How Many Islands Are There in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Last Updated: Sep 5, 2026, 12:39 IST

How many islands are there in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands? Know about the 572 islands, islets and rocks, inhabited islands, major island groups and important geography facts.

How Many Islands Are There in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
How Many Islands Are There in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise 572 islands, islets and rocks. Located in the Bay of Bengal, the Union Territory consists of two main island groups that is the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. Keep reading to know in detail.

How Many Islands Are There in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are commonly counted as 572 islands, islets and rocks. The island group is located in the Bay of Bengal.It consists of two major groups: Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands. The islands stretch for more than 700 km from north to south. The total geographical area of the Union Territory is about 8,249 sq km.

How Many Islands Are Inhabited in Andaman and Nicobar?

Only a small proportion of the islands are permanently inhabited. Government sources commonly cite around 38 inhabited islands. Most of the remaining islands are covered by forests or have no permanent human habitation.

What Are the Two Main Island Groups of Andaman and Nicobar?

The Union Territory consists of:

Andaman Islands

The Andaman group lies to the north. It contains the majority of the islands in the territory. Major islands include North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman and Little Andaman.

Nicobar Islands

The Nicobar group lies to the south. It is separated from the Andaman group by the 10°N Channel. The Nicobar group comprises about 22 main islands. Great Nicobar is the largest island in the Nicobar group.

What Separates the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman and Nicobar groups. It lies approximately along the 10° north latitude. The channel is a significant geographical feature of the island territory.

Where Are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Located?

The islands are located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. They are geographically closer to Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia than to much of mainland India. The territory lies between approximately 6°N and 14°N latitude. It extends between approximately 92°E and 94°E longitude.

What Is the Capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The capital of the Union Territory is Sri Vijaya Puram. The city was formerly known as Port Blair. It is located in the South Andaman district. Sri Vijaya Puram is the main administrative centre of the Union Territory.

Which Is the Largest Island in Andaman and Nicobar?

North Andaman Island is the largest island in the Andaman group. Great Nicobar Island is the largest island in the Nicobar group. Great Nicobar covers more than 1,000 sq km. It is located at the southern end of the island chain. Indira Point, the southernmost point of India, is located on Great Nicobar Island.

How Many Districts Are There in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The Union Territory currently has three districts. They are North and Middle Andaman, South Andaman and Nicobar. These districts cover the different island groups.

What Are the Famous Islands of Andaman and Nicobar?

Some well-known islands include Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Baratang Island, Little Andaman, Long Island, Great Nicobar Island, Car Nicobar and Barren Island.

Which Is India’s Only Active Volcano?

Barren Island in the Andaman Sea is India’s only confirmed active volcano. It is located in the Andaman group. The volcano has experienced several eruptions. Barren Island is uninhabited.

Key GK Fact About Andaman and Nicobar Islands

GK Fact Answer
Total islands, islets and rocks commonly cited 572
Union Territory Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Location Bay of Bengal
Main island groups Andaman and Nicobar
Inhabited islands Around 38 in commonly cited government figures
Capital Sri Vijaya Puram
Total area About 8,249 sq km
Separating channel Ten Degree Channel
Largest Nicobar island Great Nicobar
Active volcano Barren Island
Southernmost point of India Indira Point

Jasreet Kaur
Jasreet Kaur

Executive - Editorial

Jasreet Kaur is a journalist with over 3 years of experience in digital media and news content creation. She specializes in covering Trending News, including major National and International developments, with a focus on delivering accurate, engaging, and reader-friendly stories. Prior to this, she worked with Zee News as a Content Writer, where she gained extensive experience in news reporting and content strategy. Driven by curiosity, credibility, and a passion for impactful journalism, Jasreet aims to contribute to informed public discourse while supporting positive growth in organizations, society, and the world.

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First Published: Sep 5, 2026, 12:39 IST

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