Neighbouring Countries of India and Their Exciting Facts

India is a land of many cultures and histories, surrounded by several interesting neighbors. Each one of neighbouring countries of India has its own unique story and a special connection with India. Let’s take a fun journey to explore these neighboring countries. Get ready for an exciting ride!

1. Pakistan: The Intense Neighbour

First, we have Pakistan, India’s western neighbor, with whom it shares a long and dramatic history. Pakistan and India were once the same country before they split in 1947, which was a big and emotional event.

The split, known as partition, caused a massive movement of people between the two new countries, with lots of conflict and violence. This has led to ongoing political and military tensions, especially over the region of Kashmir. The rivalry is strong and often seen in cricket matches that feel more like battles!

• Population: Approximately 231 million people.
• Capital: Islamabad.
• Largest City: Karachi.
• Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR).
• Prime Minister: Imran Khan.
• Official Language: Urdu and English.
• Major Provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan.
• Independence Day: August 14, 1947.
• Major River: Indus River.
• Famous Landmark: Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.
• National Sport: Field Hockey.
• Popular Dish: Biryani.
• Major Religion: Islam.
• Historical Site: Mohenjo-daro.
• Famous Festival: Eid-ul-Fitr.

Despite the tensions, India and Pakistan have deep cultural connections. From Bollywood movies to music, food, and language, there’s a strong bond. Pakistani artists are loved in India, and Indian movies are popular in Pakistan, showing a shared cultural heritage that is hard to ignore.

2. China: The Big Competitor

To the north lies China, a giant country with which India shares a long, mountainous border, including the famous Himalayas. The relationship between India and China is a mix of working together and competing.

Both countries are big players in the world economy with growing industries and significant influence on global trade. They compete fiercely in areas like technology and manufacturing, with China currently ahead. But India is catching up quickly, making this competition very exciting.

The India-China border has areas of conflict, like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, leading to occasional clashes. The most notable was the 1962 war. Recent standoffs, like the one in Galwan Valley, keep tensions high, making for a complex relationship.

• Population: Approximately 1.4 billion people.
• Capital: Beijing.
• Largest City: Shanghai.
• Currency: Renminbi (Yuan, CNY).
• President: Xi Jinping.
• Official Language: Mandarin Chinese.
• Major Regions: Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Hong Kong.
• Independence Day: Celebrated on October 1st (National Day).
• Major River: Yangtze River.
• Famous Landmark: The Great Wall of China.
• National Sport: Table Tennis.
• Popular Dish: Peking Duck.
• Major Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
• Historical Site: Forbidden City.
• Famous Festival: Chinese New Year.

3. Nepal: The Peaceful Friend

Nestled in the Himalayas, Nepal is a peaceful friend of India. Known for its stunning landscapes and Mount Everest, Nepal and India share more than just a border. Both countries have deep cultural and religious connections. Hinduism and Buddhism, which began in India, are key parts of Nepalese culture. Festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated with much enthusiasm in both countries.

The India-Nepal border is very friendly, allowing people from both countries to travel and work freely across the border. This unique setup strengthens the bond, making Nepal an important part of India’s extended family.

• Population: Approximately 30 million people.
• Capital: Kathmandu.
• Largest City: Kathmandu.
• Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR).
• Prime Minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
• Official Language: Nepali.
• Major Regions: Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, Lumbini.
• Independence Day: Not applicable (never colonized).
• Major River: Ghaghara River.
• Famous Landmark: Mount Everest.
• National Sport: Volleyball.
• Popular Dish: Momo.
• Major Religions: Hinduism and Buddhism.
• Historical Site: Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha).
• Famous Festival: Dashain.

4. Bhutan: The Happy Kingdom

To the northeast of India lies Bhutan, a small but fascinating country known for its Gross National Happiness index. Among the neighbouring countries of India, this tiny kingdom is full of culture and peace.

Bhutan and India share a good relationship, with India helping Bhutan in its development. The two countries have close cultural ties, with Buddhism being a significant link. Bhutanese festivals like Tshechu are vibrant and similar to those celebrated in India’s northeastern states.

India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner and provides a lot of help, especially in developing hydroelectric projects crucial to Bhutan’s economy. This partnership shows the strong ties between the two nations in comparison to other neighbouring countries of India.

• Population: Approximately 780,000 people.
• Capital: Thimphu.
• Largest City: Thimphu.
• Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN).
• King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
• Official Language: Dzongkha.
• Major Regions: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Bumthang.
• Independence Day: December 17.
• Major River: Drangme Chhu.
• Famous Landmark: Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).
• National Sport: Archery.
• Popular Dish: Ema Datshi.
• Major Religion: Buddhism.
• Historical Site: Punakha Dzong.
• Famous Festival: Tshechu.

5. Bangladesh: The Lively Sibling

To the east of India lies Bangladesh, a country born out of a hard-fought independence from Pakistan in 1971. This lively nation shares deep historical and cultural roots with India.

The cultural ties between India and Bangladesh are strong. Bengali culture, language, and literature are celebrated in both countries. The works of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate, are loved on both sides of the border.

India and Bangladesh have strong economic relations, with India being a major trading partner. The two countries work together on various projects, including infrastructure and energy, making their relationship both lively and dynamic.

• Population: Approximately 170 million people.
• Capital: Dhaka.
• Largest City: Dhaka.
• Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).
• Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina.
• Official Language: Bengali.
• Major Divisions: Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi.
• Independence Day: March 26, 1971.
• Major River: Padma River.
• Famous Landmark: Sundarbans Mangrove Forest.
• National Sport: Kabaddi.
• Popular Dish: Hilsa Fish Curry.
• Major Religion: Islam.
• Historical Site: Mahasthangarh.
• Famous Festival: Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year).

6. Sri Lanka: The Island Gem

Just off the southern tip of India lies Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation with a rich history and culture. The history of India and Sri Lanka is connected, with shared cultural and religious influences. The ancient epic Ramayana speaks of the link between the two lands, with Sri Lanka believed to be the home of the demon king Ravana.

Today, India and Sri Lanka have strong diplomatic and economic relations. India plays a significant role in Sri Lanka’s development, providing aid and investment in various sectors, including the important Colombo Port City project.

• Population: Approximately 22 million people.
• Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative), Colombo (commercial).
• Largest City: Colombo.
• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
• President: Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
• Official Languages: Sinhala and Tamil.
• Major Provinces: Western, Central, Southern, Northern.
• Independence Day: February 4, 1948.
• Major River: Mahaweli River.
• Famous Landmark: Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
• National Sport: Volleyball.
• Popular Dish: Rice and Curry.
• Major Religion: Buddhism.
• Historical Site: Anuradhapura.
• Famous Festival: Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

7. Myanmar: The Gateway to Southeast Asia

To the east, Myanmar (Burma) acts as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia. This interesting country has a mix of cultures, languages, and landscapes.

India and Myanmar share cultural ties, especially in India’s northeastern states, where many ethnic groups have family links across the border. Buddhism is a significant religious connection, with ancient Buddhist sites in both countries attracting pilgrims and tourists.

Among the neighbouring countries of India, Myanmar is important for India’s Act East policy, aimed at improving relations with Southeast Asia. Projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway are crucial for regional connectivity and trade.

• Population: Approximately 54 million people.
• Capital: Naypyidaw.
• Largest City: Yangon.
• Currency: Burmese Kyat (MMK).
• Prime Minister: Min Aung Hlaing.
• Official Language: Burmese.
• Major Regions: Mandalay, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Bago.
• Independence Day: January 4, 1948.
• Major River: Irrawaddy River.
• Famous Landmark: Shwedagon Pagoda.
• National Sport: Chinlone.
• Popular Dish: Mohinga.
• Major Religion: Buddhism.
• Historical Site: Bagan.
• Famous Festival: Thingyan (Water Festival).

8. Afghanistan: The Historic Crossroads

Though sharing a short, mountainous border, Afghanistan has historical and cultural connections with India going back to ancient times. The history of India and Afghanistan is full of stories of trade, conquests, and cultural exchange. The ancient Silk Road helped interactions that have left lasting marks on both cultures.

Recently, India has been a significant supporter of Afghanistan, providing developmental aid and support. Despite the challenges of the political situation, the bond between the two countries remains strong.

• Population: Approximately 41 million people.
• Capital: Kabul.
• Largest City: Kabul.
• Currency: Afghan Afghani (AFN).
• President: Ashraf Ghani (as of the latest update, but may be subject to change).
• Official Languages: Pashto and Dari.
• Major Provinces: Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Nangarhar.
• Independence Day: August 19.
• Major River: Amu Darya.
• Famous Landmark: Minaret of Jam.
• National Sport: Buzkashi.
• Popular Dish: Kabuli Pulao.
• Major Religion: Islam.
• Historical Site: Bamiyan Buddhas (destroyed but historically significant).Famous Festival: Nowruz (Persian New Year).

India and neighbouring countries: Shared borders

Conclusion

India’s neighboring countries each have their own exciting stories, rich cultures, and unique relationships with India. From the intense rivalries with Pakistan and China to the peaceful bonds with Nepal and Bhutan, these relationships are as diverse as they are interesting. As India continues to grow and change, so will its interactions with its neighbors, making for an endlessly fascinating tale of regional politics and cultural exchange.

So there you have it – a whirlwind tour of neighbouring countries of India. Whether it’s the high-stakes drama with Pakistan and China or the serene harmony with Nepal and Bhutan, these countries add to the vibrant mosaic that is South Asia. Keep an eye on this region, because the stories here are far from over!

FAQs

1. What are India’s 7 neighbouring countries?
   Among the neighbouring countries of India are Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. These countries share land borders with India, creating a diverse range of cultural, economic, and political interactions across the region.
2. Which country is longest to India?
   Among the neighbouring countries of India, the longest international border is with Bangladesh, stretching approximately 4,096 kilometers. This extensive boundary influences various aspects of trade, culture, and security between the two nations, making it a significant geopolitical feature.
3. Which is the smallest country next to India?
   Bhutan is the smallest country neighboring India, both in terms of area and population. Despite its small size, Bhutan maintains a unique cultural identity and has a significant relationship with India, especially in terms of trade and diplomacy.
4. How many Indian states touch neighbouring countries?
   17 Indian states share borders with neighbouring countries of India. These states are crucial for India’s international relations, trade, and security, as they directly interact with nations like Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
5. What is the name of the border between India and Pakistan?
   The border between India and Pakistan is called the Radcliffe Line. This boundary was drawn during the partition of British India in 1947, leading to significant historical and geopolitical consequences for both countries.
6. What is India-China border called?
   The border between India and China is known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This demarcation is not formally agreed upon, leading to occasional disputes and requiring continuous diplomatic and military management by both nations.
7. Which line divides India and Bangladesh?
   The Radcliffe Line divides India and Bangladesh. This boundary was established during the partition of British India in 1947, initially separating India and East Pakistan, which later became Bangladesh in 1971.
8. Which Indian states border China?
   Indian states that border China are Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. These regions are strategically significant and often witness geopolitical and military activities due to the India-China relationship.
9. Which is the smallest border of India?
   Among the neighbouring countries of India, the smallest border of India is with Afghanistan, stretching just 106 kilometers. This narrow strip, known as the Wakhan Corridor, connects the two countries and has historical and strategic importance.
10. Which Indian states share border with Pakistan?
    Indian states sharing borders with Pakistan are Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. These states play crucial roles in India-Pakistan relations, impacting trade, security, and cross-border interactions.