The Republic of India is a diverse country in many ways. In elevation it rises from sea level to the highest mountain range in the world—the Himalayas—and includes the world's third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, at 28,209 feet (8,598 meters). Within these extreme elevations the climate varies from tropical monsoon in the south to temperate in the north.

Street Scene, New Delhi

India has the second largest population of any country in the world—more than one billion (one thousand million) people in an area approximately one-third that of the United States. Sixteen percent (one-sixth) of the world's population lives on four percent of the world's land area, making India one of the most densely populated countries on earth, with a national average of about 780 persons per square mile (300 per square kilometre).

Air and water pollution from various sources is widespread. Tap water is not potable in most of the country. The very large and growing population is rapidly overstraining the country's natural resources.

After becoming independent from Great Britain in 1947, the 1950 Constitution has guaranteed equal rights to all citizens, and prohibits discrimination of the basis of race, gender, social class, religion or place of birth.

Overall, the Indian population has a life expectancy of about 60 years. Thirty-four percent of the population is under the age of fifteen. Of those 15 years old and older, only about half can read and write. Males (65%) fare better than females (37%) in achieving some degree of literacy.

Street Kids

Free public education is "available" and compulsory for children from age six to 14. Thus, nearly all children receive some education, but only about 50% of those 10 years old and older continue with their education. Because a large number live in extreme poverty, many children leave school early—parents put them to work on the family farm; they must get jobs to support the family, or are needed at home to care for smaller children. More than 95% of all households in 1996 reported their annual income to be less than US$2300, and more than a third of the population is too poor to be able to afford an adequate diet. So it is not surprising that many families are not able to keep their children in school throughout the compulsory-age years.

Although substantial progress has been made in educating the populace since 1950, the tremendous population growth, has strained educational and other resources, so that Government goals for education have not been realizable.

Private School Children with Teacher

Private schools of various types are common throughout India, some receiving government grants for support, others not. Schools operated by church groups are a common form of private schools. Approximately 10% of all children who enter the first grade are enrolled in private schools. The dropout rate in these schools is practically nonexistent.

More than 1600 different languages and dialects are spoken among the many ethnic and tribal groups in the country, most of which are mutually unintelligible. Hindi is the national language and the primary language of about one third of the people, mostly located in the north and east of the country. Sanskrit and 16 other regional languages have official status. English enjoys "associate official" status, but is the most important language for national and international commerce and communication.

Village Homes in a Desert Region

As is the case in many developing countries, there is considerable desire to learn English even among those living in the countryside who speak their own regional language. English is offered as a second language (six years of study) in about half of schools up through the high school level, on average. As the language of instruction, the numbers are much lower, but in elite schools, it is, without apology, the prestige language and first choice for instruction.

The population of India is 80% Hindu, 14% Muslim, and according to recent reports, the number of Christians in India was nearly 20 million, or about 2.4% of the population. Christian churches have provided a focus for unity among different ethnic groups and are providing a variety of charitable services—Asian Aid USA being among them.