Himachal Pradesh-Location

Himachal Pradesh is a state in North India. It is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir on north, Punjab on west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on south, Uttarakhand on south-east and by Tibet, China on the east. The state is spread over 21,629 sq mi (56,019 km²). It extends from the latitudes 30°22'40" North to 33°12'40" North and longitudes 75°45' 55" East to 79°04' 20" East.

Himachal Pradesh was also known as Deva Bhumi (the land of the gods). The literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh is Region of snowy mountains. Shimla is the capital of the state.

The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. The Aryan influence in the region dates back to the period before the Rigveda. After the Anglo Gorkha War, the British colonial government came into power. It was initially part of Punjab, except the Siba State of Punjab Hills which was under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh until 1857. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.

The average altitude of the state increases as we move from west to east and from south to north. In geographical terms, we can divide the entire state of Himachal Pradesh into three distinct regions, namely the Shivalik or Outer Himalayas, Middle Himalayas or Inner Himalayas and Greater Himalayas or the Alpine Zone. The Outer Himalayas cover the altitude ranging from 350 to 1,500 meters. They comprise of the districts of Hamirpur, Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, and the lower parts of Solan, Sirmaur and Mandi.

Himachal Pradesh has one of the highest per capita incomes of any state in India. Due to the abundance of perennial rivers, Himachal also sells hydro electricity to other states such as Delhi, Punjab & Rajasthan. The economy of the state is highly dependent on three sources: hydroelectric power, tourism and agriculture. Hindus make up 95% of the state population, making it the most Hindu state (proportionally), in India.