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    India- A Profile
    An ancient civilization and a resurgent nation, India is a land of great diversity and vitality. Since becoming an independent nation on August 15, 1947, India has emerged as the largest democracy in the world with an independent judiciary and a vigilant media. The nation's one billion strong population is a mosaic of people following different religious beliefs, hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds and speaking a variety of languages. India is a secular state with a long tradition of equal respect for all religions.

    While zealously pursuing its quest for modernization, India has preserved its ancient civilization and never lost sight of the ideals that gave her strength through countless centuries. In a world where nations, big and small, are breaking into micro entities, often with disastrous consequences, India has demonstrated its inherent resilience. This strength comes from its composite culture that has made India a truly vibrant democracy.


    Fact Sheet
    Name : Republic of India
    India has a parliamentary form of government (bi-cameral legislature).
    India is a union of 28 states and 7 centrally administered union territories.

    President :Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil
    Vice President :Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari
    Prime Minister :Dr. Manmohan Singh
    Area : 3.3 million sq km
    Physical Features : Between latitudes 8° 4' and 37° 6' north and longitudes 68° 7' and 97° 25' East
    Population : 1.073 billion (2004)
    Literacy : 65.4 per cent (Kerala has highest rate 90.92 %) (2001)
    Life Expectancy : 60.4 years [Male : 61.8 yrs, Female : 59 yrs] (2001)
    Languages : 22 major languages. Over 1650 dialects.
    Official language : Hindi. English is commonly used and understood.
    Religion : Main religions are: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, , Sikhism, , Zoroastrianism.
    National Capital : New Delhi.
    National Flower : Lotus
    National Fruit : Mango
    National Animal : Tiger
    NationalAnthem
    Time : Indian Standard Time (GMT + 5 1/2 hours)
    National Days : Independence Day: August 15 & Republic Day: January 26
    Currency : 1 Rupee = 100 Paise (Yen 1 = Rs.0.40 approx.) (Year 2006)
    International airports : New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi.
    Major ports of entry : Vizag, Kolkata, Haldia, Chennai, Mumbai, Kandla, Kochi, Mormugao, NewMangalore, Paradip, Tuticorin
    Principal markets for exports : USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, Russia, Belgium, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka
    Principal markets for imports : USA, UK, Japan, Germany, Nigeria, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand

    Economic Indicators
    Gross Domestic Product
    (2004-05, current prices)    		 $ 634 billion
       
    Average annual growth in GDP  
      Since 1990-91 5.82 %
      In 2004-05 6.90 %
      In 2003-04 8.50%
       
    Composition of GDP (2004-05) :  
      Primary (agriculture etc.) 23%
      Secondary (industry etc.) 25%
      Tertiary (services) 52%
    Total Exports (2004-05) $ 80 billion
    Total Imports (2004-05) $ 107 billion
       
    Exports to Japan (2003-04) $ 1.7 billion
    Imports from Japan (2003-04) $ 2.7 billion
       
    Foreign Investment Inflows :  
       
    (i) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) :  
      1990-91 to 1999-00 $ 15.58 billion
      2000-05 (Prov) $ 25.40 billion
    (ii) Portfolio Investment :  
      1990-91 to 2000-01 $ 18.50 billion
      2000-05(Prov) $ 26.00 billion
    Foreign Exchange Reserves (end 2004-05) $ 141.5 billion
    Foreign Debt (end 2004-05) $ 123.3 billion
      Of which Long-Term $ 115.8 billion
      Short-Term $ 7.5 billion