Himachal Pradesh is a northern Indian state located in the Himalayas. It has an area of 55,673 square kilometers and shares borders with several other states. Himachal Pradesh has experienced rapid economic transformation and now has the fourth highest per capita income in India. The state relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, and hydroelectric power.

1. Himachal pradesh Himachal, the “Abode of Snow”, is a state located in the northern part of India covering an area of 55,673 sq. km. The state shares common boundaries with Punjab to the west, Uttar Pradesh to the southeast, China to the east, Haryana to the southeast, and Jammu & Kashmir to the North Himachal Pradesh is credited with rapid transformation . The state now ranks fourth in respect of per capita income The state is also the first state in India to achieve the goal of having a bank account for every family Himachal Pradesh is called the ‘Apple State’ Himachal Pradesh was also known as Deva Bhoomi

2. GEOGRAPHIC A total area under forest is about 21,325 sq. km i.e. about 38.% Himachal Pradesh are rich in vascular flora, which forms the conspicuous vegetation cover Himachal Pradesh is divided into three distinct regions, the Shivalik or outer Himalayas, middle Himalayas or inner Himalayas, and greater Himalayas or the alpine zone. Majority areas in the state come under seismic zone IV and V which is a very High Damage Risk Zone These rivers are perennial and are fed by snow and rainfall

3. CULTURE It is a multireligional, multicultural as well as multilingual state like other Indian states On Dussehra the largest congregation of village Gods takes place at Kullu Shimla, the state capital is home to Asia's only natural Ice skating rink Local music and dance reflects the cultural identity of the state

4. POLITICAL CULTURE . BJP's Prem Kumar Dhumal was sworn in as Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh on 30 December 2007

5. NATURAL RESOURCES The forests of Himachal Pradesh are rich in vascular flora, which forms the conspicuous vegetation cover State is poor in minerals It contribute only 2.0% Himachal is extremely rich in hydel resources. The state has about 25% of the national potential in this respect 93% depended on aggriculture

6. PROJECT ON NATURAL RESOURCES The State Forest Department mostly concerns itself with planting and conservation of forests. The aim of this project is to raise fuel, fodder and small timber species to meet the basic necessities of the people so that they do not resort to depletion of forests for fulfilling these needs

7. ECONOMY . The first five year plan allocated Rs.5.27 crore to Himachal IT IS STARTED FROM 1948 More than 50% of this expenditure was incurred on road construction Himachal now ranks fourth in respect of per capita income Agriculture contributes over 45% Over 93% of the population in Himachal depend directly upon agriculture which provides direct employment to 71% of its people

8. dpendency Over 93% of the population depends directly on agriculture cultivate cash crops wheat, maize, rice and barley. The economy of the state is highly dependent on three sources: hydroelectric power, tourism and agriculture.[5]

9. HANDICRAFT These include woolen and pashmina shawls, carpets, silver and metal ware, embroidered chappals, grass shoes, Kangra and Gompa style paintings, wood work, horse-hair bangles, wooden and metal utensils and various other house hold items now the demand for handicrafts has increased within and outside the country

10. Government efforts Efforts are being made by the government to avail irrigation facilities in most of the areas The Government of Himachal is doing its best to help the farmers by providing cheap credit, organization of marketing facilities provide facilities to entrepreneurs Single Window Clearance Agencies are functioning Parwanoo and Baddi in Solan The state government is gearing up to make Himachal Pradesh as the flower basket of the world.

11. Areas of agricultural growth Crop Diversification: Shifting area from traditional foodgrain crops to high value cash crops Conservation of natural resources Promotion of organic farming Re-orientation of extension agency Greater emphasing on hill mechanisation Agro-processing and Tea Development shall be the major focus area in future. Post Harvesting Handling, Storage, Marketing Facilities

12. Areas of industrial development Information & Communication Technology Industry, Computer hardware, Call Centres, I.T. Software and services Eco-tourism- Hotels, resorts Automobile manufacturing units Cold storage units/chain. Food Processing Industry Pharma products