Few Numbers(2003)...

-Quite confusing, but far behind the largest country in the world: 3,287 million km2

-29 States, and 6 directed administered union territories.

-After the succession of Indian empires, muslim power penetrated North India from Afghanistan, in 11th century. In 1498, Vasco de Gama settled the first portuguese flag in India. In 1600, England won the trading monopoly with India. In 1672, the French established themselves at Pondichery. By the 19th century, british trading extended and India became under British control. In 1947, Lord Mountbatten announced independance, with the creation of West and East Pakistan which became 25 years later Bengladesh.

-Today, India is a constitutional democracy, in fact the biggest democracy in the world. First constitution in 1950.

-In June 1991, India ended 40 years of central planning, generating huge increase in private investment, bossting exports and reducing the role of the public sector in many areas.

-The country's main exports are gems and jewellery, cotton yarn and fabrics, handicrafts, cereals, marine products, ready-made garments, and the burgeoning software industry has become one of the major foreign exchange earner. But inexpensive Chinese imports have begun to flood local markets, and indian producers are faced with very stiff chinese competition.

-In 1990's, the High Tech City, near Hyderabad was established, offering generous tax breaks and other attractive subsidies to attract international software companies, but also digging the gap between the IT haves and havenots.

-Population...Very hard to say too..Close to 1.027 billion, only behind China. But is tipped to become n.1 in the next couple of decades.

-My impression: Very authentic country, where most people are still dressed in their traditional clothings, and religion ceremonies are a major activity in the daily life. Definitely an undescriptible richness in tradition and culture. But be prepared, poverty is really striking in India, and some of the daily scenes really makes you feel happy about your situation..May be to be recommended for depressed western people!Then they might stop thinking they are unlucky... And one thing.. the permanent harrassment from people willing to sell you something, or just practice thei english.. One tip, tell them you are from Nagaland State and they leave you alone...But some cities are truely wonderful and magic.