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About India

India is the seventh-largest country by area and the most populous democracy in the world, located in South Asia. Bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, India extends from the Himalayas in the north to the tropical coasts of the Indian Ocean in the south. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion people, India is incredibly diverse in languages, religions, and cultures, making it one of the most heterogeneous nations on Earth.

India's civilization dates back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley, and the country has been the birthplace of major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The nation gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947, becoming a democratic republic with a parliamentary system. Hindi and English serve as official languages, though India recognizes 22 scheduled languages and hundreds of dialects. Hinduism is the predominant religion, followed by significant Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and Buddhist populations, creating a rich tapestry of festivals, traditions, and cultural practices.

India's geography encompasses tremendous variety, from the snow-capped Himalayan peaks including K2 and Kanchenjunga, to the fertile Gangetic plains, the arid Thar Desert, and lush tropical rainforests in the Western Ghats. The country experiences monsoon seasons that are critical for agriculture, with climate ranging from alpine to tropical. Major rivers including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna are not only vital water sources but also hold deep spiritual significance in Indian culture.

As one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, India has emerged as a global leader in information technology, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture. The service sector dominates the economy, particularly IT services and business process outsourcing. Major metropolitan areas include New Delhi (the capital), Mumbai (the financial hub), Bangalore (the tech capital), Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad, each contributing to India's rapid economic expansion and urbanization while maintaining distinct regional identities.