the south. |
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Area |
3.287 million square kilometers, making it the 7th largest country in the world. |
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Borders |
India shares land borders with 7 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan, and Myanmar. |
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Major rivers include the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Godavari, and Narmada. |
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The Himalayas in the north, and the Western and Eastern Ghats. |
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Deserts |
The Thar Desert in the northwest region. |
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Climate |
India experiences diverse climates, from tropical in the south to temperate and cold in the north. |
Read the article on the Climate of India!
The People of India
India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion people. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society, with over 2,000 distinct ethnic groups and 22 officially recognized languages. The major religions practiced are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
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Population |
Over 1.4 billion (second-most populous country). |
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India has 22 official languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, and Punjabi. |
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India is home to various religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. |
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Ethnic Groups |
India’s population consists of multiple ethnic groups, including Indo-Aryans, Dravidians, Mongoloids, and various indigenous tribes. |
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Around 31% of India's population lives in urban areas. |
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Life Expectancy |
The average life expectancy in India is 70 years (as of 2023). |
Read the article on the Distribution of Population!
The Government of India
India is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of governance. It has a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the executive. The government operates under the framework of the Indian Constitution, which defines the distribution of power between the central and state governments.
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The Government of India |
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Type of Government |
India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic. |
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The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, is the supreme law of the land. |
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The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. |
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Bicameral Parliament: Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). |
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Independent judiciary with the Supreme Court being the highest authority. |
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States and Union Territories |
India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. |
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Key Takeaways on Basic Information About India for UPSC Aspirants
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