India covers about 3.29 million sq km, the seventh largest country, stretching from roughly 8 to 37 degrees north and 68 to 97 degrees east. It has about 15,200 km of land border with six countries (China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar) and a 7,516 km coastline on the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The Tropic of Cancer cuts the country roughly in half, passing through eight states.
Key facts
- Area about 3,287,263 sq km, seventh largest; latitude 8 to 37 N; land borders 15,200 km; coastline 7,516 km (a 2024 recalculation gives about 11,098 km). (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Six land neighbours: China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar; 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
- Highest point Kangchenjunga (8,586 m) in Sikkim; lowest Kuttanad (minus 2.2 m) in Kerala.
- The Indian Plate collided with Asia about 50 to 55 million years ago, raising the Himalayas.
Why exams ask about it
Which states the Tropic crosses, the IST meridian town, the southernmost point and the largest state are standard questions.