Land Area

3.29 million square kilometers

Capital

New Delhi

Political System

Democratic. Federal structure comprising 26 states and 6 union territories. The constitution provides for a parliamentary system of government with a bicameral parliament and three branches: the executive, legislative and judiciary.

Judicial System

Supreme court is the apex judicial authority. There are high courts in every state and lower courts at the town levels.

Population

952 million

Population growth Rate

1.71 per cent

Life Expectancy

57.7 years for male & 58.7 years for females (1991 census)

Literacy Rate

52.21 per cent (1991 census)

Language

18 principal languages. The preferred language for business is English.

Time Zone

GMT +05:30 hrs

Currency Unit

Indian Rupee

GDP at current prices

US$ 324 billion (1996-97)

Exports

US $ 33.98 billion (1997-98)

Imports

US $ 40.78 billion (1997-98)

Foreign Exchange Reserves

US $ 26 billion (March 1998)