Chapter 1: India - Size and Location

India's Location

India is located in the Northern Hemisphere. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) divides India into almost two equal parts. India lies entirely in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres.

Geographical Extent

Latitudinal Extent: 8°4'N to 37°6'N
Longitudinal Extent: 68°7'E to 97°25'E
Total Area: 3.28 million sq km (7th largest country)

India's Size

India accounts for 2.4% of the world's total land area. The land boundary is about 15,200 km and the coastline is 7,516.6 km including islands.

India and its Neighbors

India shares land boundaries with Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka and Maldives are island neighbors separated by sea.

Key Points

  • India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories
  • Standard Meridian: 82°30'E (passes through Mirzapur, UP)
  • Time difference between easternmost and westernmost points: ~2 hours