More About India
India is the world’s second most populated country. There are many regions and states in India, each with their own culture, predominant language, cuisine, and religions. The immense number of people has contributed to housing shortages, poverty, and lack of consistent health care.
India is located in Southern Asia, between Burma and Pakistan. It borders the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
India is slightly larger than one-third of the United States.
Estimated population as of July 2016
The largest cities in India are New Delhi (25.7 million), Mumbai (21 million), Calcutta (11.8 million) and Bangalore (10 million).
Percentage of people 15 and older who can read and write
Northern India is home to the Himalayan Mountains. Deserts occupy the western part of India, with flat to rolling plains throughout the rest of the country.
While it is not the official language (there are 18 official languages), 41% of the population speaks Hindi which is the predominant language spoken in the north. English is considered the secondary official language.
There are approximately 37 different regional cuisines in India, each with its own spice palette and cooking style. Regional styles are heavily influenced by the food that grows in that region. Much, but not all, of Indian cuisine is vegetarian.
1 C full fat, plain yogurt
1 C cucumber, peeled and diced
1 medium tomato, seeds removed and diced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 T fresh dill, cilantro, or mint, chopped
1 t salt
1/2 t ground black pepper
1/2 t ground cumin
Pinch of paprika
- Add yogurt into a small mixing bowl and whip using a fork until it becomes slightly lighter in consistency.
- Add salt, chopped dill or cilantro or mint, black pepper, cumin, and paprika. Mix well.
- Add diced cucumber, tomatoes, and yellow bell pepper. Mix well.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.