The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are two groups of islands located at the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. These islands form one of the seven union territories of India. The Andamans, consisting of some 300 islands, were the site of a British penal colony from 1858 to 1945.
This was the famous Cellular Jail where many of India’s freedom fighters were imprisoned. The Nicobars, which comprise 19 small islands, are separated from the Andamans by a channel.
Since World War II and Indian independence, some of the islands have undergone significant population growth and economic development.
There are Indian military bases here, and regular air and ship services connect the islands with the mainland. The islands are crucial for controlling India’s interests in South East Asia, because of their strategic location.
