India is the seventh largest country in the world and the largest democracy stretching for an area of 2973200 sq. km. But India in itself is a story, yet unwritten with some of the highest peaks, deepest jungles, greatest rivers and unforgiving deserts. The mighty Himalayas to its North and the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean enclose it on all sides. With the Thar Desert to its West, Deccan Plateau at its South and the far-reaching Andaman Nicobar Islands and Lakshwadeep Islands, India is a world within a country. It is the birthplace of some of the greatest religions of the world like Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The numerous temples, stupas, churches, mosques and synagogues throughout the country bear testimony to the faith of the billion mortals who inhabit this land. India has retained its mixed heritage, its hustle and bustle, regal architecture, exquisite carvings, lavish paintings and multiple cuisines. The forts, the ancient ruins, the lush greenery, the pristine beaches, the blue delectable hills, there.s more than you can see in your lifetime.

The vegetation of India comprises some 15000 species of plants, which varies from temperate and coniferous in the North to tropical and sub-tropical in the South. India.s wildlife is as diverse as its people, including indigenous species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinos, the Asian Lion, the King Cobra and the wild Asses. Exotic birds and more than 10000 species of insects populate the wilderness of India. India.s wildlife is truly protected in its Sanctuaries and Reserve Forests. Game hunting is severely punishable by law and animal protection is a top priority.

It's a land of diverse culture, language and religion. The official languages are Hindi and English. Other languages include Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Oriya, Tamil, Telegu, Kannad, Malaylam, Assamese, Sanskrit, Urdu and many more. A total of more than 100 languages and dialects can be traced in India.

Usually during summer, the weather is hot, only to be relieved by the southwest monsoons. With few days of autumn, the bitter cold winter touches with its pallid fingers and melts into summer with few days of pleasant spring in between.

Throughout history, issues of foreign aggression and terrorism have plagued India. So travelers are advised to seek adequate information from their respective embassies before visiting. Certain areas of Kashmir, North East India and other border states often remain disturbed.

• Location: In southern Asia, bordered by Burma, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan and surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.
• Population: 936545814 according to July 1995 census.
• Religion: 82% Hinduism, 1% Buddhism, 12.1% Muslim, 2%Sikh, 2.2% Christians, 0.4% Jains, 0.3 others (includes Parsees, Jews and Tribal)
• Language: Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Oriya, Tamil, Malayalam, Telegu, Marathi, Gujarati, Kashmiri and English.
• Government: Federal Republic.
• GDP: US $2.2 trillion.
• Major industries: Information technology, steel, petroleum, agriculture, cement, textiles, transportation, food, tea, sugarcane, cattle, poultry and fish.
• Major trading partners: Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Saudi Arabia and US.