Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands (/ˈændəmən/) are an archipelago, made up of 200 islands, in the northeastern Indian Ocean about 130 km (81 mi) southwest off the coasts of Myanmar's Ayeyarwady Region. Together with the Nicobar Islands to their south, the Andamans serve as a maritime boundary between the Bay of Bengal to the west and the Andaman Sea to the east. Most of the islands are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India, while the Coco Islands and Preparis Island are part of the Yangon Region of Myanmar.
Location in the Indian Ocean | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bay of Bengal |
| Coordinates | 12°30′N 92°45′E |
| Archipelago | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Total islands | 572 |
| Major islands | North Andaman Island, Little Andaman, Middle Andaman Island, South Andaman Island |
| Area | 6,408 km2 (2,474 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 732 m (2402 ft) |
| Highest point | Saddle Peak |
| Administration | |
| Union territory | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Capital city | Port Blair |
Myanmar | |
| Administrative region | Yangon Region |
| Capital | Yangon |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 343,125 (2011) |
| Pop. density | 48/km2 (124/sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | Bamar Mainland Indians Jarawa Onge Sentinelese Great Andamanese |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone |
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| • Summer (DST) |
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| Official website | www |
The Andaman Islands are home to the Andamanese, a group of indigenous people made up of a number of tribes, including the Jarawa and Sentinelese. While some of the islands can be visited with permits, entry to others, including North Sentinel Island, is banned by law. The Sentinelese are generally hostile to visitors and have had little contact with any other people. The Indian government and coast guard protect their right to privacy.