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India, seventh largest country in the world, occupies most part of the Indian subcontinent. Here is concise information on India, one of the most important members of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation.

Geography
India can be segregated into three parts geographically: the Himalayan region, the Gangetic plain and the plateau. The Himalayan region contains the highest mountain range in the world. The Gangetic plain is known for its fertile land and river system. The plateau lies in the southern and central part of the country. Land of India is watered by three water systems: the Ganges, the Indus and the Brahmaputra. All the three rivers have their origin in the Himalayas.

Neighbors
It is bordered by Nepal, Bhutan and China in north, Pakistan in the west, and Burma and Bangladesh in the west. In South, an narrow strait seperates it with Sri Lanka. Maldives, seperated by the waters of the Arabian Sea, is another neighbor of India in south.

System of Government
India is a federal republic. The constitution of India defines the country as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. India has a bicameral parliament. Governments at centre and the states are elected by the people. Three branches of governance are Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.

Economy
Since the independence, India adopted mixed economy model. Strict government control was practised over private sector participation, investment and trade. However, in the 90s, Indian government launched the policy of economic liberalisation. Government control on trade and investment was reduced and efforts were made to keep the budget deficits down. Currently the Indian economy is among the fastest growing economies in the world. Surging economy has opened new job opportunities in India.