It is a group of about 300 islands deep in the Bay of Bengal. Only a few islands have population. These islands are of volcanic origin. The land surface is hilly and rocky and is covered with thick forests. The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands consists of these islands. Port Blair is the capital of this Union Territory. Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Calcutta by air and sea routes.

The climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is warm and humid. It gets rain almost throughout the year. Rubber, coconut, tobacco, and coffee are grown in abundance. Fruits like lemon, orange, banana, mango and pineapple are also grown here.

Before independence these islands were known as Kalaponi. Freedom fighters and life prisoners were sent to the Cellular Jail here. This jail had 698 cells. The prisoners had to live here under very hard conditions. The present inhabitants of Andaman are mostly the descendents of these life prisoners. They are from all parts of India and speak different Indian languages. The original inhabitants of these islands are tribal people. This Union Territory is making progress in industry. Match making and plywood making industries have been set up here.