India lies centrally within the Asian continent, positioned between its eastern and western regions. It forms the southernmost part of Asia, extending from the northern tip of Kashmir to the southern end of Kanyakumari, and from Arunachal Pradesh in the east to Gujarat in the west.
Additionally, India’s territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles (around 22 kilometers) into the sea from its coastline. This overview of India’s size and location is vital for understanding geographical aspects, especially for students preparing for the SSC and RRB NTPC exams.
◾Also Explore All Notes on Indian Geography
Geographical Location of India
- India’s mainland is located between latitudes 8°4′ N and 37°6′ N and longitudes 68°7′ E and 97°25′ E.
- The country extends 3,214 km from north to south and 2,933 km from east to west.
- Geographically, India is entirely situated in the northern and eastern hemispheres.
- The Tropic of Cancer (23°30′ N) runs almost centrally through India, dividing it into two nearly equal parts:
- North India lies above the Tropic of Cancer.
- South India lies below the Tropic of Cancer.
- The Indian Standard Meridian (82°30′ E) passes near the center of India and is used as the reference for Indian Standard Time.
Size of India
- India ranks as the seventh-largest country in the world by land area.
- The country spans a total of 3.28 million square kilometers.
- India’s land boundary is 15,200 km, and its coastline, including islands, stretches 7,516 km.
- Despite occupying just 2.4% of the Earth’s surface, India’s geographic diversity is notable.
- Young fold mountains mark the northern, northwestern, and northeastern borders of India.
- The east-west and north-south stretches of the country are approximately 3,000 kilometers each, with the north-south distance slightly longer.
- There is a time difference of nearly two hours between the easternmost point in Arunachal Pradesh and the westernmost point in Gujarat.
- Despite the time difference, India follows a single time zone, known as Indian Standard Time (IST).
- Indian Standard Time is based on the longitude 82.30° E, which passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.
India and the world
- India’s landmass holds a strategic central position between East and West Asia.
- It serves as a significant connecting point between these two regions.
- India extends southward from the Asian continent, forming the southernmost tip of mainland Asia.
This geographic placement enhances India’s importance in:
- Trade
- Culture
- Historical interactions across Asia.
India’s Size and Location In a Nutshell
Here’s an overview table summarizing the size and location of India:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Geographical Coordinates | Latitudes: 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N<br>Longitudes: 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E |
| Hemispheres | Northern and Eastern Hemispheres |
| Tropic of Cancer | 23°30′ N (divides the country into almost two equal halves) |
| Indian Standard Meridian | 82°30′ E (runs through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh) |
| North-South Extent | 3,214 km |
| East-West Extent | 2,933 km |
| Total Area | 3.28 million square kilometers (7th largest in the world) |
| Land Boundary | 15,200 km |
| Coastal Boundary | 7,516 km (including islands) |
| Percentage of World Land Area | 2.4% |
| Time Difference | 2 hours between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh |
| Natural Features | Young fold mountains in the north, northwest, and northeast |
| Territorial Waters | Extends up to 12 nautical miles (21.9 km) from the coast |
