It is one of the seventh largest countries and is among the first ten most developed countries in the world. The country measures 3,214 kms from north to south and 2933 kms from east to west. India's land frontiers are approximately 15,200 kms and its coastline is about 7,516 kms including Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep region. India's northern boundary is democrated by the Himalayas. India's immediate neighbours are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India is a sovereign Democratic Secular Republic, enjoying a Parliamentary System of Government. India has 27 States and 5 Union territories and has a population of 100 crores, as assessed in the year 1999-2000. In India, Hindi is the national language and has English as the official language and medium of instruction. Sanskrit is also recognised as one of India's languages in the VIII schedule of the constitution. The Republic has a constitution, which came into force on 26th January 1950. India being a union of states is federal in structure but has unitary features.