15 Interesting Facts About India

Introduction:

India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world with an estimated 7.8 billion population. It is a fascinating country with a rich history, unique culture, and interesting facts. To help you get to know India better, here are 15 interesting facts about India.

Fact 1: India is the World’s Largest Democracy

Topping the list of interesting facts about India is the fact that it is the world’s largest democracy. The country’s government is formed via national elections and all Indian citizens are given the right to vote. It is important to note that India has managed to sustain its democratic rule since it declared independence in 1947.

Fact 2: India is the World’s Largest Consumer of Gold

It will come as no surprise that India is the world’s largest consumer of Gold since the country is known for its long-standing love affair with the valuable metal. In 2018, the demand for gold in India was 800 tonnes,which is around 20 percent of the total gold consumption in the world. Indians’ unquenchable thirst for gold is evident by the thousands of brides adorned with hundreds of grams of the metal during weddings.

Fact 3: India Has the World’s Largest Movie Industry

Did you know that India has the world’s largest movie industry? With more than 1000 movies being produced every year, the Indian film industry is among the most influential in the world. Bollywood, India’s largest film industry, is bigger than Hollywood with a much bigger fanbase.

Fact 4: India is Home to Some of the World’s Tallest Mountains

The Himalayas are home to some of the tallest peaks and mountains in the world. India is home to three of the world’s tallest mountains–Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi, and Mount Godwin Austen. All three peaks are more than 8,000 metres (26,400 ft) in height.

Fact 5: India is Home to the World’s First and Only Floating Post Office

India is home to the world’s first and only floating post office on Dal Lake, located in the picturesque city of Srinagar. The post office was launched in 2011 and is a popular destination for postal stamps collectors around the world.

Fact 6: India is the World’s Second Most Populous Country

India is the world’s second most populous country after China. According to the World Bank, the population of India is estimated to be 7.8 billion as of 2020. India is among the world’s most densely populated countries, with an average of 438 individuals per square kilometer.

Fact 7: The Largest Religious Gathering in the World Takes Place in India

The Maha Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest religious gathering, where millions of Hindu devotees gather to take a dip in the holy river, Ganges. The festival is held every twelve years and the most recent Kumbh Mela was held in 2019. The next Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to take place in 2025.

Fact 8: India Has the Most Languages

Did you know that India has the most languages in the world? India is home to more than 780 languages, more than 20 of which are spoken by over 10 million people. While Hindi is India’s official language, the most widely spoken language is actually Bengali.

Fact 9: India is Home to the World’s Largest Health Insurance Scheme

In 2018, the government of India launched the world’s largest health insurance program–the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Also known as the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the scheme provides medical insurance to more than 500 million vulnerable people in India.

Fact 10: India is Home to the World’s Oldest Civilization

India is home to the world’s oldest known civilization, Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan civilization). Dating back to 3500 BCE, the huge civilisation stretched across areas of modern-day India and Pakistan. The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its stone architecture, irrigation systems, and its advanced urban planning.

Fact 11: India is the World’s Largest Producer of Milk

India is the world’s largest producer of milk. With more than 187 million dairy cows, India produces the highest quantity of milk in the world. In 2018, India was reported to have produced more than 176 million tonnes of milk, surpassing the production of the European Union.

Fact 12: India is the World’s Largest importer of Arms

Another interesting fact that you need to know about India is that it is the world’s largest importer of arms. Between 2014 and 2018, India was reported to have purchased more than US$17 billion worth of major weapons systems from the United States and the Russian Federation.

Fact 13: India is the World’s Largest Tea Producer

Did you know that India is the world’s largest tea-producing country? India is estimated to have produced 1,363,433 tonnes of tea in 2019, which is more than twice the production of China. India is also the world’s second largest consumer of tea with an annual consumption of more than 755,000 tonnes.

Fact 14: India is home to Many Unique Animal Species

India is home to many unique animal species, including the Indian elephant, the Indian rhinoceros, the Bengal tiger, and the Asiatic Lion. India is also home to several rare and exotic animal species such as the snow leopard, the Indian pangolin, and the red pandas.

Fact 15: India is Home to the World’s Largest Train Network

The Indian Railways is the world’s largest train network, with more than 20,300 passenger trains and 8,000 freight trains running on its tracks. It is also one of the busiest rail networks in the world and has one of the cheapest fares in the world.

Conclusion

India is a fascinating country with a rich history, unique culture, and interesting facts. From the world’s first and only floating post office to the world’s largest train network, India has many interesting and surprising facts that you need to know about.