China
Backgrounder: India profile
Source: CCTV.com | 11-21-2006 08:43
Special Report: Hu visits 4 Asian nations
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Indian rapid development is not only bringing opportunities for the region, but may also bring peace and stability to the world.
The Republic of India is bounded by the Himalayas in the north, and extends 2,000 miles south to the Indian Ocean.
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The world's seventh largest country in area, India occupies nearly 3 million square kilometers, encompassing a varied landscape rich in natural resources.
With more than 1 billion inhabitants, India ranks second only to China among the world's most populous countries. Its people are culturally diverse, and religion plays an important role in the life of the country. About 81 percent of the people practice Hinduism, a religion that originated in India.
India won independence from British rule in 1947.
On April 1st, 1950, India established diplomatic relations with China.
Editor:Wang Ping
