Himachal Pradesh, mountainous state in northern India, bordered on the north by Jammu and Kashmir state, on the west and southwest by Punjab state, on the south by Haryana state, on the southeast by Uttaranchal state, and on the east by Tibet. The state capital is Shimla.

Himachal means snowy mountain, the state taking its name from the Himalayas rising in its midst. The history of the area dates back to the Vedic period.The main rivers are the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas, the Sutlej, and the Yamuna .

80 percent of the people depending on farming, horticulture, and livestock raising for their livelihood.economy is predominantly agricultural. The main crops are wheat, rice, maize (corn), barley, and potatoes.

Major industrial towns are shimla and Palampur.

Area 21,495 square miles (55,673 square km). Population: (1991) 5,111,079.

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