India
From Himalayan peaks in the north to sandy beaches in the south, India has one of the most diverse landscapes and climates in the world.

Over 1 billion people from all faiths and cultures live in India, accounting for around one sixth of the world’s population.

Ceasefire
In 1947 India gained independence from Britain and was partitioned into the separate countries of India, Pakistan and later Bangladesh. Tensions with Pakistan persist over the disputed region of Kashmir, sparking three border wars. A ceasefire was finally agreed in November 2003.

Poverty
Despite India’s emergence as an economic power, it is home to the largest concentration of poor people in the world.

Around 280 million people live below the poverty line and over a third of the population survive on less than $1 a day.

Islamic Relief in India
Islamic Relief (IR) has been working with local organisations in India since 1994. Projects include orphan sponsorship, seasonal Ramadhan and Qurbani food distributions and emergency relief.

In August 2006 heavy rains caused extensive flooding in the western state of Gujarat. IRW set up relief camps in Surat district and volunteers ran community kitchens and rescue teams. An initial £10,000 was allocated to rebuild homes in Surat and a further US$150,000 has been pledged for rehabilitation work.

Many areas in south-east India were devastated by the 2004 tsunami. IR provided emergency relief to survivors in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Islamic Relief also responded to the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat and the 1999 cyclone in Orissa.

The Orphans Sponsorship Programme has been running in India since 1997. More than 800 orphans are being sponsored in Kerala and Karnataka and there are plans to expand the project to more states.