For so many people, the country and culture of India remains mysterious and there are many pertinent facts that people remain unaware of. Here are 14 interesting facts about India that you may not be aware of which should increase your appreciation of this populous country.

1. Indian people are attracted to gold and they account for just over 11% of the world’s gold supply which is more that the United States, Switzerland and Germany combined.

2. Valentine’s Day in India is held on 11/14. It has become a day which celebrates children!

3. Indian airlines recruit and hire women who are small in stature in order to save USD $500,000 dollars per year on jet fuel costs.

4. Indian women are actively involved in many social organizations which support various causes.

5. Trees are actively being planted to transform a desert area which is approximately 1,360 acres into a forest. The Tokyo Dome comprisesapproximately 118 acres.

6. The India’s prime minister’s salary is about 68,000 rupees (¥14 million) as of 2008.

7. Hindus in India believe that there is a god in each and every village in every region of the country which means that there are 300 million Hindu gods in the country.

10. The first diamond ever discovered was found in the Golconda region of India more than 4,000 years ago.

11. The world’s largest employer is Indian Railways which currently has 1.6 million employees.

12. A buddhist statue from India was uncovered in Sweden which dates from the 8th century.

13. This temple pictured here provides anyone regardless of race, religion or class with a free meal to those in need.

India is simply an amazing country with a remarkable history and culture!