The ethnic and linguistic diversity of India is more like that of Europe than just a single nation.
- With a population of 1.22 billion, India consists of many regional, social and economic groups each with different cultures.
- There is a big north-south divide, with lower population growth in the more agricultural south leading to a shortage of unskilled labour.
- India has many religions with a Hindu majority and a large Muslim minority. There are also Buddists, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis, Sikhs and tribal religions.
- There is a big gap between rich and poor although they live side by side in cities and villages.
- India is a largely rural country with 74% of the population living in villages.
- There are pronounced differences between the behaviour expected of men and women.
- The people of India belong to thousands of different castes – social classes into which people are born. Caste members are expected to marry within the group and follow caste rules.
- With such a varied culture it’s no wonder Indian music is rich and diverse.
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