The Republic of India is the second-most populous country in the world, with more than 1.2 billion people. India became an independent nation in 1947 and has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, but continues to face challenges of poverty, inadequate public healthcare and terrorism. While the literacy rate is above 60 percent, most people work in agriculture.

About 75 percent of the population of India is Hindu, but Christianity also has a long legacy there. Catholics represent the largest single body with nearly 20 million Christians.