Population

1,210.6 million (2011 census); the growth rate in the last decade is 17.7%

Languages

Hindi is the official language, and English is widely used as a link language. Twenty two languages are officially recognized by the Constitution, but over 1,600 minor languages and dialects are spoken.

Literacy

73% (2011 census)

Religions

India is a secular country and has no state religion. Major religions represented in India include Hinduism (82%), Islam (12%), Christianity (2.3%), Sikhism (1.9%), Buddhism (0.8%) and Jainism (0.4%)