Indian Geography
Explore the landscapes, climates, and complex populations of India.
Geographical Statistics of India
India is a South Asian nation bordering the Indian Ocean’s Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. It is part of a larger region known as the Indian subcontinent, along with the nations of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. India also shares borders with China, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.
In total, India’s land area covers 1,269,219 square miles or 3,287,263 square kilometers. The nation is home to many large cities, including its capital, New Delhi (approx. population 28.514 million), Mumbai (19.98 million), Kolkata (14.681 million), Bangalore (11.44 million), Chennai (10.456 million), and Hyderabad (9.482 million). Its overall population is estimated at nearly 1.3 billion, making it the second most populous country in the world.
Landscapes and Climate of India
The geography of India is as varied as its people. Its southern tip, the Deccan Plateau, lies between two mountain ranges, the Eastern and Western Ghats. This region varies between dry rain shadows and tropical forest. River valleys, offering a more constant source of water, are most highly populated there. The Deccan Plateau is bordered to the north by the Satpuras and Vindhyas mountain ranges. These give way to the Indo-Gangetic plain, a fertile stretch of land that has been home to most of India’s largest kingdoms and empires. The plain abuts the Himalayan Mountains, which generally mark India’s northern border. The Ganges, fed by the Himalayas, is the major river of India. Its banks are home to some of the country’s largest population centers. Northwestern India also contains the large Thar desert, which extends into Pakistan.
India’s climate is generally warm and humid, though colder, drier areas can be found throughout the nation. Monsoons move through the region from June to October, drenching the land in rain before long dry spells. India is incredibly biodiverse. It supports many different ecosystems, ranging from alpine conifers to sandy desert to tropical rainforests. Among its most common tree species are teak, rosewood, mahogany, sal, cork, neem, peepal, and the banyan tree. Its wildlife is similarly diverse. Its most famous animal occupants include Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Asiatic lions, various species of rhinoceros, leopards, water buffaloes, mongooses, and macaques.
References
Henderson, Carol. Culture and Customs of India. Greenwood Press. 2002.
Robb, Peter. A History of India. Macmillan International. 2011.
Thapar, Romila. A History of India. Penguin UK. 1990.
“The World Factbook: India.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 9 Oct. 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html.
“Trees in India.” Eco India, Eco India, www.ecoindia.com/flora/trees/.
“Wildlife.” National Portal of India, Government of India, www.india.gov.in/topics/environment-forest/wildlife.
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