Full name : Republic of India
Capital city : New Delhi
Area : 3 287 000 sq km
Population : 1 065 096 000
Peoples and ethnic groups : 72% Indo-Aryan, 25% Dravidian, 3% Mongolian
Languages : hindi, english, 16 other languages, 1600 dialects
Religions : 82% hindu, 11% muslim, 2% christian, 2% sikh, 0,7% buddhist, 0,7% jaïns
Political institution : Démocracy
Head of state : Abdul Kalam
Head of government : Manmohan Singh
Economy
GDP : $US 2 889 billion
GDP/inhab : $US 2 704
Annual growth : 7,4%
Inflation : 3,8%
Main resources : agriculture, textile, coal, steel, new technologies.
Main partners : USA, CIS, Japan, Eurpean community
"Whirl your mind,
dazzle your eyes and
fall in love with India's extremes"
© Lonely Planet 2006
India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - but if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload, then it is one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas unfolding on earth, and you'll quickly develop an abiding passion for it.
Nothing in the country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected, which comes in many forms and will always want to sit next to you. India is a litmus test for many travellers - some are only too happy to leave, while others stay for a lifetime.
