India

“Unity in Diversity”

Overview - Basic Facts

India is a country in South Asia with about 1.4 billion people.

It is the largest democracy in the world.

The capital city is New Delhi.

India has 28 states and 8 union territories.

Information at a Glance

Geography
  • India has mountains, plains, deserts, forests, and coastlines.
  • The Himalayas form the northern border.
  • The Thar Desert lies in the northwest.
  • The Indo-Gangetic Plain supports large farming areas.
  • Major rivers include the Ganges River, Yamuna River, and Brahmaputra River.
Culture
  • India has many ethnic groups and traditions.
  • Major religions include Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
  • Popular foods include biryani, masala dosa, and butter chicken.
  • Large cultural festivals include Diwali, Holi, and Eid al-Fitr.
Government
  • India uses a parliamentary democracy system.
  • The current prime minister is Narendra Modi.
  • The president is Droupadi Murmu.
  • The national parliament meets in New Delhi.
Economy
  • India has one of the largest economies in the world.
  • Major industries include technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
  • Cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad drive economic growth.
  • India is a global leader in software services and IT outsourcing.

Why India Matters

India has a major role in global politics, trade, and technology. The country has a young and fast-growing workforce. India influences global culture through food, film, and music.

The Indian Community in the United States

Overview of Indian Immigrants

The Indian population in the United States has grown continuously since 1960. The vast majority of Indians living in the United States hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The likelihood of Indian immigrants living in poverty is half of the other overall foreign born populations.

Map

Image of a map showing the American Indian Population by County in the US

CEOs

Image of Sundar Pichi (Google CEO) and Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO)

Professional Contributions

The Indian American community has become one of the most successful ethnic groups in the United States. With a median household income significantly higher than the national average, Indian immigrants play a vital role in the U.S. economy, particularly in the healthcare, technology, and engineering sectors.