2. 28 states and 7 union territories 15 August 1947 (from UK) 18 years of age; universal President and Parlimentary government Largest Democracy in the World! Population: 1.3 billion

3. Physical Geography of India Landforms South Asia is separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalaya, Karakoram Range, and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges. India occupies most of the subcontinent, a large landmass that is part of a continent but still distinct from it. The Gangetic Plain, the world’s longest alluvial plain, an area of fertile soil deposited by floodwaters, is India’s most densely populated area.

4. Water Systems Three major river systems, the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Indus, flow from sources high in the Himalaya through the northern part of the subcontinent. The Ganges is a sacred river to the Hindus, and many major cities are located on its shores. The Indus flows mostly through Pakistan and is an important source of irrigation and a major transportation route. Physical Geography of India

5. Climates, Biomes, and Resources India’s shape, proximity to the Equator, and the influence of the Indian Ocean affect its climate. The monsoon winds cause rainfall and temperatures to fluctuate, or ebb and flow, creating wet and dry seasons. Cyclones, storms with heavy rains and high winds, are the most common natural hazards in South Asia. Tsunamis, huge sea waves caused by undersea earthquakes, also threaten the region and can destroy villages and kill thousands. Physical Geography of India

6. Human Geography of India History and Government India and its primary religion, Hinduism, have a rigid social structure based on the social position in which a person is born, called a caste or jati. Muslim invaders arrived in the 700s, culminating in a Muslim dynasty led by the Moguls, during which time many Indians converted to Islam. Britain’s imperialist policy resulted in its taking direct control of India until India won independence in 1947 and became Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. India is the world’s most populous democracy.

7. Population Patterns India is second only to China in population, and is likely to surpass China in the next 20 years. Most Indians belong to two ethnic groups, though many self-identify according to religious affiliations. India’s cities are some of the world’s most populated, but most of its people live in rural areas. Growing numbers have been migrating to cities for better opportunities, straining resources. Human Geography of India

8. Society and Culture Today Indians speak more than 1,000 languages with Hindi the most widely spoken. Nearly 80 percent are Hindu and identify themselves by jati, only 13 percent are Muslim. In rural India, those in higher jatis live in the village center, while those in lower jatis live in the surrounding areas. Nearly all Indians marry, have children, and live in extended families, but many marriages are arranged according to jati. Human Geography of India

9. Economic Activities Governmental deregulation of many industries sparked economic growth, but also contributed to economic inequality. Half the population works in agriculture, and farmers still rely on labor-intensive methods. India has many well educated people working in the fields of high technology and engineering. India’s energy consumption increases every year, as more people buy cars and use more electricity. Human Geography of India

10. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869- 1948) AKA “Mahatma” which means “Great Soul” Refused to be treated as an inferior and began a movement of nonviolent resistance in India which led to the independence from UK. Inspired MLK, JR. and Nelson Mandela Gandhi

11. Aum The most sacred symbol in Hinduism Aum symbolizes the infinite, the universe, and Brahman (GOD)

12. Saris- traditional dress of women made of 6 yards of fabric. The “best” saris are silk and come from Varansi.

14. Movies are three to four hours long musicals about a “boy meets girl” story (without any kissing or sexual contact), lots of action (though no bloodshed), and always - a happy ending. 14 million Indians go to the movies daily and pay the equivalent to the average Indian's day's wages (US $1-3) Over 800 films are churned out by Bollywood each year. 2 times more than the US. Only Titanic has ever made India's top five list.