World Happiness Report for India 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank India: 126
- Happiness Score India:4.054
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of India. IN.
- India is the world’s largest democracy.
- India is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances, cuisine, and festivals.
- India has a rapidly growing economy, particularly in industries such as technology and manufacturing.
India: A Comprehensive Overview
Early History
India boasts one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with traces of human activity dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 3300-1300 BCE. This ancient civilization, centered in modern-day Pakistan and northwestern India, was remarkable for its urban planning, drainage systems, and the development of a written script. Other early settlements and cultures that emerged in the Indian subcontinent include the Vedic Civilization (1500-500 BCE) and the rise of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Kingdoms and Empires
Throughout its history, India has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous powerful kingdoms and empires. Notable ones include the Maurya Empire (322-185 BCE), the Gupta Empire (320-550 CE) considered the Golden Age of Indian culture, the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 CE), and the Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE). These empires left a lasting impact on Indian architecture, art, literature, and governance systems.
Colonial Period
India’s colonial period began in the 17th century with the arrival of European trading companies, notably the British East India Company. Over time, the British gained control over vast territories and established the British Raj in 1858. The colonial era was marked by significant economic, political, and social changes, as well as the rise of the Indian independence movement led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi.
Independence and Modern Era
India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, after a prolonged struggle led by the Indian National Congress. However, the partition of British India into India and Pakistan resulted in widespread violence and displacement. Post-independence, India faced challenges such as integrating princely states, framing a constitution, and addressing socio-economic disparities. Despite conflicts like the Indo-Pakistani Wars and internal unrest, India has emerged as a vibrant democracy and a major regional power.
Current Political Situation
India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic with a strong central government and 28 states and 8 union territories. The current ruling party is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The country has a multi-party system with the Indian National Congress as the primary opposition party.
International Relations
India has played a significant role in global affairs and is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement. It has maintained close ties with nations like Russia, the United States, and major European powers. India has ongoing territorial disputes with Pakistan and China and has been a victim of cross-border terrorism. India is also a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the G20.
Human Development and Economy
India has a rapidly growing economy, with strengths in sectors like information technology, pharmaceuticals, and services. The country faces challenges such as poverty, income inequality, and healthcare access. However, it has made significant strides in areas like space exploration, renewable energy, and digitalization.
Cultural Highlights
India is a land of rich cultural diversity, with a multitude of religions, languages, and traditions. Hinduism is the dominant religion, while other major faiths include Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. India’s cultural heritage encompasses ancient monuments, classical dance forms, intricate arts and crafts, and a diverse culinary landscape.
Challenges and Opportunities
Some pressing challenges facing India include environmental degradation, urban migration, gender inequality, and communal tensions. However, the country’s young population, entrepreneurial spirit, and technological advancements present opportunities for sustained economic growth and development.
Main facts
1. Location
India is a vast country located in South Asia, occupying a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent. It is situated in the northern part of the Indian Ocean, bordered by Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. The country’s southern peninsula is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal.
2. Map References
India is located in the southern part of the Asian continent.
3. Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 3.3 million square kilometers (1.3 million square miles), India is the 7th largest country in the world, roughly one-third the size of the United States.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
India has a total land border length of approximately 15,200 kilometers (9,445 miles), shared with the following countries:
- Bangladesh: 4,142 km
- Pakistan: 3,323 km
- China: 3,488 km
- Nepal: 1,770 km
- Myanmar: 1,624 km
- Bhutan: 699 km
- Afghanistan: 106 km
5. Coastline (if applicable)
India has a coastline of approximately 7,517 kilometers (4,671 miles), which borders the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal.
6. Maritime Claims
India claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin
7. Climate
India experiences a diverse range of climatic conditions due to its vast size and varied topography. The country can be broadly divided into four climatic regions:
- Tropical wet climate in the southern regions
- Subtropical humid climate in the northern and eastern regions
- Semiarid climate in the western and central regions
- Alpine climate in the Himalayan regions
8. Terrain
India’s terrain is highly diverse, featuring the Himalayan mountain ranges in the north, the Thar Desert in the northwest, the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the north and central regions, and the Deccan Plateau in the south. Major river valleys include the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Godavari.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in India is K2 (Qogir Feng) at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), located in the Karakoram Range of the Himalayas. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean at 0 meters (0 feet).
10. Natural Resources
India’s major natural resources include coal, iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, rare earth elements, petroleum, natural gas, limestone, and arable land.
11. Major Bodies of Water
Notable major bodies of water in India include:
- Rivers: Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, Mahanadi, and Kaveri
- Lakes: Wular, Chilka, Sambhar, Pulicat, and Vembanad
- Shared rivers: Brahmaputra (with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and China), Indus (with Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan)
12. Natural Hazards
Some of the major natural hazards affecting India include:
- Earthquakes (in the Himalayan region and other seismic zones)
- Cyclones (along the coastal areas)
- Floods (during the monsoon season)
- Droughts (in some regions)
13. Geography – Notes
India is a highly diverse country in terms of geography, with varied landscapes, climates, and natural resources. The Himalayas in the north and the Thar Desert in the west are significant geographical features, while the country’s vast river systems and coastlines play a crucial role in its economy and culture. Environmental challenges, such as pollution, deforestation, and water scarcity, are significant issues that India faces.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 23.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 2,407,672. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 60.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 20.59368478.96288.
- Capital: The capital of India is New Delhi
- Major Cities:
- Mumbai – Population: 20.7 million
- Delhi – Population: 16.8 million
- Bangalore – Population: 8.4 million
- Hyderabad – Population: 6.8 million
- Ahmedabad – Population: 5.6 million
- Population: 1,366,417,754
- Area(Km2): 3287263
- Population Density( P/Km²):464. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:91
- Official Language(s):India is primarily Hindi (41%), Bengali (8.1%), Telugu (7.2%), Marathi (7%), Tamil (5.9%), Urdu (5%), Gujarati (4.5%), Kannada (3.7%), Odia (3.2%), Punjabi (2.8%).
- Currency: INR
Main Economic Indicators
India has a diverse mixed economy that is the sixth-largest in the world by nominal GDP and the third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). The country is a major player in services, manufacturing, and agriculture. Key economic challenges include inadequate infrastructure, labor market rigidities, and regulatory uncertainty. Notable economic policies aim to liberalize foreign investment rules, improve infrastructure, and reduce the fiscal deficit.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2022: 6.7% (Source: World Bank)
2021: 5.5% (Source: World Bank)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BBB- (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB- (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 18.8%
Industry: 27.6%
Services: 53.6%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, lentils, onions, potatoes, dairy products
Industrial Products: Textiles, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, steel, chemicals, machinery, software, petroleum products, gems and jewelry
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 522.8 million (2021, World Bank)
Ranking: 2nd largest in the world (2021, World Bank)
Current Account Balance
2022: -$112.8 billion (IMF estimate)
2021: $31.6 billion (IMF estimate)
Ranking: 11th largest deficit in the world (2022, IMF)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $676.1 billion (2022, IMF)
Key Partners: United States, United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore, Netherlands
Main Commodities: Petroleum products, gems and jewelry, machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive parts
Imports: $875.6 billion (2022, IMF)
Key Partners: China, United Arab Emirates, United States, Saudi Arabia, Iraq
Main Commodities: Crude oil, gold, machinery, electronics, fertilizers, chemicals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $572.7 billion (as of April 28, 2023, Reserve Bank of India)
Gold Reserves: 785.4 metric tons (as of March 2023, World Gold Council)
- GDP (Current US$):$2,611,000,000,000. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 11.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 49.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.97. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.30. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 5.36%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Indian(s)
Adjective: Indian
Ethnic Groups
- Indo-Aryan: 72%
- Dravidian: 25%
- Others: 3%
Religions
- Hinduism: 79.8%
- Islam: 14.2%
- Christianity: 2.3%
- Sikhism: 1.7%
- Others: 2%
Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 26.3%
- 15-64 years: 67.2%
- 65 years and over: 6.5%
Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 52.8
Youth Dependency Ratio: 41.3
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 11.5
Median Age
Total: 28.7 years
Male: 28.1 years
Female: 29.3 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 3.9% (2016 est.)
Alcohol Consumption: 4.3 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016 est.)
Tobacco Use: 28.6% of adults smoke tobacco (2016 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth: 69.7 years (2022 est.)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 69.4. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 74.04%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:17.86. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.22. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 62.6%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 471,031,528. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):65.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
India’s military consists of the following main branches:
- Indian Army – The largest component, responsible for land-based operations and border security.
- Indian Navy – Maritime force tasked with protecting India’s naval interests and security.
- Indian Air Force – Aerial warfare branch operating fighters, bombers, and transport aircraft.
India also maintains several special forces units, including the Parachute Regiment and the Special Frontier Force.
Internal security is primarily maintained by the Central Armed Police Forces, which includes the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and others.
Military Expenditures
India’s military spending as a percentage of GDP over the last five years:
- 2021: 2.7%
- 2020: 2.4%
- 2019: 2.4%
- 2018: 2.4%
- 2017: 2.5%
India ranks 3rd globally in terms of total military expenditure.
Personnel Strengths
India has approximately 1.45 million active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:
- Indian Army: 1.2 million
- Indian Navy: 67,000
- Indian Air Force: 143,000
Additional security forces include the Central Armed Police Forces with around 1.1 million personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
India’s military hardware includes a range of domestically produced and imported equipment, such as:
- Armored vehicles (T-90 and Arjun tanks)
- Artillery systems (Dhanush howitzers, Pinaka rocket launchers)
- Combat aircraft (Su-30MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas)
- Naval vessels (aircraft carriers, submarines, guided-missile destroyers)
Significant future acquisitions include the procurement of additional Rafale fighters, S-400 air defense systems, and the development of the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA stealth fighters.
Military Service Age and Obligation
India has no mandatory military service, with voluntary enlistment open to citizens aged 17.5 to 21 years for non-commissioned roles and 19 to 25 years for officers.
The Indian government recently introduced the Agnipath program, which allows enlistment for a four-year tenure, followed by the option for permanent recruitment.
Military Deployments
Current major overseas deployments include:
- United Nations Peacekeeping Missions – India contributes over 5,000 troops to missions in Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Anti-Piracy Operations – Naval vessels are deployed in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean to combat piracy.
Strategic Military Notes
India’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a credible conventional and nuclear deterrent, particularly against potential threats from Pakistan and China. The military plays a key role in border security and counter-terrorism operations.
India is a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping efforts and participates in multilateral exercises and forums like the QUAD (with the U.S., Japan, and Australia) and the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization).
- Armed Forces Size: 1500000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.86
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 49.30%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.