Nicobar Islands

The Nicobar Islands /ˈnɪkəbɑːr/ are a group of islands in the eastern Indian Ocean. They are in Southeast Asia, about 150 kilometres (93 miles) northwest of Aceh on Sumatra. The islands are close to Thailand to the east, separated by the Andaman Sea.

Located 1,300 kilometres (810 miles) southeast of the Indian subcontinent, across the Bay of Bengal, the Nicobar Islands are part of India. They form the Nicobar district within the union territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Together with the Andaman Islands to their north, they create an important maritime boundary between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

In 2013, UNESCO recognized the Great Nicobar Island by adding it to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This means the island is a protected area, valued for its unique plants, animals, and natural beauty. The Nicobar Islands are an important part of India's rich natural world.

History

The Nicobar Islands have a long and interesting history. Old Buddhist texts from Sri Lanka called them Naggadipa, meaning "the island of the children." Many traders and explorers visited the islands and gave them new names. By the 15th century, Chinese maps called Great Nicobar Island "Cui Lan island."

People have lived on the islands for thousands of years. The languages spoken there are related to languages from Southeast Asia and India. In the 18th century, Denmark tried to settle the islands but had many difficulties. Later, the islands became part of British India. After World War II, they joined India as a union territory in 1956.

The islands were damaged by a huge tsunami in December 2004, caused by a strong undersea earthquake. The waves caused a lot of damage in the area.

Geography

The Nicobar Islands are a group of islands in the eastern Indian Ocean. They cover an area of 1,841 square kilometres. The islands are part of India and belong to three groups: the Northern Group, the Central Group, and the Southern Group.

The islands have a warm, tropical climate and many special plants and animals. Some places, like Campbell Bay National Park and Galathea National Park on Great Nicobar, are protected to keep these plants and animals safe.

Population

Further information: Nicobar district § Demographics

The Nicobar Islands had a population of 36,842 in 2011. The islands are home to indigenous groups such as the Nicobarese and the Shompen. People there speak Shompen and the languages of the Nicobarese group.

Transportation

The Nicobar Islands have few ways to get around. Car Nicobar has an airstrip at the Car Nicobar Air Force Base, but it does not have flights for everyone to use. Great Nicobar has a small airstrip at Campbell Bay. There are also small docks for ships in Campbell Bay on Great Nicobar and near Keating Point on Car Nicobar.