India: development and reform experience  India is the second most populous country, but is amongst those which have the youngest demographic profile in the world. The “demographic dividend” is expected to extend over the next few decades of this millennium.
India is unique in pluralism in terms of languages, religions, ideologies and traditions spread over twenty-eight provinces and seven federally governed union territories, each with its distinct identity and socio-cultural ethos. The Constitution of India recognises 22 languages as the official languages. India is well endowed with natural resources, human resources and varied climatic regions.