The Andaman and Nicobar Islands constitute a union territory of India located in the Bay of Bengal. The archipelago is comprised of approximately 572 islands, islets, and rocks, of which only 38 are currently inhabited. The islands are separated by the Ten Degree Channel. Geologically, they represent the submerged peaks of a vast mountain range extending from Myanmar to Indonesia.

Geography & Topography

The terrain is predominantly hilly, with flat, undulating terrain covered by dense tropical rainforests. The coastal belts are lined with sandy beaches, mangroves, and fringing coral reefs. The elevation gradually rises from the coast inland, with Saddle Peak on North Andaman being the highest point at 732 meters.

The region is divided into two distinct districts: the Andaman District to the North and the Nicobar District to the South. While the Andamans are relatively accessible and commercially developed for tourism, the Nicobars remain largely restricted due to the presence of indigenous tribes and ecological sensitivity. The islands experience a tropical maritime climate moderated by sea breezes.

Historical Significance

Historically, the islands served as a significant maritime settlement and later as a penal colony for the British Empire. The Cellular Jail in Port Blair stands as the most prominent historical monument, symbolizing the struggle of Indian freedom fighters. Constructed between 1896 and 1906, it housed political prisoners in solitary confinement.

During World War II, the islands were briefly occupied by the Japanese forces, and Port Blair served as a strategic outpost. Post-independence, the islands were designated as a Union Territory in 1956. The indigenous history of the islands dates back thousands of years, with the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese tribes inhabiting these lands long before colonization.

Flora and Fauna

The islands boast a rich biodiversity. Approximately 86% of the land area is covered by forests, featuring tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous types. The mangrove forests are the third-largest in India, playing a crucial role in protecting the coastline from erosion.

The marine ecosystem is equally diverse. The fringing coral reefs are home to over 1,000 species of fish, 350 species of echinoderms, and a variety of mollusks. Rare marine mammals such as the Dugong (Sea Cow) and the Saltwater Crocodile are found in the protected waters of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

Administrative Divisions

Island Group	Key Locations	Access Status
South Andaman	Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang	Open to Tourists
North Andaman	Diglipur, Ross & Smith Island, Saddle Peak	Open to Tourists
Little Andaman	Hut Bay, Rangat, Long Island	Open to Tourists
Nicobar Group	Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar, Katchal	Restricted (Permits Required)

Tribal Heritage

The Andaman Islands are home to the Great Andamanese, the Jarawa, the Onges, and the Sentinelese. The Sentinelese, in particular, are one of the world's most isolated uncontacted peoples, found on North Sentinel Island. Strict government regulations prohibit contact to preserve their culture and prevent the spread of diseases.