1. India Riin Liin Kanepi Gymnasium Form 8

2. General  Capital: Delhi  Area: 3,287,590 sq km  Population: 900 million  Languages: Hindi, English and 13 other official languages

3. National s ymbols  Flag of India  National flower (Lotus)  National fruit (mango)  National river (Ganga)  National animal ( Royal Bengal tiger)  National aquatic animal ( River dolphin)  National bird ( Indian peacock)

4. Flag of India  The National flag of India is a horizontal rectangular tricolour of deep saffron, white and India green.  The flag was subsequently retained as that of the Republic of India.

5. National flower  National flower is Lotus.  The plant normally grows up to a height of about 150 cm and a horizontal spread of up to 3 meters, but some unverified reports place the height as high as over 5 meters.  Lotus is a sacred flower and occupies a unique position in the art and mythology.

6. National fruit  National fruit is mango.  Mango is a juicy stone fruit.  Mango trees grow up to 35-40 m tall.  The trees are long-lived, as some specimens still fruit after 300 years.

7. National river  National river is Ganga.  Ganga is the longest river of India with the most heavily populated river basin in the world.  The river is revered by Hindus as the most sacred river on earth.

8. National animal  Ńational animal is Royal Bengal tiger.  Bengal tiger, the largest carnivore is found only in the Indian subcontinent.  Can be found in most regions of the country.

9. National aquatic animal  National aquatic animal is river dolphin.  dolphin is said to represent the purity of the holy Ganga River as it can only survive in pure and fresh water.

10. National bird  National bird is Indian peacock  Indian peacock designated as the national bird of India.  Peacock represents the unity of vivid colours and finds references in Indian culture.

11. Facts about India  India is the world's largest, oldest, continuous civilization.  India is the world's Largest democracy.  India never invaded any country in her last 1000 years of history.  India exports software to 90 countries.  India is the largest English speaking nation in the world.  India is the only country other than US and Japan, to have built a super computer indeigenously.  India was one of the richest countries till the time of British rule.

12. Sports in India  Gilli-Danda; It is a sport played using one small stick called 'gilli' and one long stick called 'danda' like cricket with ball being replaced by Gilli.  Kancha: It is played using marbles called 'kancha' in India in cities as well as in villages also.  Badminton: Badminton is a very popular sport in India.  Bandy: India is having a Bandy team and Bandy Federation of India takes care of it.  Boxing: Boxing is not so populated game in India.  Cricket: Cricket is the most popular sport in India.  Cycling: This history of cycling in India dates back to 1938.  Golf: Golf is an emerging sport in India.  Ice hockey: Ice hockey in India is mainly played in the Himalayan region of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.  Kayaking: Indian flat kayakers are considered emerging powerhouse in the Asian circuit.  Kabaddi : Kabaddi sport basically originated in India. It is one of the most popular sport in India.  Lawn tennis: Tennis is popular among Indian in urban areas.  Ruby: Like other sports founded in England.  Throwball: Throwball is also gaining popularity in India.  Voolleyball: Volleyball is a sport played all

13. Indian Fairs and Festivals  January: Maker Sankranti, Lohri, Pongal.  February: Desert Festival, Islands Tourism Festivals, Elephant Festival.  March: Holi, Ganaur, Ellora Festival.  April: Good Friday, Easter, Baisakhi.  May: Urs Festival.  June: Ganga Dussehra, Hemis Festival.  July: Rathyatra, Guru Purnima.  August: Janmashtami, Onam  September: Tarnetar Mela  October: Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra.  November: Hampi Festival, Diwali.  December: Christma, Konark Dance Festival.

14. References  http://www.facts-about-india.com/interesting-facts- about-india.php http://www.facts-about-india.com/interesting-facts- about-india.php  http://www.facts-about-india.com/sports-in-india.php http://www.facts-about-india.com/sports-in-india.php  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_symbols_of_India https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_symbols_of_India  http://www.facts-about-india.com/Indian-fairs-and- festivals.php http://www.facts-about-india.com/Indian-fairs-and- festivals.php