Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

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Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
 
Andaman and Nicobar islands map 
 
 
 
 
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
 
Andaman and Nicobar islands map 
 
 
 
 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
Introduction 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, also known as the Emerald Islands, are a 
captivating union territory of India situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal 
and the Andaman Sea. Comprised of 572 islands, with 38 of them inhabited, this 
archipelago boasts a remarkable history, unique climate, and abundant natural 
wonders. In this article, we delve into the intriguing aspects of the Andaman and 
Nicobar Islands, exploring their physiography, historical significance, climate, and 
important facts. 
Physiography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located approximately 150 km north of 
Aceh, Indonesia, and are separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the Andaman 
Sea. The territory consists of two island groups: the Nicobar Islands and the 
Andaman Islands, connected by the Ten Degree Channel. The region is flanked by 
the Andaman Sea to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west. Notably, the 
Barren and Narcondam islands, located north of Port Blair, are home to the only 
active volcanoes in mainland India. 
History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The rich history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is deeply intertwined with 
their geographical location. Initially a British territory, the islands were combined 
administratively in 1874. Today, they are divided into three districts: Nicobar, 
South Andaman, and North and Middle Andaman. The islands hold great strategic 
importance and are home to the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only 
geographical tri-service command of the Indian Armed Forces. Additionally, the 
islands are inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Sentinelese 
people, who remain uncontacted and have retained a Paleolithic lifestyle. 
Climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands enjoy a tropical climate influenced by the 
surrounding sea winds. The region experiences average daily temperatures 
ranging from 70 to 80 degrees throughout the year. Rainfall is abundant, 
averaging around 3,000 mm annually, with the southwest monsoon and tropical 
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
 
Andaman and Nicobar islands map 
 
 
 
 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
Introduction 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, also known as the Emerald Islands, are a 
captivating union territory of India situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal 
and the Andaman Sea. Comprised of 572 islands, with 38 of them inhabited, this 
archipelago boasts a remarkable history, unique climate, and abundant natural 
wonders. In this article, we delve into the intriguing aspects of the Andaman and 
Nicobar Islands, exploring their physiography, historical significance, climate, and 
important facts. 
Physiography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located approximately 150 km north of 
Aceh, Indonesia, and are separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the Andaman 
Sea. The territory consists of two island groups: the Nicobar Islands and the 
Andaman Islands, connected by the Ten Degree Channel. The region is flanked by 
the Andaman Sea to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west. Notably, the 
Barren and Narcondam islands, located north of Port Blair, are home to the only 
active volcanoes in mainland India. 
History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The rich history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is deeply intertwined with 
their geographical location. Initially a British territory, the islands were combined 
administratively in 1874. Today, they are divided into three districts: Nicobar, 
South Andaman, and North and Middle Andaman. The islands hold great strategic 
importance and are home to the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only 
geographical tri-service command of the Indian Armed Forces. Additionally, the 
islands are inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Sentinelese 
people, who remain uncontacted and have retained a Paleolithic lifestyle. 
Climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands enjoy a tropical climate influenced by the 
surrounding sea winds. The region experiences average daily temperatures 
ranging from 70 to 80 degrees throughout the year. Rainfall is abundant, 
averaging around 3,000 mm annually, with the southwest monsoon and tropical 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
cyclones bringing significant precipitation. Greater Nicobar receives the highest 
amount of rainfall among the islands. 
Important Facts about Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
Table: Islands and Geography 
Island Cluster Number of Islands Total Area (sq km) Notable Islands 
Andaman 325 6,170 South Andaman, 
Middle Andaman, 
North Andaman 
Nicobar 247 1,765 Great Nicobar, Car 
Nicobar, Katchall 
 
Key Points: 
? The Andaman and Nicobar Islands span a total area of 8,249 square 
kilometers, comprising 572 islands. 
? The Ten Degree Channel separates the two island clusters, with a width of 
approximately 150 kilometers and a length of 10 kilometers. 
? Saddle Peak, standing at 732 meters above sea level, is the highest point in 
the union territory. 
? Barren Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, hosts the only 
active volcano in South Asia and India. 
? Great Nicobar, situated about 150 km from the northwest tip of Sumatra, is 
the largest island in the archipelago. 
? The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are renowned for their remarkable 
biodiversity, with lush tropical rainforests housing over 2,200 plant species, 
including unique orchids and the Andaman redwood. 
? The islands are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including indigenous 
mammals like elephants, dugongs, and Andaman and Nicobar wild boars, as 
well as a wide variety of avian species. 
 
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
 
Andaman and Nicobar islands map 
 
 
 
 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
Introduction 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, also known as the Emerald Islands, are a 
captivating union territory of India situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal 
and the Andaman Sea. Comprised of 572 islands, with 38 of them inhabited, this 
archipelago boasts a remarkable history, unique climate, and abundant natural 
wonders. In this article, we delve into the intriguing aspects of the Andaman and 
Nicobar Islands, exploring their physiography, historical significance, climate, and 
important facts. 
Physiography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located approximately 150 km north of 
Aceh, Indonesia, and are separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the Andaman 
Sea. The territory consists of two island groups: the Nicobar Islands and the 
Andaman Islands, connected by the Ten Degree Channel. The region is flanked by 
the Andaman Sea to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west. Notably, the 
Barren and Narcondam islands, located north of Port Blair, are home to the only 
active volcanoes in mainland India. 
History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The rich history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is deeply intertwined with 
their geographical location. Initially a British territory, the islands were combined 
administratively in 1874. Today, they are divided into three districts: Nicobar, 
South Andaman, and North and Middle Andaman. The islands hold great strategic 
importance and are home to the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only 
geographical tri-service command of the Indian Armed Forces. Additionally, the 
islands are inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Sentinelese 
people, who remain uncontacted and have retained a Paleolithic lifestyle. 
Climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands enjoy a tropical climate influenced by the 
surrounding sea winds. The region experiences average daily temperatures 
ranging from 70 to 80 degrees throughout the year. Rainfall is abundant, 
averaging around 3,000 mm annually, with the southwest monsoon and tropical 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
cyclones bringing significant precipitation. Greater Nicobar receives the highest 
amount of rainfall among the islands. 
Important Facts about Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
Table: Islands and Geography 
Island Cluster Number of Islands Total Area (sq km) Notable Islands 
Andaman 325 6,170 South Andaman, 
Middle Andaman, 
North Andaman 
Nicobar 247 1,765 Great Nicobar, Car 
Nicobar, Katchall 
 
Key Points: 
? The Andaman and Nicobar Islands span a total area of 8,249 square 
kilometers, comprising 572 islands. 
? The Ten Degree Channel separates the two island clusters, with a width of 
approximately 150 kilometers and a length of 10 kilometers. 
? Saddle Peak, standing at 732 meters above sea level, is the highest point in 
the union territory. 
? Barren Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, hosts the only 
active volcano in South Asia and India. 
? Great Nicobar, situated about 150 km from the northwest tip of Sumatra, is 
the largest island in the archipelago. 
? The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are renowned for their remarkable 
biodiversity, with lush tropical rainforests housing over 2,200 plant species, 
including unique orchids and the Andaman redwood. 
? The islands are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including indigenous 
mammals like elephants, dugongs, and Andaman and Nicobar wild boars, as 
well as a wide variety of avian species. 
 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
 
 
Economy and Tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
The economies of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands revolve around agriculture 
and tourism. Agriculture, particularly paddy cultivation, serves as the primary 
source of income for many residents. The islands also offer pristine beaches and 
vibrant marine life, attracting tourists from around the world. Water sports and 
activities like sea walking and snorkeling have gained popularity, and efforts are 
underway to develop luxury resorts on selected islands to cater to the increasing 
tourist demand. 
Demography and Administration 
Despite comprising over 500 islands, only 38 of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
are inhabited. The territory has a total population of 380,000, with the majority 
residing in the Andaman Islands. Port Blair, the capital city, is home to 
approximately 141,000 people. The territory is divided into three districts: 
Nicobar, South Andaman, and North and Middle Andaman. The Lieutenant 
Governor oversees the administration, and the territory is represented by one 
member in the Lok Sabha, the House of the People. 
Conclusion 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a captivating blend of history, diverse 
climate, and stunning natural beauty. From their strategic significance to their 
unique tribal communities and breathtaking landscapes, these islands provide an 
enchanting experience for visitors. Whether it's exploring the tropical rainforests, 
indulging in thrilling water sports, or immersing oneself in the rich cultural 
heritage, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a treasure trove of wonders 
waiting to be discovered.