ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India located in the Bay of Bengal. It is made up of more than 500 islands, though only a few are inhabited. The capital city is Port Blair, which is also the main administrative and cultural center. These islands are well known for their scenic beaches, dense tropical forests, coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. The famous Cellular Jail in Port Blair stands as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle. The region has a tropical climate with warm weather and seasonal rainfall. Several indigenous tribes, including the Great Andamanese, Jarwa, Onge, and Sentinelese, inhabit the islands. Tourism, fishing, and agriculture are the main sources of income for the local population.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold great strategic and ecological importance for India due to their location in the Indian Ocean. The islands are rich in natural resources and are home to unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in the country. Forests cover a large part of the land, making the region environmentally sensitive and protected. The surrounding seas support activities such as fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating, which attract tourists from across the world. The islands also play a key role in maritime security and disaster monitoring in the region, making them significant both economically and strategically.