Many people are planning a trip to this wonderful country, so they are looking for detailed information about the culture and interesting facts about India. This article reviews geographical and demographic features, information about culture and language, historical monuments, and other vital descriptions. Read our material to the end. It will inspire you to have a new adventure and travel.
Introduction to India
Before studying the country’s detailed features, it is necessary to learn basic information about the region and its significant parts. Many useful and interesting materials describe facts about India. First, let’s study it from the point of view of geography.
The most noteworthy thing is that the population is huge and does not decrease significantly yearly. The territory is also distinguished by its spaciousness and breadth. At the same time, beautiful landscapes attract visitors. Let’s move on to examining the geographical indicators.
Geographical Location and Size
The country is located in the south of Asia and occupies a vast territory. Until a certain point, it was considered a subcontinent, gaining independence in 1947. It was divided by religious definitions into two separate countries: India, which was populated by Hindus, and Pakistan, which was inhabited by Muslims. Later, the eastern part of Pakistan separated and became Bangladesh.
Interesting geographical facts about India:
- The country’s border makes up approximately 1/3 of the coastline.
- Indians have six neighboring countries: Pakistan, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, etc.
- It is home to the world’s highest peaks, the Himalayas.
- The country is the seventh largest in the world in terms of area. It has 3,287,590 km².
- Most of the territory is on the Great Peninsula and washes by the Arabian Sea.
Summing up the above, we conclude that the area is quite diverse. Visitors, as well as locals, enjoy the stunning green jungles, the gentle ocean, and beautiful rivers. Nature is incredibly rich and beautiful, which is why it attracts so many tourists.
Population and Demographics
It is the leader among densely populated countries regarding the number of people living on the territory. It ranks second after China.
The population is 1,404,910,000, and it continues to grow. The number is approximate and according to the 2024 census. This is only half a percent less than the number of people living in China, while it’s four times more than in the USA.
Many people know that the division into Castes is an interesting fact about India. The highest is the richest, including landowners, and soldiers. Some people do not have a Caste and do the dirtiest work. They are not even allowed to be touched.
Amazing facts about India and its people:
- The country is the second largest in the world, with an English-speaking population and 400 national dialects.
- It is almost impossible to change Caste.
- 40% of people are vegetarians.
The most interesting conclusion we can make is the diversity and color, where you can emphasize the experience of ancient and modern cultures. At the same time, traveling is quite comfortable because most people speak English.
Cultural Heritage and Traditions
When discussing culture, we often think of exquisite dances, beautiful bright costumes, traditional Sari clothes, lots of decorations, pomp, and brightness. Who else but the Indians knows how to organize significant events for a vast crowd? Every event happens very pompously, brightly, and emotionally. Let’s discover more about the main holidays which are also incredible India facts about living and enjoying life. Maybe this information will become useful to those readers who plan to visit this region and discover more secrets about it.
Major Festivals in India
This exquisite country is famous for having more festivals than any other region worldwide, even more than national holidays. However, Indians are happy to celebrate any event.
This way of life helps to forget daily troubles and enjoy spectacular spectacles. All events are very colorful, with music and dancing. Also, note that people pay a lot of attention to prayers. There are fun facts about India which make a special mood from visiting.
Many people believe that the abundance of holidays tries to brighten up the deep poverty of most people so that they forget about their troubles and think about the good. Let’s look at three of the most popular events:
The Republic Day Parade is held yearly in New Delhi. It often involved 100 or more officers, soldiers from various foreign legions, and combat aircraft. The events are pretty spectacular, with military equipment on display. The day is considered unique, as it’s also a state day. Among the most interesting facts for visitors is the procession, which involves many camels.
The Diwali festival is one of the most important religious events in the country. It’s the main Hindu holiday, the Festival of Lights. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People light many candles and lanterns. The main element of the decoration is the glowing lanterns. The Indians also launch fireworks. The events occur in late October or early November, reminiscent of ancient pagan festivals celebrating the autumn harvest.
The elephant feeding festival is also a distinctive feature of the region. This animal has a special meaning for the population. According to tradition, it takes place in the Kerala area. It begins on the first day of the month of Karkidakam (our July and August, according to the Gregorian calendar). Its essence lies in the worship and feeding of elephants located in the temple. Thousands of visitors come here. Interesting facts about india. They believe that by feeding elephants, people show respect for their favorite deity — the God of wealth.
This is how unusual and bright the holidays in this country can be. Many people also remember bright events with multi-colored firecrackers with powders. All the population gets covered in paint, radiating joy and happiness.
Languages and Religions
The Arab countries brought Islam to the territory, the key religion for a long time. Then, the number of Muslims decreased after the British entered the territory and made it a colony. Now, the bulk of them live in Pakistan.
The country is spiritual even though it has no official religion. 80% of Indians, there are Hindus. 13% of Muslims are also present in the territories.
Some facts about India and languages are mentioned above. Many speak English, which greatly simplifies communication for foreigners and within the country. However, the local population has more than 400 different dialects, which creates some difficulties in communication, even between neighboring cities. The first official language is Hindi. The second is English.
Historical Landmarks and Monuments
What main building do you, readers, usually remember this country by? Of course, the Taj Mahal, with its splendor, unique beauty, and grace. However, other priceless treasures have preserved the remains of architectural monuments and attractions. These are unknown facts about India. Below, we pay special attention to viewing and studying this issue. After all, most tourists visit such unique places to get acquainted with the country. You can explore the culture further by visiting such historical sites’ territory.
Famous Historical Sites in India
Want to see something interesting? Go to the village of Hampe. It is among the ruins of the once-broken capital of the empire Vijayanagara. Hampi is a UNESCO heritage site. It’s an ancient set of cultural and architectural monuments. In addition, it’s also an important religious center. The ViruPaksha temple still operates here. The altar is surrounded by musical columns that produce unique sounds when tapped. In front of the main entrance is a street surrounded by exquisitely carved columns. Visitors can also admire the masterfully made statues of gods and various animals.
If you visit the Taj Mahal, discover the nearby Red Fort, which has historical value as a defensive fortress. It’s called Red because it contains a remarkable stone of a reddish hue. It’s an interesting fact about India. It was reconstructed in 1565, and the building resembles a semicircle with two entrances. Previously, these historical objects were a fort located near India’s old capital, Agra.
Many tourists come to Mumbai and, first of all, want to visit the Gateway of India, a grand basalt arch that is 26 m high and located on the Arabian Sea’s shores. The arch was built in honor of the visit of the King of England, George V. It took 4 years to strengthen the coastline so that the architecture would stand. The strong and stable construction of the entire structure lasted for 13 years, which is already impressive. Its distinctive feature is interweaving three popular European, Muslim, and Hindu styles.
India’s Architectural Wonders
The Taj Mahal is an incredibly huge temple that is the heart of the whole country. Hundreds and thousands of tourists flock here every year. The height of the building reaches 75 m, and its grandeur is fantastic. Even though many initially thought this was a palace, it was a mausoleum mosque. Today, it is listed among the seven new wonders of the world. The building was erected in honor of the memory of the deceased wife of the padishah Shah Jahan. She died in childbirth. Many finishing details are made of white marble, which gives sophistication and refinement and amazes with beauty. There are also two pavilions – one is a mosque, and the second is for receiving guests. Around there is a vast park of 18 hectares. Here, you see beautiful fountains, small lakes, and winding canals.
Akshardham (Delhi) is a magnificent, substantial Hindu marble temple. It was built relatively recently and is a little over 10 years old. Important facts about India for the future generation. This vast complex has gardens, fountains, ponds, and beautiful bridges. The architecture is impressive, with a mix of styles, and you can see a combination of traditional and modern elements. All the finishing was done by hand, which adds even more sophistication and expense. Unique pink marble inside and the white and gilded exterior make the building so impressive that it is impossible to forget later. A separate plus is the presence of a cinema hall, where all visitors can watch a fascinating film about religion. There is also a museum with critical historical exhibits. If you want to spend a few hours amazingly and uniquely, visit this place in Delhi.
India’s Economy and Development
The country is known primarily for its developing agricultural industry, which plays an important role. It is among the top five countries in terms of GDP. Note that, for fortune telling, since 1947, the population and the country have made incredible economic progress. Due to the vast number of people, it became one of the world’s most significant. These are India amazing facts. However, the country still remains one of the poorest. More than 50% were involved in agriculture.
Key Industries in India
Among the areas actively developing is agriculture, which includes crop production, animal breeding, forestry, fisheries, and other industries. The Indians actively develop the extractive sector and supply fuel and raw materials. The country has many minerals, including iron ore and ferroalloys.
Please note that the amount of this natural resource consumed in the country is incredible. They use coal and oil to account for approximately 85% of the territory’s natural reserves. Oil production is also developing.
Among the less vigorously growing sectors are nuclear power, electric power, telecommunications, transport, and services.
Let us note that the most popular type of activity in this region is livestock farming and plant breeding and cultivation. The land is rich enough to produce amazing harvests, which means it’s possible to use this inexhaustible natural resource and supply products. Almost 50% of working people rely on this industry.
India’s Role in Global Trade
Interesting facts about India: it plays a significant role in international trade. Exports are approximately 112 billion dollars. Among them are such goods as clothing and chemicals. Car partners in this direction are the USA, UAE, China, Singapore, Great Britain, and Hong Kong. Imports are also significant, at 187 billion dollars. Among imported goods are fuel, and cars. Partners in this direction are China, USA, and Switzerland.
Interesting facts about India: Singapore is currently the largest partner for foreign investment in the country’s economy.
Nature and Wildlife in India
India’s National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Indians are also famous for their respectful attitude to the environment. That is why many projects to preserve endangered species operate and work actively and effectively here.
However, if you want to visit some fascinating and spectacular places on your ownб, цe recommend going to the national park called Periyar. It’s located in the state of Kerala. More than 4 million tourists come here every year. Visitors can see the beauty of the Cardamom Mountains, ride along the Pompeiyar River, and see the blessed Periyar Lake.
You receive a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the species of flora and fauna on the verge of extinction. The place received the status of a national park in 1982. Today, its area is 350 m². Evergreen forests are located here. Visitors see more than 2,500 species of plants. Moreover, more than 350 of them are used by people for medical purposes. You also get acquainted with more than 62 types of animals.
Unique Flora and Fauna of India
The presence of a vast range of flora and fauna also proves that the country is incredibly diverse. Approximately 1/4 of the territory has forests, and mountainous terrain is also present. Since the 20th century, forest depletion has accelerated significantly. Industrial development has dramatically affected many Indian plant species. Some types have already died (20, according to scientists).
Nature’s appearance depends very much on the rain. Therefore, where there is the most precipitation, we see dense and lush jungles, while in mountainous areas, for example, in the Himalayas, there are large stands of coniferous forests.
Interesting facts about India and its flora and fauna:
- You’ll find approximately 17,000 species of flowering plants here.
- Teak is the primary type of wood and is widely used in production.
- The elephant is a sacred animal, meaning people cannot do any harm to this animal. That is why the population is growing significantly.
- The territory is home to the very rare Asiatic Lion, the only species in the world living outside of Africa.
- The country is rich in the cat faune family. You can find rare species of tigers, leopards, etc.
- Scientific researchers have recorded more than 1,200 birds.
- The number of these animals is 1/8 of the world’s total.
- On the country’s territory, you can meet more familiar people, geese, and exotic species of parrots. What makes the stay and travel as exciting as possible is that you can also meet hawks, vultures, and eagles.
We conclude that along with the abundance of diversity of landscape and cultural values, we also see a large assortment of flora and fauna. All these interesting facts about India indicate that any visitor may enjoy it and always find something exciting to do. Therefore, tourism is developing quite well.
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