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Capital: New Delhi
Population: 1,129,900,000 (2007 estimate)
Weather: Large variety of temperatures depending on area; four seasons with winter in January to February, summer in March to May, monsoon(rainy) seasons in June to September and post monsoon (dry) seasons in October to December
Languages Spoken: Hindi, English, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil
Currency: Rupee (US $1=42.7 INR)
Political Climate: In 1947 the newly formed Muslim state of Pakistan fragmented India and led to the largest migration in history of 17 million people fleeing across borders to escape the bloodbath during civil unrest; disputes with Pakistan over Kashmir amongst other territories; dispute with China over nuclear proliferation and India’s support of Tibet’s Dalai Lama; July 2007 placed Pratibha Patil as the first female president of the nation; Federal Republic
Easily Accessible By: Air India, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Customs: Indians are famous for shaking their heads side to side the way Westerners say ‘no’ but in India this is both a ‘yes’ and just a physical habit; guests are typically treated very well and food is always shared regardless of how much food there is or how many guests; as in most Asian cultures, respect for elders is paramount
Famous For: Taj Mahal; Bollywood; numberous Royal Palaces; Bodhgaya (where Buddha reached Enlightenment); Ganges River
Don’t Miss: -Watching a sunset at the Taj Mahal -Having a Bombay Sunrise at Taj Lake Palace -Donating food at a local orphanage (guaranteed to change your spirit forever) -Wading at the edge of the Ganges River in Varanasi & catching a colorful, unforgettable funeral procession -Eating with your hands at a roadside stall -Walking through a spice market in Mumbai or Delhi -Riding on an elephant
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