Himachal Pradesh is a state of India located in Northern India. It is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Punjab and Chandigarh on the west, Haryana on the south-west, Uttarakhand on the south-east and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east. Hima means snow in Sanskrit, and the literal meaning of the state’s name is "in the lap of the Himalayas." It was named by Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma, one of the most eminent Sanskrit scholars of Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh has been ranked fifteenth in the list of the highest per capita incomes of Indian states and union territories for year 2013-14.[9] Many perennial rivers flow in the state, and numerous hydroelectric projects set up. Himachal produces surplus hydroelectricity and sells it to other states such as Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan.[10] Hydroelectric power projects, tourism, and agriculture form important parts of the state's economy.[10]
The state has several valleys,[11] and more than 90% of the population living in rural areas.[12] Practically all houses have a toilet and 100% hygiene has been achieved in the state.[13] The villages have good connectivity with roads, public health centres, and now with high-speed broadband.
Shimla district has maximum urban population of 25%. It has incorporated environmental protection and tourism development has been aided with a government ban on the use of polyethylene bags, reducing litter, and tobacco products, to aid people's health.[14] According to a 2005 Transparency International survey, Himachal Pradesh was ranked the second-least corrupt state in the country, after Kerala.[15]
State Bird : Jujurana State Animal : Snow Leopard State Flower : Pink Rhododendron State Tree : Devdar
Renowned as Deva Bhumi (the land of gods), Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill state situated in Northern India. Nestled in Western Himalyas with an area of 21,629 Sq M, the state is landlocked by 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. Beautiful landscapes having fresh water lakes, gushing rivers, snow capped mountains, flowers and fruits laden trees, glaring and colorful diversity of culture, arts, living style of people etc make Himachal Pradesh, a tourist's paradise. The state is dominated by three main mountain ranges namely the Dhauladhar Range, Pir Pinjal Range and the Great Himalayan Range. Himachal Pradesh was accredited as a Union Territory in in 1950 and after the state of Himachal pradesh act in 1971, it was emerged as the 18th state of India.