Andaman and Nicobar Islands, lying to the east of the Indian mainland, comprise an archipelago of 572 emeralds islands, islets and rocks. It comprises of two islands namely, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. These Islands separate the Andaman Sea to the East from the Indian Ocean. They stretch over a length of more than 700 kms. From North to South there are 36 inhabited islands beautifully covered with evergreen forests and hills. Port Blair is the capital of this union territory.

History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The name Andaman is believed to have come from Handuman, which in Malay language means Lord Hanuman. The name Nicobar in Malay language means land of the naked people. In the prehistoric times, the aboriginal tribes are believed to have inhabited the islands. During the 17th century, the islands provided a temporary maritime base for the ships of the Marathas. In the year 1789, the British inhabited the place. In 1950 Andaman and Nicobar Islands became a part of the Indian Union Territories.

Geography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
This island is located in the Bay of Bengal, 1255 km from Kolkata and 1190 km from Chennai. There are over 572 islands in the territory, of which 38 are permanently inhabited. The two important islets of the Nicobar islands are the Ritchie`s Archipelago and Labyrinth Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated by a channel. The islands reach maximum altitude at Saddle Peak, which is formed of limestone, sandstone and clay. Around 50,000 hectares of land here are under cultivation. The island experiences a tropical climate.

Culture of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a unique culture, where is a harmonious blend of different religions, languages and ethnic groups. The island is known as Mini India. The capital, Port Blair has a cosmopolitan character. All important festivals are celebrated with equal enthusiasm by all religious groups. The major languages spoken are Nicobarese, English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Punjabi.

Economy of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Farming and fishing are the main sources of income here. Tourism is also another source of income for the state. There are also a number of small scale, village and handicrafts units. There are shell and wood-based handicraft units. Medium sized industrial units are engaged in the production of polythene bags, PVC conduit pipes and fittings, paints, fibre glass and mini flour mills, soft drinks and beverages, etc. are also found here. Small scale and handicraft units are also engaged in bakery products, rice milling, furniture making etc. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation have also developed in the field of tourism, fisheries, industries and industrial financing.

Demographics of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The tribal inhabitants of Andaman and Nicobar Islands dwell in a scattered fashion, inhabiting several islands of this group. With a distinctive culture, language and habit, the aboriginals are still unattached from civilised society today.

The total population as per census of 2011 is 379944. The literacy rate among the male population is 86.27% and the female is 81.84% as per 2011 census.

Tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands house several museums, emporiums and other places of interest. The beaches, however, remain the dominant factor in attracting tourists. Among the many places that may be visited here are Port Blair, the historic Cellular Jail, Anthropological Museum, a Burmese temple at Phoenix Bay, the Ghol Ghar spice stores, and the Cottage Industries Emporium. Beaches here include Corbyn`s Cove, Wandoor and Shirya Tapu at the southern tip of the island. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling are some of the popular adventure sports here.