Himachal

Himachal, commonly referred to as Himachal Pradesh, is a northern Indian state located in the western Himalayas. It is known for its mountainous terrain, scenic valleys, and extensive apple orchards. The capital city is Shimla, and the state covers about 55,673 square kilometers. As of the 2011 census, the population was around 6.9 million.

Geography and climate: Himachal is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Uttarakhand to the east, and the states of Punjab and Haryana to the west and southwest. The landscape ranges from subtropical lowlands to high alpine regions, with many peaks exceeding 6,000 meters. Major rivers include the Beas, Sutlej, and Chenab. The climate varies from mild in the foothills to cold and snowy in the higher hills, with significant snowfall in winter.

History and government: The region has a history of small principalities that were consolidated over time. Himachal Pradesh became a full-fledged state on 25 January 1971. The state has a unicameral legislative assembly with 68 seats. The executive branch is led by a governor, while the chief minister heads the government and the administrative machinery.

Economy and society: The economy combines agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and hydropower. Apple cultivation is a major agricultural activity in several districts, including Kullu and Shimla. Tourism centers such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Kullu attract visitors year-round. Official language is Hindi, with Punjabi and various Pahari dialects also spoken. The state maintains relatively high literacy and education levels compared with national averages.

Culture and environment: Himachal has a rich tradition of crafts, music, and festivals, including Kullu Dussehra. It is home to protected areas such as the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transportation relies on a network of roads, with airports at Shimla, Kullu, and Dharamshala; rail access is limited.