India, officially known as the Republic of India, is a country located in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by land area and the second-most populous country in the world, with over 1.5 billion people. India shares its borders with Pakistan to the northwest, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. To the south, it is bounded by the Indian Ocean.

India has a diverse geography, including the Himalayan Mountain range in the north, fertile plains along the Ganges river, deserts in the west, and tropical rainforests in the south. Its climate varies from tropical in the south to temperate in the north.

India has a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. It has been home to various ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization, and has been influenced by numerous cultures and religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam.

The country gained independence from British rule in 1947, following a non-violent resistance led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Since then, India has adopted a democratic system of governance with a federal structure, consisting of 28 states and 8 union territories.

India has a mixed economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors playing significant roles. It is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and has made significant strides in various fields, including technology, science, and space exploration.