Background:

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, goes back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier inhabitants created the classical Indian culture.  Over the years India has been occupied and culturally influenced by the Arabs, Turks and Europeans. In 1947 India gained it's independence from Britain through non violent protests led by Mohandas Gandhi.  India's culture and arts have benefited from these numerous influences that merged to create a unique style and philosophy.  Some of the earliest records of India's past refer to the exquisite craftsmanship of its exports, most notably its sculptures and paintings.  India was also know for its advancements in the areas of metalwork and textiles.  India continues to produce some of the worlds most detailed and ornate artwork continuing the traditions of its past.

Geography:

• Area: total: 3,287,590 sq km. water: 314,400 sq km, land: 2,973,190 sq km
• Borders: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Nepal, Pakistan
• Climate: varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north
• Terrain: upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, deserts in west, Himalayas in north

• Industries: textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software

• Imports: crude oil, machinery, gems, fertilizer, chemicals

• Exports: textile goods, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, chemicals, leather manufactures

• Ministry of Tourism
• India Art and Culture
• Travel Guide
• India's History
• Online Newspaper

• Population: 1,045,845,226
• Ethnic Groups: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3%
• Religions: Hindu 81.3%, Muslim 12%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%