India's Geography: Size and Location

India's Size and Location

Location

• India is located in South Asia
• Bounded by:
  • Himalayan Mountains to the north
  • Arabian Sea to the southwest
  • Bay of Bengal to the southeast
  • Indian Ocean to the south
• Shares borders with:
  • Pakistan to the west
  • China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north
  • Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east

Size

• 7th largest country in the world by land area
• Covers an area of approximately 3,287,590 square kilometers (1,269,219 sq mi)
• Stretching from:
  • 8°4' to 37°6' north latitude
  • 68°7' to 97°25' east longitude

Geographic Extremes

• Northernmost point: Indira Col, Jammu and Kashmir (35°30'N)
• Southernmost point: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu (8°4'N)
• Easternmost point: Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh (97°25'E)
• Westernmost point: Ghuar Moti, Gujarat (68°7'E)

Coastline

• Total length: approximately 7,517 kilometers (4,670 mi)
• Includes:
  • Arabian Sea coastline: 2,300 kilometers (1,430 mi)
  • Bay of Bengal coastline: 3,400 kilometers (2,113 mi)
  • Indian Ocean coastline: 1,817 kilometers (1,129 mi)

India's Geography

Location

• India is situated in South Asia, bounded by the Himalayan Mountains to the north, the Arabian Sea to the southwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southeast, and the Indian Ocean to the south.
• Shares borders with Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east.

Size and Extent

• India is the 7th largest country in the world by land area, covering approximately 3,287,590 square kilometers (1,269,219 sq mi).
• Stretches from 8°4' to 37°6' north latitude and 68°7' to 97°25' east longitude.

Geographic Extremes

• India's northernmost point is Indira Col, located in Jammu and Kashmir, at 35°30'N.
• The southernmost point is Kanyakumari, located in Tamil Nadu, at 8°4'N.
• The easternmost point is Kibithu, located in Arunachal Pradesh, at 97°25'E.
• The westernmost point is Ghuar Moti, located in Gujarat, at 68°7'E.

Coastline

• India's coastline stretches for approximately 7,517 kilometers (4,670 mi).
• The coastline is divided into three parts: the Arabian Sea coastline, which is approximately 2,300 kilometers (1,430 mi) long, the Bay of Bengal coastline, which is approximately 3,400 kilometers (2,113 mi) long, and the Indian Ocean coastline, which is approximately 1,817 kilometers (1,129 mi) long.

Geography of India

Location

• India is situated in South Asia, spanning latitudes 8°4'N to 37°6'N and longitudes 68°7'E to 97°25'E.

Longitude Extension

• The country's longitude extension is approximately 29°, covering a wide range of climate zones from tropical to temperate.
• This significant longitude extension results in a 2-hour time difference between the eastern and western extremities.

Geographic Features

• The Himalayan Mountains form the northern border of India.
• The Indo-Gangetic Plain lies to the south of the Himalayas.
• The Deccan Plateau covers a significant portion of central India.
• India has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Regional Divisions

• India can be divided into six main regions:
• The Himalayan Region is a distinct geographical feature.
• The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a significant geographical area.
• The Deccan Plateau is a prominent geographical feature.
• The Eastern Ghats are a distinct geographical region.
• The Western Ghats are a separate geographical area.
• The Island Groups consist of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.