Nagaland-Location

Nagaland is a hill state located in the extreme northeastern region of India. The state shares common boundaries with Myanmar in the East, state of Assam in the West; Arunachal PradeshManipur in the south. Its Longitude lies between 93°20'E and 95°15' E and Latitude between 25°6' and 27°4' N. It has an area of about 6,401 square miles (16,579 square km).

Nagaland is one of India's smallest states with Kohima as its capital. Nagaland became the 16th state of Indian Union only on 1st December 1963 by an amendment in the constitution of India; prior to that it was a union territory. The state is divided into seven districts: Kohima, Phek, Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheloto, Twensang and Mon. It is a largely mountainous state. Nagaland is home to some more than 16 different tribes. The Distinctive character and identify of each tribe in terms of Tradition, custom, language and dresses is apparent to the visitors. About 90% of the state’s population is Christian and there are good many number of churches located all in all parts of the state. For this reason Nagaland is popularly known as the "The most Baptist state in the world”.

Nagaland has no early written history. The first references to the people there are found in 13th-century chronicles of the Ahom kingdom of neighbouring Assam. The word Naga designates the many tribes and sub tribes that occupy the area. A very small number of evidence is available about the early history of Nagaland. During the early 19th century the present day Nagaland was under the control of Myanmar. When the British East India Company controlled over Assam, Nagaland became a part of the British India. By 1892, almost all parts of Assam and Nagaland became part of British India except Tuensang area of the present day Nagaland. After India got her independence in 1947, the area under Nagaland and Assam were combined to form a single state known as Assam. But demand of a separate political entity from the Naga tribes became intensified and violent incidents occurred in many parts of the Naga dominated region. In 1957, the Government of India decided to make Nagaland a single administrative unit and hence it became a union territory (UT) which was governed directly by the centre. But it did not put an end to the violence in Nagaland. The vocal movement advocated political union of all Naga tribes and finally the Government of India decided to make Nagaland a separate state of Indian Union. On 1st December 1963, Nagaland got the official status of a state and became the 16th state of India.

The first level democratic elections were held in the state in 1964. But Naga separatists did not stop their violent oppositions and continued demanding for an autonomous status to the state and creation of a single administrative unit comprising of all the Naga inhabited areas spanning across some of the north eastern states. The first insurgencies were declared in the state in early 1980s. For some time peace restored in the region but again there has been ongoing conflict between rebel groups since the late 1990s. The cease fire has been declared in the stage since 1st August 2000 and peace talks are in progress.

Nagaland’s climate is pleasant throughout the year, making it one of the favoured tourist destinations in the north eastern region. There are ample opportunities for adventurous tourists as it is ideal for trekking, rock climbing, and jungle camping. It also offers limitless exploration possibilities in its lush and verdant sub-tropical rain forests which are also a treasure trove of a plethora of medicinal plants. Agriculture is the most important economic activity in Nagaland. Principal crops include rice, corn, millets, pulses, tobacco, oil seeds, sugarcane, potatoes and fibres. Other economy boosters are Forestry, Cottage industries, Insurance, Real estate and Tourism. Major industrial towns are Angami, Ao, Sema, Konyak, and Chakesang.