India is one of the largest countries in the world, home to diverse cultures, food, wildlife, and environs. India’s long and rich history means there are no shortage of fascinating facts about the country, but here are some that give a broad picture of what India is like.
5 Fascinating India Facts
1. India has the highest number of vegetarian citizens in the world. (Source)
India is a vegetarian’s paradise! 38% of the population are vegetarian and 80% say they limit their meat-eating. There are so many Indian vegetarians because several of the most popular religions forbid the consumption of meat.
2. Around 65,000 animal species live in India. (Source)
India is a huge landmass with many different types of biomes that make the perfect haven for biodiversity. Species that live in India include, elephants, rhinos, pythons, and river dolphins.
3. India is home to the world’s oldest religion. (Source)
India’s official religion is Hinduism. Records of Hinduism date back to 5,500 B.C., older than any other major religion. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion characterized by meditation and chanting mantras.
4. There are 22 official languages in India. (Source)
India’s varied cultures and religions, long history, and vast regions have led to a country full of different languages. Hindi is the most common language, and ancient classic languages include Tamil, Sanskrit, Telegu, and Malayalam.
5. India leads the world in digital transactions. (Source)
To address the country’s banking needs, the Indian government pushed the creation of the United Payment Interface, an alternative payment method made with cell phones. Thanks to UPI, Indians don’t have to visit a physical bank.
