Capital - Lucknow
No. of Districts - 75
Population - 199,812,342
Area - 243,290 sqkm
Pop. Density - 828/km2 (2,140/sq mi)
GDP - 17.91 lakh crore (US$250 billion)
Literacy Rate - 67.7%
Gender Ratio - 912
Official Website - http://up.gov.in/
Uttar Pradesh, often abbreviated as UP, is one of the largest and most populous states in India. Here are some key facts about Uttar Pradesh:
Population: Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, with a population of over 200 million people as of the 2011 census. Its population density is among the highest in the country.
Capital: The capital of Uttar Pradesh is Lucknow, which is also one of its largest cities. Lucknow is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage.
Geography: Uttar Pradesh is located in the northern part of India and is bordered by the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. The Ganges and Yamuna rivers flow through the state, making it one of the most fertile regions in India.
Economy: Agriculture is the primary occupation in Uttar Pradesh, with the state being a major producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, and potatoes. It also has a growing industrial sector, with key industries including textiles, sugar, ceramics, and handicrafts. The state has seen significant growth in recent years, but it still faces challenges such as poverty and unemployment.
Politics: Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in Indian politics due to its large population and significant number of parliamentary seats. The state has often been a battleground for political parties during elections.
Culture: Uttar Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Hindu, Muslim, and other cultures. It is known for its classical music, dance, and literature. The state is also home to several important religious sites, including the cities of Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Mathura.
Education: Uttar Pradesh has a number of prestigious educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur, the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, and the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Aligarh.
Tourism: The state attracts tourists from all over the world due to its rich history and cultural heritage. Popular tourist destinations include the Taj Mahal in Agra, the holy city of Varanasi, the wildlife sanctuaries of Dudhwa and Pilibhit, and the historical cities of Lucknow and Allahabad.
Languages: Hindi is the official language of Uttar Pradesh, and it is widely spoken across the state. However, several other languages and dialects are also spoken, including Urdu, Awadhi, and Bhojpuri.
Challenges: Despite its economic and cultural significance, Uttar Pradesh faces several challenges including poverty, illiteracy, inadequate infrastructure, and social inequality. The state government continues to work towards addressing these issues and promoting development across the state.