The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar is an archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks. Only 36 of the islands are inhabited. The Andaman Islands are the southward extension of the Irrawaddy delta of Burma. The farther southward extension of this mountain chain forms the Nicobar Islands. The inhabitants include people of all faith, living together in complete peace and harmony. Inter-religious and inter-regional marriages are quite common in this part of the world.
Andaman is well connected with the cities of Chennai and Kolkata by sea and air. Directorate of Shipping Services maintains regular inter-island foreshore and harbour ferry services.
The climate is warm and tropical, and the region has been recognized as a distinct terrestrial eco-region. Thirty-five percent of the population being of Indian and Srilankan origin and six indigenous Mon-Khmer languages are spoken.
The general character of the forests of Andaman is Burmese with an admixture of Malay types. Coconut palms are absent in the Andaman region, an exception being the Cocos Islands. Chief attractions are the Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Museum, Mount Harriet and the Islands of Neil and Havelock.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have over 50,000 hectare of cultivated land. Paddy is the main food crop and is mostly cultivated in the Andaman group of islands, whereas coconut and arecanut are the main cash crops of the Nicobar group of islands.
Port Blair is the headquarters of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
