India is a vibrant and diverse country located in South Asia. It is the world’s seventh-largest country by land area and the second-most populous, with over 1.4 billion people. Known for its rich history, India is often referred to as the cradle of ancient civilizations and is home to one of the oldest continuous cultures. The country is characterized by its vast landscapes, including the Himalayan mountains in the north, the fertile Gangetic plains, the Thar Desert in the west, and a long coastline bordering the Indian Ocean.