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{{Short description|State in northern India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| name = Himachal Pradesh
| official_name = State of Himachal Pradesh
| type = State
| image_seal = Himachal Pradesh seal.svg
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| border = infobox
| total_width = 300
| image_style =
| perrow = 2/1/2/2/1
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Kinnaur Kailash.jpg
| caption1 = [[Kinnaur Kailash]]
| image2 = Kullu Valley near Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India.jpg
| caption2 = [[Kullu Valley]] near [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]]
| image3 = HPCA Stadium Dharamsala.jpg
| caption3 = [[Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium|HPCA Stadium]] in [[Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh|Dharamshala]]
| image8 = Shimla night.jpg
| caption8 = [[Shimla]] at Night
| image5 = Kee monastery Spiti Valley (edited).jpg
| caption5 = [[Key Monastery]] at [[Spiti]]
| image4 = BaijNath.jpg
| caption4 = [[Baijnath Temple]]
| image6 = Sarahan-Bhimakali-10-alter Turm-gje (edited).jpg
| caption6 = [[Bhimakali Temple]] in [[Sarahan]]
| image7 = Kalpa (8512894537).jpg
| caption7 = [[Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh|Kalpa]]
}}
| etymology = "Land of the [[Western Himalayas|snow-clad mountains]]"
| nickname = '''Devbhoomi''' and '''Veerbhoomi'''
| motto = [[Satyameva Jayate]] ([[Sanskrit]])<br>"Truth alone triumphs"
| image_map = IN-HP.svg
| coordinates = {{coord|31|6|12|N|77|10|20|E|region:IN-HP_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| region = North India
| before_was = [[East Punjab]]
| formation_date4 = 15 April 1948
| formation_date1 = 1 November 1956
| formation_date2 = 25 January 1971
| capital = Shimla
| winter_capital = Dharamshala
| largestcity = Shimla
| districts = [[List of districts of Himachal Pradesh|12]]
| Governor = [[Shiv Pratap Shukla]]<ref>{{cite news |last=de Souza |first=Gerard |date=6 July 2021 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/new-himachal-governor-rajendra-arlekar-is-1st-goan-to-occupy-the-post-101625562314406.html |title=New Himachal governor Rajendra Arlekar is 1st Goan to occupy the post |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=4 May 2023 |archive-date=11 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211134605/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/new-himachal-governor-rajendra-arlekar-is-1st-goan-to-occupy-the-post-101625562314406.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Chief_Minister = [[Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu]]
| party = [[Indian National Congress|INC]]
| Deputy_CM = [[Mukesh Agnihotri]] ([[Indian National Congress|INC]])
| judiciary = [[Himachal Pradesh High Court]]
| legislature_type = Unicameral
| assembly = [[Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hpvidhansabha.nic.in/ |title=Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha |publisher=Hpvidhansabha.nic.in |date=18 April 2011 |access-date=15 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720204236/http://hpvidhansabha.nic.in/ |archive-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| assembly_seats = 68 seats
| rajya_sabha_seats = 3 seats
| lok_sabha_seats = 4 seats
| area_footnotes = <ref name=area>{{citation |url=http://www.indianmirror.com/geography/geo9.html |title=Statistical Facts about India | access-date = 26 October 2006 |publisher=indianmirror.com | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026055639/http://www.indianmirror.com/geography/geo9.html | archive-date = 26 October 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 55673
| area_rank = 18th
| length_km = 300
| width_km = 200
| elevation_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://himachaltourism.gov.in/destination/mountaineering-rock-climbing |title=Mountaineering & Rock Climbing - Himachal Tourism Official Website |access-date=4 May 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425082701/https://himachaltourism.gov.in/destination/mountaineering-rock-climbing/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| elevation_m = 350
| elevation_max_m = 6,813
| elevation_max_point = [[Reo Purgyil]]
| elevation_min_m = 232
| population_footnotes = <ref name="HPOP" />
| population_total = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 6,864,602
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = 21st
| population_density = 123
| population_urban = 10.03%
| population_rural = 89.97%
| population_demonym = Himachalis
| 0fficial_Langs = [[Hindi]]
| additional_official = [[Sanskrit]]
| official_script = [[Devanagari script]]
| GDP_total = {{Increase}}{{INRConvert|2.14|lc|lk=r}}
| GDP_year = 2023–2024
| GDP_rank = 22nd
| GDP_per_capita = {{Increase}}{{INRConvert|286401|lk=r}}
| GDP_per_capita_rank = 14th
| GDP_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://prsindia.org/budgets/states/himachal-pradesh-budget-analysis-2023-24|title=Himachal Pradesh Budget Analysis 2023-24|publisher=PRS Legislative Research|accessdate=10 April 2025}}</ref>
| HDI = {{Increase}} 0.703 {{color|#0c0|High}} <ref name="snhdi-gdl">{{cite web |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |website=Global Data Lab |publisher=Institute for Management Research, Radboud University |access-date=25 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| HDI_year = 2021
| HDI_rank = 7th
| literacy = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 86.06%<ref name="lit Ind">{{citation |last1=((Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India)) |first1=((Ministry of Home Affairs)) |title=2011 Census of India - Results |chapter=6. State of Literacy |chapter-url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/india/Final_PPT_2011_chapter6.pdf |publisher=Government of India |access-date=13 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706191931/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/india/Final_PPT_2011_chapter6.pdf|archive-date=6 July 2015|url-status=live |quote=[Statement 22(a)] Effective literacy rates – persons: 74.04%; males: 82.14%; females: 65.46%}}</ref>
| literacy_year = 2011
| literacy_rank = 10th
| sex_ratio = 972[[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]
| sexratio_year = 2011
| sexratio_rank = 32nd
| iso_code = IN-HP
| registration_plate = HP
| website = himachal.gov.in
| mammal = [[Snow leopard]]
| bird = [[Western tragopan]]
| fish = Golden Mahseer<ref>{{citation |title=State Fishes of India |author=ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) |___location=Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |publisher=[[Indian Council of Agricultural Research]] (ICAR) |url=https://nfdb.gov.in/PDF/Fish%20%26%20Fisheries%20of%20India/2.State%20Fishes%20of%20India.pdf |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614053436/https://nfdb.gov.in/PDF/Fish%20%26%20Fisheries%20of%20India/2.State%20Fishes%20of%20India.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
| flower = Pink rhododendron
| tree = [[Cedrus deodara|Deodar cedar]]
| image_highway = SH IN-HP.png
| SH_numbers = [[List of state highways in Himachal Pradesh|HP SH1 - HP SH43]]
}}
'''Himachal Pradesh''' ({{Indic Transl|hi|himācala pradeśa|ɦɪˈmäːtʃəl pɾəˈd̪eːʃ|}}{{audio|Himachal.ogg|}}; [[Sanskrit]]: ''himācāl prādes;'' {{lit}} "Snow-laden Mountain Province"<ref name="indiatoday-2021">{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/himchal-pradesh-305386-2016-01-25 |title=Story of Himachal Pradesh |website=indiatoday.in |access-date=6 June 2021 |archive-date=6 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606074153/https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/himchal-pradesh-305386-2016-01-25 |url-status=live }}</ref>) is a [[States and union territories of India|state]] in the northern part of [[India]]. Situated in the [[Western Himalayas]], it is one of the thirteen [[Indian Himalayan Region|mountain states]] and is characterised by an extreme landscape featuring [[List of mountain peaks of Himachal Pradesh|several peaks]] and extensive [[river systems]]. Himachal Pradesh is the northernmost state of India and shares borders with the [[union territories]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Ladakh]] to the north, and the states of [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] to the west, [[Haryana]] to the southwest, [[Uttarakhand]] to the southeast and a very narrow border with [[Uttar Pradesh]] to the south. The state also shares an international border to the east with the [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] in [[China]]. Himachal Pradesh is also known as ''Dev Bhoomi'', meaning 'Land of Gods'<ref name="Sanskriti Mag-2014">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/india/himachal-pradesh-dev-bhoomi-land-gods/ |title=Himachal Pradesh known as 'Dev Bhoomi' or 'Land of Gods and Goddess' |access-date=25 August 2021 |magazine=Sanskriti Magazine |date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818093936/https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/india/himachal-pradesh-dev-bhoomi-land-gods/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''Veer Bhoomi'' which means 'Land of the Brave'.<ref>{{cite news |title=Anurag Thakur pays tribute at Shaheed Sthal in Bilaspur, says Himachal Pradesh also known as 'Veerbhoomi' |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/anurag-thakur-pays-tribute-at-shaheed-sthal-in-bilaspur-says-himachal-pradesh-also-known-as-veerbhoomi20210820223311/?amp=1&ved=2ahUKEwjbz4PPuMvyAhU24HMBHXJsC2MQyM8BMAB6BAgMEAM&usg=AOvVaw2VDczWXgGwfpVIccD6v0d9&cf=1 |access-date=25 August 2021 |work=ANI |date=20 August 2021 |archive-date=25 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825053113/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/anurag-thakur-pays-tribute-at-shaheed-sthal-in-bilaspur-says-himachal-pradesh-also-known-as-veerbhoomi20210820223311/?amp=1&ved=2ahUKEwjbz4PPuMvyAhU24HMBHXJsC2MQyM8BMAB6BAgMEAM&usg=AOvVaw2VDczWXgGwfpVIccD6v0d9&cf=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The predominantly mountainous region comprising the present-day Himachal Pradesh has been inhabited since pre-historic times, having witnessed multiple waves of human migrations from other areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hppanchayat.nic.in/About%20us.html |title=Prehistory and Protohistory |publisher=Official Website of Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh|access-date=29 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830144826/http://hppanchayat.nic.in/About%20us.html|archive-date=30 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Through its history, the region was mostly ruled by local kingdoms, some of which accepted the [[suzerainty]] of larger [[empire]]s. Prior to [[Indian independence movement|India's independence]] from the [[British Raj|British]], Himachal comprised the hilly regions of the [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab Province]] of [[British India]]. After independence, many of the hilly territories were organised as the Chief Commissioner's province of Himachal Pradesh, which later became a Union Territory. In 1966, hilly areas of the neighbouring [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] state were merged into Himachal and it was ultimately granted full statehood in 1971.
Himachal Pradesh is spread across valleys with many perennial rivers flowing through them. [[Agriculture]], horticulture, hydropower, and tourism are important constituents of the state's economy. The hilly state is almost universally electrified, with 99.5% of households having [[List of states and union territories of India by households having electricity|electricity]] as of 2016. The state was declared India's second [[open-defecation]]-free state in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/himachal-pradesh-open-defecation-free-state-world-bank-funding-3727500/ |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |title=Himachal becomes India's second 'Open Defecation Free' state, to get Rs 9,000 cr funding from World Bank |date=28 October 2016|access-date=29 December 2018 |author=Ashwani Sharma |place=Shimla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171815/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/himachal-pradesh-open-defecation-free-state-world-bank-funding-3727500/|archive-date=29 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> According to a survey of CMS-India Corruption Study in 2017, Himachal Pradesh is India's least [[Corruption in India|corrupt]] state.<ref name="leastcorrupt1">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/hp-least-corrupt-state-cms-india-study/articleshow/58439057.cms |title=HP least corrupt state: CMS-India study |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=30 April 2017 |access-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209123514/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/hp-least-corrupt-state-cms-india-study/articleshow/58439057.cms |archive-date=9 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="leastcorrupt2">{{cite web |url=http://zeenews.india.com/economy/corruption-on-decline-in-india-karnataka-ranked-most-corrupt-himachal-pradesh-least-survey-2000205.html |title=Corruption on decline in India; Karnataka ranked most corrupt, Himachal Pradesh least: Survey |publisher=[[Zee News]] |date=28 March 2017|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208064225/http://zeenews.india.com/economy/corruption-on-decline-in-india-karnataka-ranked-most-corrupt-himachal-pradesh-least-survey-2000205.html|archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
Himachal Pradesh is divided into 12 districts.
==Etymology==
The name of the state is a reference to its setting: Himachal means "snowy slopes" (Sanskrit: ''hima'', meaning "snow"; ''acala/achala meaning'' "slopes", or "land", or "abode"). Himachal Pradesh (ɦɪˈmaːtʃəl pɾəˈdeːʃ; literally "snow-laden province"). Himachal refers to being in the "''aanchal''" of the Himalayas hence, sheltered by the Himalayas or by the snow. It means "the land in the lap of snowy Himalayas". [[Pradesh]] means "state". Himachal was referenced by Diwakar Datt Sharma, a [[Sanskrit]] scholar, after independence, when "Jan Gan Man" was revealed publicly by Pt. Nehru from Gurudev [[Tagore]]'s diary. The word was added in the national anthem of India "Jan Gan Man" by Gurudev [[Rabindranath Tagore]] when he was writing and composing it. Later after independence of India, Punjab province was divided and the name was given officially to the mountain state as Himachal Pradesh.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Himachal Pradesh turns 45 today: Some interesting facts about the state |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-%26-current-affairs/story/himchal-pradesh-305386-2016-01-25 |access-date=3 November 2023 |magazine=India Today |date=25 January 2016 |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927101426/https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-%26-current-affairs/story/himchal-pradesh-305386-2016-01-25 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=हिमाचल प्रदेश का नामकरण और आचार्य दिवाकर दत्त शर्मा |url=http://himalayilog.com/2022/04/11/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B2-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3-%E0%A4%94/ |access-date=3 November 2023 |work=Himalayilog.com |date=11 April 2022 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005104253/http://himalayilog.com/2022/04/11/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B2-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3-%E0%A4%94/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== History ==
=== Early history ===
{{Main|History of Himachal Pradesh}}
[[File:Full view of Masroor temple.jpg|thumb|left|8th-century CE rock-cut [[Masrur Temples|temples at Masroor]]]]
Tribes such as the [[Koli people|Koli]], Hali, Dagi, Dhaugri, [[Dasa]], [[Khasas|Khasa]], [[Kanaura]], and [[Kirata]] inhabited the region from the prehistoric era.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bhatt |first1=SC |last2=Bhargava |first2=Gopal |title=Land and People of Indian States and Union Territories Vol. X |date=2006 |publisher=Kalpaz publications |isbn=81-7835-366-0 |page=2}}</ref> The foothills of the modern state of Himachal Pradesh were inhabited by people from the [[Indus valley civilisation]], which flourished between 2250 and 1750 BCE.<ref name="nichist">{{cite web |url=http://himachal.nic.in/tour/history.htm |title=History of Himachal Pradesh |access-date=31 March 2008 |publisher=National informatics center, Himachal Pradesh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061121013200/http://himachal.nic.in/tour/history.htm |archive-date=21 November 2006}}</ref> The Kols and [[Munda people|Mundas]] are believed to be the original inhabitants to the hills of present-day Himachal Pradesh, followed by the [[Bhotiya|Bhotas]] and [[Kirata]]s.<ref name="nichist" />
During the [[Vedic period]], several small republics known as ''Janapada'' existed which were later conquered by the [[Gupta Empire]]. After a brief period of supremacy by King [[Harshavardhana]], the region was divided into several local powers headed by chieftains, including some [[Rajput]] principalities. These kingdoms enjoyed a large degree of independence and were invaded by [[Delhi Sultanate]] several times.<ref name="nichist" /> [[Mahmud Ghaznavi]] conquered [[Kangra, Himachal Pradesh|Kangra]] at the beginning of the 11th century. [[Timur]] and [[Sikander Lodi]] also marched through the lower hills of the state, captured several forts, and fought many battles.<ref name="nichist" /> Several hill states acknowledged [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] [[suzerainty]] and paid regular [[tribute]] to the Mughals.{{sfn|Verma|1995|pp = 28–35, ''Historical Perspective''}}
[[File:Rajput states in Himachal Pradesh.svg|left|thumb|230px|A map of the major Rajput kingdoms in Himachal Pradesh]]
The [[Kingdom of Gorkha]] conquered many kingdoms and came to power in [[Nepal]] in 1768.<ref name=nichist /> They consolidated their military power and began to expand their territory.<ref name=nichist /> Gradually, the [[Kingdom of Nepal]] annexed [[Sirmaur district|Sirmour]] and [[Shimla]]. Under the leadership of [[Amar Singh Thapa]], the [[Nepali Army|Nepali army]] laid siege to [[Kangra district|Kangra]]. They managed to defeat [[Sansar Chand]] [[Katoch]], the ruler of Kangra, in 1806 with the help of many provincial chiefs. However, the Nepali army could not capture [[Kangra fort]] which came under [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]] in 1809. After the defeat, they expanded towards the south of the state. However, Raja Ram Singh, Raja of [[Siba State]], captured the fort of Siba from the remnants of [[Lahore]] Darbar in Samvat 1846,<ref name=nichist /> during the [[First Anglo-Sikh War]].
They came into direct conflict with the British along the ''[[tarai]]'' belt, after which the British expelled them from the provinces of the [[Satluj]].<ref name=nichist /> The British gradually emerged as the paramount power in the region.<ref name=nichist /> In the revolt of 1857, or first [[Indian Rebellion of 1857|Indian war of independence]], arising from several grievances against the British,<ref name=nichist /> the people of the hill states were not as politically active as were those in other parts of the country.<ref name=nichist /> They and their rulers, except Bushahr, remained more or less inactive.<ref name=nichist /> Some, including the rulers of [[Chamba, Himachal Pradesh|Chamba]], [[Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]], Bhagal and Dhami, rendered help to the British government during the revolt.
The British territories came under the British Crown after [[Queen Victoria]]'s proclamation of 1858. The states of [[Chamba State|Chamba]], [[Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India|Mandi]] and Bilaspur made good progress in many fields during the British rule.<ref name=nichist /> During World War I, virtually all rulers of the hill states remained loyal and contributed to the British war effort, both in the form of men and materials. Among these were the states of [[Kangra district|Kangra]], Jaswan, Datarpur, Guler, [[Rajgarh State|Rajgarh]], [[Nurpur State|Nurpur]], Chamba, Suket, Mandi, and Bilaspur.<ref name=nichist />
=== Partition and post-independence ===
After independence, the Chief Commissioner's Province of Himachal Pradesh was organised on 15 April 1948 as a result of the integration of 30 petty princely states (including feudal princes and ''zaildars'') in the promontories of the western [[Himalayas]]. These were known as the Simla Hills States and four [[Punjab]] southern hill states under the Himachal Pradesh (Administration) Order, 1948 under Sections 3 and 4 of the Extra-Provincial Jurisdiction Act, 1947 (later renamed as the Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1947 vide A.O. of 1950). The State of Bilaspur was merged into Himachal Pradesh on 1 July 1954 by the Himachal Pradesh and Bilaspur (New State) Act, 1954.{{sfn|Verma|1995|pp = 239-254, ''Territorial Gains''}}
Himachal became a Part 'C' state on 26 January 1950 when the [[Constitution of India]] came into effect and the Lieutenant Governor was appointed. The Legislative Assembly was elected in 1952. Himachal Pradesh became a [[union territory]] on 1 November 1956.<ref name=nichist /> Some areas of the Punjab State, namely, Simla, Kangra, Kullu and Lahul and Spiti Districts, Lohara, Amb and Una Kanungo circles, some areas of Santokhgarh Kanungo circle and some other specified area of Una Tehsil of [[Hoshiarpur District]], as well as Kandaghat and Nalagarh Tehsils of erstwhile [[Patiala and East Punjab States Union|PEPSU State]], besides some parts of Dhar Kalan Kanungo circle of Pathankot District—were merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1 November 1966 on the enactment by Parliament of the [[Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966]].{{sfn|Verma|1995|pp = 239-254, ''Territorial Gains''}} On 18 December 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament, and the new state came into being on 25 January 1971. Himachal became the 18th state of the Indian Union with [[Yashwant Singh Parmar|Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar]] as its first chief minister.<ref name=nichist />
== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Himachal Pradesh}}
Himachal is in the western [[Himalayas]] situated between 30°22′N and 33°12′N latitude and 75°47′E and 79°04′E longitude. Covering an area of {{convert|55673|km2|mi2}},<ref name=area /> it is a mountainous state. The [[Zanskar range]] runs in the northeastern part of the state and the great Himalayan range run through the eastern and northern parts, while the [[Dhauladhar]] and the [[Pir Panjal range]]s of the lesser Himalayas, and their valleys, form much of the core regions. The outer Himalayas, or the [[Shiwalik hills|Shiwalik range]], form southern and western Himachal Pradesh. At 6,816 m, [[Reo Purgyil]] is the highest mountain peak in the state of Himachal Pradesh.<ref name="Mount Tourism">{{cite web |title=Mountaineering & Rock Climbing |publisher=Himachal tourism |url=https://himachaltourism.gov.in/destination/mountaineering-rock-climbing/ |access-date=9 June 2021 |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609145815/https://himachaltourism.gov.in/destination/mountaineering-rock-climbing/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The [[drainage]] system of Himachal is composed both of rivers and [[glacier]]s. Himalayan rivers criss-cross the entire mountain chain. Himachal Pradesh provides water to both the [[Indus basin|Indus]] and [[Ganges]] [[Drainage basin|basins]].<ref name="geo3" /> The drainage systems of the region are the Chandra Bhaga or the [[Chenab River|Chenab]], the [[Ravi River|Ravi]], the [[Beas River|Beas]], the [[Sutlej]], and the [[Yamuna]]. These rivers are [[Perennial stream|perennial]] and are fed by snow and rainfall. They are protected by an extensive cover of natural vegetation.<ref name="geo3">{{cite web |url=http://www.webindia123.com/himachal/land/rivers.htm#R |title=Rivers in Himachal Pradesh |access-date=28 April 2006 |publisher=Suni Systems (P) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051115160507/http://www.webindia123.com/himachal/land/rivers.htm#R |archive-date=15 November 2005 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Four of the five Punjab rivers flow through Himachal Pradesh, three of them originating in the state. These rivers run through a maze of valleys separated by the mountain ranges of the state. The [[Satluj Valley]] is formed by the Satluj river entering the state near [[Shipki La]], while the Spiti and [[Baspa Valley]]s are formed by the river's two major tributaries in the state. The Beas river flows though the [[Kullu Valley|Kullu]] and the [[Kangra Valley]]s, with tributary Parvati forming the [[Parvati Valley]]. The Chenab river, formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga, forms much of the northern regions of Lahaul and [[Pangi, Himachal Pradesh|Pangi]], and the Ravi river flows principally through Chamba. The [[Pabbar River|Pabbar]] and Giri rivers in the southeast are part of the Yamuna basin.
Due to extreme variation in elevation, great variation occurs in the climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh. The climate varies from hot and humid subtropical in the southern tracts to, with more elevation, cold, alpine, and glacial in the northern and eastern mountain ranges.<ref name="geo1">{{cite web |url=http://www.himachalpradesh.us/geography/himachal_climate.php |title=Climate of Himachal Pradesh |access-date=26 October 2006 |publisher=himachalpradesh.us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061117013122/http://himachalpradesh.us/geography/himachal_climate.php |archive-date=17 November 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The state's winter capital, [[Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh|Dharamsala]] receives very heavy rainfall, while areas like [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul and Spiti]] are cold and almost rainless. Broadly, Himachal experiences three seasons: summer, winter, and rainy season. Summer lasts from mid-April until the end of June and most parts become very hot (except in the [[Alpine climate|alpine]] zone which experiences a mild summer) with the average temperature ranging from {{convert|28|to|32|°C|°F|0}}. Winter lasts from late November until mid-March. [[Snowfall]] is common in alpine tracts. Pollution is affecting the climate of almost all the states of India. Due to steps taken by governments to prevent pollution, Himachal Pradesh has become the first smoke-free state in India which means cooking in the entire state is free of traditional [[chulha]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=PTI |title=Himachal Pradesh declared first smoke-free state in country |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-declared-first-smoke-free-state-in-country-527165 |access-date=3 March 2022 |work=NDTV |date=2 July 2013 |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303153221/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-declared-first-smoke-free-state-in-country-527165 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:India Himachal Pradesh relief map.svg|Topographic map of Himachal Pradesh. Most of the state is mountainous.
File:Shivaliks Himalayas Aerial Dehaze Himachal Feb20 R16 02827.jpg|View of the [[Shivalik Hills]] and the [[Lesser Himalayas|Middle Himalayas]] in Himachal Pradesh
</gallery>In a statement on 29 March 2025, Town and Country Planning Minister, [[Rajesh Dharmani]], highlighted the state government's policy of sustainable development, citing the "''Green Himachal vision''" and ongoing efforts to meet sustainable development goals.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Govt promoting sustainable development with 'Green Himachal Vision': Rajesh Dharmani |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/govt-promoting-sustainable-development-with-green-himachal-vision-rajesh-dharmani/articleshow/119721140.cms |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |date=29 March 2025 |access-date=30 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=State govt promotes sustainable development with Green Himachal vision: Minister |url=https://theprint.in/india/state-govt-promotes-sustainable-development-with-green-himachal-vision-minister/2570954/ |work=ThePrint |agency=PTI |date=29 March 2025 |access-date=30 March 2025}}</ref>
=== Flora and fauna ===
{{Main|Protected areas of Himachal Pradesh}}
Himachal Pradesh is one of the states that lies in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), one of the richest reservoirs of biological diversity in the world. As of 2002, the IHR is undergoing large scale irrational extraction of wild, medicinal herbs, thus endangering many of its high-value gene stock. To address this, a workshop on 'Endangered Medicinal Plant Species in Himachal Pradesh' was held in 2002 and the conference was attended by forty experts from diverse disciplines.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Aldam |first=C |date=10 October 2002 |title=Endangered medicinal plant species in Himachal Pradesh |journal=Current Science Association |volume=83 |page=797}}</ref>
According to 2003 [[Forest Survey of India]] report, legally defined forest areas constitute 66.52% of the area of Himachal Pradesh.<ref name=hpfdforests>{{cite web |url=http://www.hpforest.nic.in/frst2.htm |title=The Forests |access-date=3 April 2008 |author=Himachal Pradesh Forest Department |publisher=National Informatics Center, Himachal Pradesh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510102731/http://www.hpforest.nic.in/frst2.htm |archive-date=10 May 2013}}</ref> Vegetation in the state is dictated by elevation and [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]]. The state is endowed with a high diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants.<ref>Kala, C.P. (2002) Medicinal Plants of Indian Trans-Himalaya: Focus on Tibetan Use of Medicinal Resources. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun, India. 200 pp.</ref> Lahaul-Spiti region of the state, being a cold desert, supports unique plants of medicinal value including ''[[Ferula jaeschkeana]]'', ''[[Hyoscyamus niger]]'', ''[[Lancea tibetica]]'', and ''[[Saussurea]] bracteata''.<ref>Kala, C.P. (2000) Status and conservation of rare and endangered medicinal plants in the Indian trans-Himalaya. Biological Conservation, 93 (3): 371–379.</ref><ref>Kala, C.P. (2005) Health traditions of Buddhist community and role of amchis in trans-Himalayan region of India. Current Science, 89 (8): 1331–1338.</ref>
Himachal is also said to be the fruit bowl of the country,<ref name="Fruitbowl">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/himachal-initiates-rs-1134-crore-horticulture-development-project/articleshow/60007847.cms |title=Himachal initiates rs 1134 crore horticultural developmental project |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=10 August 2017|access-date=16 April 2018 |author=Anand Bodh |place=Shimla |agency=TNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717022118/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/himachal-initiates-rs-1134-crore-horticulture-development-project/articleshow/60007847.cms|archive-date=17 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> with widespread orchards. Meadows and pastures are also seen clinging to steep slopes. After the winter season, the hillsides and orchards bloom with wild flowers, white gladiolas, [[carnations]], [[Tagetes|marigolds]],<ref name=marigolds>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/50139/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126033730/http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/50139/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2013 |title=In Himachal Pradesh Striking gold with marigold |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=2 July 2004 |access-date=15 June 2011}}</ref> [[rose]]s, [[chrysanthemums]], [[tulips]] and [[lilies]] are carefully cultivated. Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd. (HPMC) is a state body that markets fresh and processed fruits.<ref name="HPMC">{{cite web |url=http://hpmc.gov.in/ |title=About HPMC |website=HPMC|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217230243/http://www.hpmc.gov.in/|archive-date=17 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
Himachal Pradesh has around 463 birds, and Tragopan melanocephalus is the state bird of Himanchal Pradesh<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hpforest.nic.in/pages/display/NHNkZmFjh3NkZmE1-wild-life |title=Wild Life: Himachal Pradesh Forest Department |author1=Goutam Pal |author2=Dipak K S |access-date=10 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518070522/http://hpforest.nic.in/pages/display/NHNkZmFjh3NkZmE1-wild-life |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> 77 mammalian, 44 reptile and 80 fish species. Himachal Pradesh has currently five [[List of national parks of India|National Parks]].<ref name="pro1" /> [[Great Himalayan National Park]], oldest and largest National park in the state, is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. [[Pin Valley National Park]], [[Inderkilla National Park|Inderkilla]], [[Khirganga National Park|Khirganga]] and [[Simbalbara National Park|Simbalbara]] are the other [[national Park]]s located in the state.<ref name="pro1">{{cite web |url=https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/himachal/wildlife.html |title=Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh |publisher=Tour my India|access-date=19 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013053934/https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/himachal/wildlife.html|archive-date=13 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="pro2">{{cite web |url=https://sulekhaholidays.com/tour-tag/himanchal-tour-operator/ |title=Beauty of Himachal Pradesh |publisher=Sulekha Holidays|access-date=19 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013053934/https://sulekhaholidays.com/tour-tag/himanchal-tour-operator|archive-date=13 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="pro3">{{cite web |url=https://toplyricssite.com/folk-songs-of-himanchal-pradesh-himanachal-pradesh-songs/ |title=Folk Songs of Himachal Pradesh |publisher=Top Lyrics Site|access-date=19 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013053934/https://toplyricssite.com/folk-songs-of-himanchal-pradesh-himanachal-pradesh-songs/|archive-date=13 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Pro" /> The state also has 30 [[Wildlife Sanctuary|wildlife sanctuaries]] and 3 conservation reserves.<ref name="Pro">{{cite web |url=http://hpforest.nic.in/pages/display/NTRzZGZhjHk0ZjY1NA==-protected-area-network |title=Protected Area Network |work=Himachal Pradesh Forest Department|access-date=19 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819220628/http://hpforest.nic.in/pages/display/NTRzZGZhjHk0ZjY1NA==-protected-area-network|archive-date=19 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The state bird of Himachal Pradesh is the [[Western tragopan]], locally known as the ''jujurana''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Western tragopan is state bird |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/features/western-tragopan-is-state-bird-310482 |access-date=22 December 2020 |work=Tribune |date=17 October 2016 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801150431/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/features/western-tragopan-is-state-bird-310482 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is one of the rarest living pheasants in the world. The state animal is the [[snow leopard]], which is even rarer to find than the ''jujurana''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Himachal to have new State Animal, Bird and Flower – Hill Post |url=https://hillpost.in/2007/08/himachal-to-have-new-animal-bird-and-flower/2636/ |access-date=22 December 2020 |work=hillpost.in |date=10 August 2007 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128161126/https://hillpost.in/2007/08/himachal-to-have-new-animal-bird-and-flower/2636/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Snow Leopards - Ghost of the Mountains for Ministry of Tourism (MOT) India 2.png|[[Snow leopard]] (''Panthera uncia'') in Spiti
File:Asian Paradise Flycatcher- Male at Himachal I2 IMG 2939.jpg|[[Indian paradise flycatcher]] (''Terpsiphone paradisi'') in [[Kullu]]
File:Black Bulbul.jpg|[[Black bulbul]] (''Hypsipetes leucocephalus'')
</gallery>
== Government ==
{{Main|Government of Himachal Pradesh|Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly|Assembly election results of Himachal Pradesh|Politics of Himachal Pradesh}}
{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| align = right
| total_width = 400
| caption_align = center
| image1 = High Court of Himachal Pradesh.jpg
| caption1 = High Court of Himachal Pradesh
| image2 = Shimla Mayor’s Office (edited).jpg
| caption2 = Shimla's [[Mall Road, Shimla#Town Hall|Town Hall]], which houses the [[Shimla Municipal Corporation]]
}}
The [[Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh]] has no pre-constitution history. The State itself is a post-independence creation. It came into being as a centrally administered territory on 15 April 1948 from the integration of thirty erstwhile princely states.<ref name="gov1">{{cite web |url=http://legislativebodiesinindia.gov.in/States/Himachal/himachal_w.htm |title=Himachal Pradesh (gov) Introduction |access-date=3 May 2007 |work=National informatics center |publisher=Computer Centre, Lok Sabha Secretariat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927154150/http://legislativebodiesinindia.gov.in/States/Himachal/himachal_w.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Himachal Pradesh is governed through a [[parliamentary system]] of [[representative democracy]], a feature the state shares with other Indian states. [[Universal suffrage]] is granted to residents. The legislature consists of elected members and special office bearers such as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker who are elected by the members. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker in the Speaker's absence. The [[judiciary]] is composed of the [[Himachal Pradesh High Court]] and a system of lower courts.
[[executive (government)|Executive authority]] is vested in the Council of Ministers headed by the [[Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh|Chief Minister]], although the titular head of government is the [[Governors of Himachal Pradesh|Governor]]. The governor is the [[head of state]] appointed by the [[President of India]]. The leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Legislative Assembly is appointed as the Chief Minister by the governor, and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers reports to the Legislative Assembly. The Assembly is [[unicameral]] with 68 [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Members of the Legislative Assembly]] (MLA).<ref name="295mla">{{cite web |url=http://legislativebodiesinindia.gov.in/ |title=Legislative Assembly | access-date = 28 October 2006 |work=Legislative Bodies in India |publisher=National Informatics Centre | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061018181407/http://legislativebodiesinindia.gov.in/ | archive-date = 18 October 2006 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Terms of office run for five years, unless the Assembly is dissolved prior to the completion of the term. Auxiliary authorities known as ''[[Panchayati raj in India|panchayat]]s'', for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs.
In the assembly elections held in November 2022, the [[Indian National Congress]] secured an absolute majority, winning 40 of the 68 seats while the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] won only 25 of the 68 seats. [[Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu]] was sworn in as Himachal Pradesh's 15th Chief Minister in Shimla on 11 December 2022. [[Mukesh Agnihotri]] was sworn in as his deputy the same day.
{{
== Administrative divisions ==
{{Annotated image/Himachal Pradesh|right}}
{{Main|List of districts of Himachal Pradesh}}
The state of Himachal Pradesh is divided into 12 districts<ref name="HPATGL" /> which are grouped into three divisions, Shimla, Kangra and Mandi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hpkangra.nic.in/divcom/ |title=DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER, Kangra Division, Dharamshala|access-date=4 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715234346/http://hpkangra.nic.in/divcom/|archive-date=15 July 2016}}</ref> The districts are further divided into 73 subdivisions, 78 blocks and 172 Tehsils.<ref name="HPATGL">{{cite web |url=http://himachal.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&dpt_id=17&level=0&linkid=1095&lid=1979 |title=Himachal Pradesh at a Glance|access-date=4 July 2016 |publisher=Official Website of Himachal Pradesh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608053610/http://himachal.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&dpt_id=17&level=0&linkid=1095&lid=1979|archive-date=8 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! Divisions !! Districts<ref>{{cite news |url=http://dolr.nic.in/dolr/downloads/PDFs/Workshop%20on%20Best%20Practices%20in%20Land%20Records%2016-17-Feb-2015%20-%20Presentation%20-%20Himachal%20Pradesh's%20Best%20Practices.pdf |title=State of Himachal Pradesh at a Glance |publisher=Department of Land Records, Government of Himachal Pradesh|access-date=4 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109090509/http://dolr.nic.in/dolr/downloads/PDFs/Workshop%20on%20Best%20Practices%20in%20Land%20Records%2016-17-Feb-2015%20-%20Presentation%20-%20Himachal%20Pradesh's%20Best%20Practices.pdf|archive-date=9 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| Kangra || [[Chamba district|Chamba]], [[Kangra district|Kangra]], [[Una district|Una]]
|-
| Mandi || [[Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]], [[Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur]], [[Kullu district|Kullu]], [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul and Spiti]], [[Mandi district|Mandi]]
|-
| Shimla || [[Kinnaur district|Kinnaur]], [[Shimla district|Shimla]], [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]], [[Solan district|Solan]]
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Administrative Structure<ref name="hpr">{{cite web |url=http://himachalpr.gov.in/Index.aspx?Data=31&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 |title=H.P. At A Glance |work=Information and Public Relations, Government of Himachal Pradesh |access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418031557/http://himachalpr.gov.in/Index.aspx?Data=31&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 |archive-date=18 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
!
|-
|Divisions
|3
|-
|Districts
|12
|-
|Tehsils/ Sub-Tehsils
|172
|-
|Developmental Blocks
|78
|-
|Urban Local Bodies
|54<ref>{{cite web |url=https://himachal.nic.in/en-IN/at-a-glance.html |title=At a Glance |date=16 November 2019 |website=Government of Himachal Pradesh, india |access-date=16 November 2019 |archive-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505152127/https://himachal.nic.in/en-IN/at-a-glance.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Towns
|59
|-
|Gram Panchayats
|3615
|-
|Villages
|20690
|-
|Police Stations
|130<ref>{{cite web |url=http://citizenportal.hppolice.gov.in:8080/citizen/kv/BRIEF%20HISTORY%20OF%20HIMACHAL%20PRADESH%20POLICE.pdf |title=Brief History of Himachal Pradesh Police |page=4 |quote=Today there are 138 Police Stations in the State.. |access-date=16 October 2021 |archive-date=16 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016034247/http://citizenportal.hppolice.gov.in:8080/citizen/kv/BRIEF%20HISTORY%20OF%20HIMACHAL%20PRADESH%20POLICE.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Lok Sabha seats
|4<ref name="hpa">{{cite web |url=http://himachalpr.gov.in/Index.aspx?Data=31&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 |title=MAP (Parliamentary & Assembly Constituencies of HP) |work=Chief Electoral Officer, Himachal Pradesh |access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418031557/http://himachalpr.gov.in/Index.aspx?Data=31&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1|archive-date=18 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Rajya Sabha seats
|3
|-
|Assembly Constituencies
|68<ref name="hpa" />
|}
{{Clear}}
== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Himachal Pradesh}}
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; width: 300px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em;"
|+
{{plain list|'''Gross State Domestic Product at Current Prices'''
*figures in crores of [[Indian rupee]]s}}
|-
! Year
! Gross State Domestic Product
|-
| 1980
| 794
|-
| 1985
| 1,372
|-
| 1990
| 2,815
|-
| 1995
| 6,698
|-
| 2000
| 13,590
|-
| 2005
| 23,024
|-
| 2006
| 25,435
|-
|2010
|57,452
|-
|2013
|82,585
|-
|2014
|92,589
|-
|2015
|101,108
|-
|2016
|110,511<ref name="growth ToI" />
|-
|2017
|124,570<ref name="HPG" />
|-
|2018
|135,914<ref name="HPG1" />
|-
|2021
|172,174
|}
Planning in Himachal Pradesh started in 1951 along with the rest of India with the implementation of the first [[Five-year plans of India|five-year plan]]. The First Plan allocated {{INR}}52.7 million to Himachal Pradesh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hpplanning.nic.in/An%20Overview%20of%20Planning%20in%20Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf |pages=31–40 |publisher=Planning Department, Himachal Pradesh |title=An Overview of Planning in Himachal Pradesh |access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501015629/http://hpplanning.nic.in/An%20Overview%20of%20Planning%20in%20Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf|archive-date=1 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> More than 50% of this expenditure was incurred on transport and communication; while the power sector got a share of just 4.6%, though it had steadily increased to 7% by the Third Plan.<ref name="PLA">{{cite web |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_hp/sdr_hpch1.pdf |page=14 |title=Himachal Pradesh: A Profile, Economic Development|access-date=16 April 2018 |publisher=[[Planning Commission (India)]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026162818/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_hp/sdr_hpch1.pdf|archive-date=26 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Expenditure on agriculture and allied activities increased from 14.4% in the First Plan to 32% in the Third Plan, showing a progressive decline afterwards from 24% in the Fourth Plan to less than 10% in the Tenth Plan.<ref name="PLA" /> Expenditure on energy sector was 24.2% of the total in the Tenth Plan.<ref name="PLA" />
[[File:Shimla Mall.jpg|left|thumb|The Mall Road is the central business district of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh's capital city.]]
The total GDP for 2005–06 was estimated at {{INR}}254 billion as against {{INR}}230 billion in the year 2004–05, showing an increase of 10.5%.<ref name="ecogdp">{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070306/himachal.htm#6 |title=Current GDP |access-date=23 May 2007 |publisher=H. K. Dua, The Tribune House |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613003632/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070306/himachal.htm#6 |archive-date=13 June 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> The GDP for fiscal 2015–16 was estimated at {{INR}}1.110 trillion,<ref name="growth ToI"/> which increased to {{INR}}1.247 trillion in 2016–17, recording growth of 6.8%.<ref name="HPG">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/growth-rate-for-hp-estimated-at-6-8/articleshow/57583673.cms |title=Growth rate for Himachal Pradesh estimated at 6.8% |work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=7 February 2018 |date=11 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711125749/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/growth-rate-for-hp-estimated-at-6-8/articleshow/57583673.cms|archive-date=11 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The per capita income increased from {{INR}}130,067 in 2015–16 to {{INR}}147,277 in 2016–17.<ref name="growth ToI" /><ref name="HPG" /> The state government's advance estimates for fiscal 2017–18 stated the total GDP and per capita income as {{INR}}1.359 trillion and {{INR}}158,462, respectively.<ref name="HPG1">{{cite web |url=http://admis.hp.nic.in/budget/Aspx/Anonymous/pdf/FS_Eng_2018.pdf |title=Final English Budget Speech for 2018–19 |work=Finance Department, [[Government of Himachal Pradesh]]|access-date=16 April 2018 |page=7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200450/http://admis.hp.nic.in/budget/Aspx/Anonymous/pdf/FS_Eng_2018.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2018, Himachal is the [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|22nd-largest state economy]] in India with {{INRConvert|1.52|lc}} in [[gross domestic product]] and has the 13th-highest per capita income ({{INRConvert|160|k}}) among [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|the states and union territories of India]].<ref name="MOSPI">{{cite web |url=http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/StatewiseDomesticProduct_3aug18.xls |title=MOSPI Gross State Domestic Product |date=3 August 2018 |website=Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818150754/http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/StatewiseDomesticProduct_3aug18.xls|archive-date=18 August 2018|url-status=dead |access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref>
Himachal Pradesh also ranks as the second-best performing state in the country on human development indicators after [[Kerala]].<ref name="HPHDI">{{Cite news |url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/3KhGMVXGxXcGYBRMsmDCFO/Why-Kerala-is-like-Maldives-and-Uttar-Pradesh-Pakistan.html |title=Why Kerala is like Maldives and Uttar Pradesh, Pakistan |date=17 December 2015 |access-date=2 May 2017 |newspaper=[[Mint (newspaper)|Live Mint]] |last=Kundu |first=Tadit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510115727/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/3KhGMVXGxXcGYBRMsmDCFO/Why-Kerala-is-like-Maldives-and-Uttar-Pradesh-Pakistan.html |archive-date=10 May 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the Indian government's key initiatives to tackle unemployment is the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). The participation of women in the NREGA has been observed to vary across different regions of the nation. As of the year 2009–2010, Himachal Pradesh joined the category of high female participation, recording a 46% share of NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) workdays for women. This was a drastic increase from the 13% that was recorded in 2006–2007.<ref name="Sudarshan.2011">{{Cite journal |last=Sudarshan.M |first=Ratna |date=January 2011 |title=India's National Rural Employment Guarantee Act: women's participation and impacts in Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan |journal=Center for Social Protection Report |volume=6}}</ref>
=== Agriculture ===
[[File:Terrace Farming (2877646816).jpg|left|thumb|Terrace farming is the most common form of agricultural practice in the state.]]
[[Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh|Agriculture]] accounts for 9.4% of the net state domestic product.<ref name="admis.hp.nic.in">{{cite web |url=http://admis.hp.nic.in/himachal/economics/pdfs/EconomicSurveyEng2016_17_A1b.pdf |title=Economic Survey: 2016–17 |publisher=Official Website of Irrigation and Public Health Department, Himachal Pradesh |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219220449/http://admis.hp.nic.in/himachal/economics/pdfs/EconomicSurveyEng2016_17_A1b.pdf |archive-date=19 February 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It is the main source of income and employment in Himachal. About 90% of the population in Himachal depends directly upon agriculture, which provides direct employment to 62% of total workers of state.<ref name="admis.hp.nic.in" /> The main cereals grown include [[wheat]], [[maize]], [[rice]] and [[barley]] with major cropping systems being maize-wheat, rice-wheat and maize-potato-wheat.<ref name="HPCrop">{{cite journal |first1=H. R. |last1=Sharma |title=Crop Diversification in Himachal Pradesh: Patterns, Determinants and Challenges |journal=Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics |volume=66 |issue=1 |year=2011 |pages=97–114 |url=https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/204738/files/11-H.%20R%20Sharma.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icar.org.in/files/state-specific/chapter/57.htm |title=State specific files, Chapter 57: Himachal Pradesh |website=[[Indian Council of Agricultural Research]]|access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401170941/http://www.icar.org.in/files/state-specific/chapter/57.htm |archive-date=1 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Pulses]], [[fruits]], [[vegetables]] and [[oilseeds]] are among the other crops grown in the state.<ref name="HPCrop" /> Centuries-old traditional [[Kuhl irrigation (Himachal Pradesh)|Kuhl irrigation]] system is prevalent in the [[Kangra Valley|Kangra valley]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Irrigation in Kangra valley: no longer kuhl |last=Pinto |first=Aditi |date=13 May 2019 |url=https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/articles/irrigation-in-kangra-valley-no-longer-kuhl |publisher=People's Archive of Rural India |access-date=4 May 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428232756/https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/articles/irrigation-in-kangra-valley-no-longer-kuhl/ |url-status=live }}</ref> though in recent years these Kuhls have come under threat from hydroprojects on small streams in the valley.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 May 2018 |title=HP 'Kulhs' bear the brunt of small hydro projects |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/hp-kulhs-bear-brunt-small-hydro-projects-1502632613.html |access-date=27 July 2020 |website=The Statesman |language=en-US |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727191853/https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/hp-kulhs-bear-brunt-small-hydro-projects-1502632613.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Land husbandry initiatives such as the [[Mid-Himalayan Watershed Development Project]], which includes the Himachal Pradesh Reforestation Project (HPRP), the world's largest clean development mechanism (CDM) undertaking, have improved agricultural yields and productivity, and raised rural household incomes.<ref name=WB20120927>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/2012/09/27/37-million-additional-financing-himachal-pradesh-mid-himalayan-watershed-development-project-india-18000-farmer-households-benefit |title=$37 Million Additional Financing for Himachal Pradesh Mid Himalayan Watershed Development Project, India – 18000 Farmer Households to Benefit |publisher=Worldbank.org |date=27 September 2012 |access-date=7 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111021816/http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/2012/09/27/37-million-additional-financing-himachal-pradesh-mid-himalayan-watershed-development-project-india-18000-farmer-households-benefit |archive-date=11 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Kullu Valley, Vashisht, Manali, Apples, India.jpg|thumb|left|[[Apple]]s at an orchard in [[Vashisht, Himachal Pradesh|Vashisht]]; the state is the second-largest producer of apples in India]]
[[Apple]] is the principal cash crop of the state grown principally in the districts of Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and some parts of Sirmaur and Lahaul-Spiti with an average annual production of five [[lakh]] tonnes and per hectare production of 8 to 10 tonnes.<ref name="APP">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/apple-season-begins-in-himachal-pradesh/article7493082.ece |title=Apple season begins in Himachal Pradesh |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |author=Kanwar Yogendra|access-date=1 June 2016 |date=3 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127183750/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/apple-season-begins-in-himachal-pradesh/article7493082.ece|archive-date=27 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The apple cultivation constitute 49 per cent of the total area under fruit crops and 85% of total fruit production in the state with an estimated economy of {{INR}}3500 [[crore]].<ref name="APP" /> Apples from Himachal are exported to other [[Indian states and territories|Indian states]] and even other countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nhb.gov.in/report_files/apple/APPLE.htm |title=APPLE |publisher=National Horticulture Board|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105042259/http://nhb.gov.in/report_files/apple/APPLE.htm|archive-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Apple">{{cite web |url=http://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/agriculture/himachal-pradesh-exports-over-3-crore-apple-boxes-to-markets-across-country/story/224999.html |title=Himachal Pradesh headed for good Apple crop this year |date=19 October 2015|access-date=1 June 2016 |work=[[Business Today (business magazine)|Business Today]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629131817/http://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/agriculture/himachal-pradesh-exports-over-3-crore-apple-boxes-to-markets-across-country/story/224999.html|archive-date=29 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011–12, the total area under apple cultivation was 104,000 hectares, increased from 90,347 hectares in 2000–01.<ref name="Apple" /> According to the provisional estimates of [[Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare]], the annual apple production in Himachal for fiscal 2015–16 stood at 753,000 tonnes, making it India's second-largest apple-producing state after [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=148013 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |title=Production of Apple Increases by About 36% in 2015–16|access-date=23 April 2018 |date=29 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424071527/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=148013|archive-date=24 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The state is also among the leading producers of other fruits such as [[apricots]], [[cherries]], [[peaches]], [[pears]], [[plums]] and [[strawberries]] in India.
[[File:Tea Gardens Dharamshala.jpg|thumb|Tea gardens in Dharamsala]]
[[Kangra tea]] is grown in the Kangra valley. Tea plantation began in 1849, and production peaked in the late 19th century with the tea becoming popular across the globe.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-youngworld/tea-the-kangra-way/article6120742.ece |title=Tea, the Kangra way |date=17 June 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |access-date=4 May 2023 |archive-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415170613/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-youngworld/tea-the-kangra-way/article6120742.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Production dipped sharply after the [[1905 Kangra earthquake]] and continues to decline.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/elections/plantations-in-himachal-pradesh-palampur-a-tea-thats-not-on-the-menu-of-any-political-party-5732238 |title=Plantations in Himachal Pradesh's Palampur: A tea that's not on the menu of any political party |date=18 May 2019 |newspaper=Indian Express |language=en-IN |access-date=4 May 2023 |archive-date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928052226/https://indianexpress.com/elections/plantations-in-himachal-pradesh-palampur-a-tea-thats-not-on-the-menu-of-any-political-party-5732238/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The tea received [[Geographical Indication|geographical indication]] status in 2005.
=== Industry ===
{{Main|Industry in Himachal Pradesh}}
==== Pharma hub ====
Himachal Pradesh is renowned as Asia's pharmaceutical hub, housing a total of 652 [[Pharmaceutical industry|pharmaceutical units]]. The state hosts a thriving ₹40,000 crore drug manufacturing industry.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bisht |first1=Gaurav |date=22 November 2023 |title=Drug regulator flags quality issues, shoots off notices to 19 firms in HP |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/drug-regulator-flags-quality-issues-shoots-off-notices-to-19-firms-in-hp-101700587832410.html |work=hindustan Times |access-date=30 January 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130195458/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/drug-regulator-flags-quality-issues-shoots-off-notices-to-19-firms-in-hp-101700587832410.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Ambika |date=18 January 2024 |title=Solan: Pharma hub without State Drugs Controller since Jan 1 |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/pharma-hub-without-state-drugs-controller-since-jan-1-582501 |work=The Tribune |access-date=30 January 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130195458/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/pharma-hub-without-state-drugs-controller-since-jan-1-582501 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Energy ===
{{See also|Hydroelectric power in Himachal Pradesh}}
[[Hydropower]] is one of the major sources of income generation for the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shimlatimes.in/2013/08/independence-day-2013-speech-by.html |title=Independence Day-2013 Speech by Virbhadra Singh |publisher=shimlatimes.in |access-date=18 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221225807/http://www.shimlatimes.in/2013/08/independence-day-2013-speech-by.html |archive-date=21 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The state has an abundance of hydropower resources because of the presence of various perennial rivers. Many high-capacity hydropower plants have been constructed which produce surplus electricity that is sold to other states, such as [[Delhi]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and [[West Bengal]].<ref name="HPHYD">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/while-others-sweat-himachal-struggles-to-sell-its-surplus-power/story-cJHgyMIuWSZJDgJAWlU7bJ.html |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |title=While others sweat, Himachal struggles to sell its surplus power |date=5 August 2013|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815030733/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/while-others-sweat-himachal-struggles-to-sell-its-surplus-power/story-cJHgyMIuWSZJDgJAWlU7bJ.html|archive-date=15 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The income generated from exporting the electricity to other states is being provided as subsidy to the consumers in the state.<ref name="Aggarwal-2010" /> The rich hydropower resources of Himachal have resulted in the state becoming almost universally electrified with around 94.8% houses receiving electricity as of 2001, as compared to the national average of 55.9%.<ref name="Aggarwal-2010">{{cite journal |date=1 May 2010 |title=Emerging energy scenario in Western Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh |journal=Energy Policy |volume=38 |issue=5 |pages=2545–2551 |doi=10.1016/j.enpol.2010.01.002 |issn=0301-4215 |last1=Aggarwal |first1=R.K. |last2=Chandel |first2=S.S.|bibcode=2010EnPol..38.2545A }}</ref> Himachal's hydro-electric power production is, however, yet to be fully utilised.<ref name="ET">{{cite news |url=https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/himachals-mega-100-mw-hydro-power-project-to-be-commissioned-this-month/58591053 |title=Himachal's mega 100 Mw hydro power project to be commissioned this month |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |agency=IANS |date=9 May 2017|access-date=26 April 2018 |place=Shimla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427045002/https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/himachals-mega-100-mw-hydro-power-project-to-be-commissioned-this-month/58591053|archive-date=27 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The identified hydroelectric potential for the state is 27,436 MW in five river basins<ref name="HPHYD" /> while the hydroelectric capacity in 2016 was 10,351 MW.<ref name="ET" />
== Tourism ==
{{Main|Tourism in Himachal Pradesh}}
Tourism in Himachal Pradesh is a major contributor to the state's economy and growth. The [[Himalayas]] attracts tourists from all over the world. Hill stations like [[Shimla]], [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]], [[Dharamshala]], [[Dalhousie, India|Dalhousie]], [[Chamba, Himachal Pradesh|Chamba]], [[Khajjiar]], [[Kullu]] and [[Kasauli]] are popular destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.india-tourism.net/himachal-pradesh.htm |title=Himachal Pradesh Tourism |publisher=India Tourism |access-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503215527/http://www.india-tourism.net/Himachal-Pradesh.htm|archive-date=3 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The state also has many important [[Hindu pilgrimage sites]] with prominent temples like [[Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir]], [[Naina Devi]] Temple, [[Bajreshwari Mata Temple, Kangra|Bajreshwari Mata Temple]], [[Jwala Ji]] Temple, [[Chintpurni]], [[Baijnath Temple]], [[Bhimakali Temple]], [[Bijli Mahadev]] and [[Jakhoo]] Temple.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/himachal-pradesh/temples/ |publisher=Maps of India |title=Temples of Himachal Pradesh|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807154839/http://www.mapsofindia.com/himachal-pradesh/temples/|archive-date=7 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Manimahesh Lake]] situated in the [[Bharmour]] region of Chamba district is the venue of an annual Hindu pilgrimage trek held in the month of August which attracts lakhs of devotees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/historic-pilgrimage-trek-to-himalayas-concludes-five-dead/articleshow/60292133.cms |title=Historic pilgrimage trek to Himalayas concludes, five dead |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=20 August 2017|access-date=7 May 2018 |author=Gopal Puri |place=Dharamshala |agency=TNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626120713/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/historic-pilgrimage-trek-to-himalayas-concludes-five-dead/articleshow/60292133.cms|archive-date=26 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The state is also referred to as "Dev Bhoomi" (literally meaning ''Abode of Gods'') due to its mention as such in ancient Hindu texts and occurrence of a large number of historical temples in the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sanskritimagazine.com/india/himachal-pradesh-dev-bhoomi-land-gods/ |title=Himachal Pradesh: Dev Bhoomi, The Land of Gods |work=Sanskriti Magazine|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623080014/http://www.sanskritimagazine.com/india/himachal-pradesh-dev-bhoomi-land-gods/|archive-date=23 June 2016|url-status=live |date=8 August 2014}}</ref>
Himachal is also known for its adventure tourism activities like [[ice skating]] in Shimla, [[paragliding]] in [[Bir, Himachal Pradesh]] and Solang Valley, [[rafting]] in Kullu, [[skiing]] in Manali, boating in Bilaspur, [[fishing]] in Tirthan Valley, [[trekking]] and [[Equestrianism|horse riding]] in different parts of the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://himachaltourism.gov.in/adventure.php |title=Adventure Destinations |website=Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418031850/http://himachaltourism.gov.in/adventure.php|archive-date=18 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Shimla]], the state's capital, is home to Asia's only natural [[ice skating|ice-skating]] rink.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010211/himachal.htm#21 |title=Ice-skating rink completes 100 sessions again |publisher=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India |access-date=11 February 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020116190436/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010211/himachal.htm#21 |archive-date=16 January 2002 |url-status=live }}</ref> Spiti Valley in Lahaul and Spiti District situated at an altitude of over 3000 metres with its picturesque landscapes is popular destination for adventure seekers. The region also has some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tourpacx.com/places-to-visit-in-himachal-pradesh.php |title=Top 15 Places To Visit in Himachal Pradesh |publisher=Tourpacx Dot Com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102115309/https://www.tourpacx.com/places-to-visit-in-himachal-pradesh.php|archive-date=2 January 2020|access-date=12 January 2020}}</ref>
Himachal hosted the first [[Paragliding World Cup]] in India from 24 to 31 October in 2015.<ref name="PARA">{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/paragliding-world-cup/1/469973.html |title=Paragliding World Cup 2015 will be held in India: All you need to know |work=[[India Today]]|access-date=31 May 2016 |date=10 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807054037/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/paragliding-world-cup/1/469973.html|archive-date=7 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.redbull.com/in/en/adventure/stories/1331757746807/india-hosts-the-first-ever-paragliding-world-cup |publisher=Red Bull |title=India hosts the first ever Paragliding World Cup |access-date=31 May 2016 |date=4 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513142119/http://www.redbull.com/in/en/adventure/stories/1331757746807/india-hosts-the-first-ever-paragliding-world-cup |archive-date=13 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Bir Billing, the venue for the paragliding world cup, is known as the launching site of paragliding. It is 70 km from the tourist town of [[McLeod Ganj|Mcleod Ganj]] and is located in the heart of Himachal in Kangra district. Bir Billing is the centre for aero sports in Himachal and considered as best for paragliding.<ref name="PARA"/> While Bir, the [[paragliding]] capital of India, is the landing site for paragliding.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Maggie Hiufu |title=Welcome to Bir, paragliding capital of India |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/paragliding-india-himachal-pradesh/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=14 August 2022}}</ref> It is also known for its tourist attractions including Buddhist monasteries, trekking to tribal villages and mountain biking. The village also hosts prominent cultural musical events like [[Bir Music Festival]], aiming to primarily promote the tourism of Bir.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rajan |first=Sangita |date=7 June 2024 |title=Beyond paragliding: Explore culture and music at Bir Music Festival in Himachal Pradesh |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/beyond-paragliding-explore-culture-and-music-at-bir-music-festival-in-himachal-pradesh/article68249492.ece |work=The Hindu |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref>
There are a variety of festivals celebrated by the locals of Himachal Pradesh who worship gods and goddesses. There are over 2000 villages in Himachal Pradesh which celebrate festivals such as [[Kullu Dussehra]], Chamba's Minjar, Renuka ji Fair, [[Lohri]], [[Halda]], Phagli, [[Losar]] and [[Mandi Shivaratri Fair|Mandi Shivratri]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=him_admin |title=Himachal Tourism Official Website |url=https://himachaltourism.gov.in/ |access-date=16 October 2022 |website=Himachal Tourism Official Website |language=en-US |archive-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101043542/https://himachaltourism.gov.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There approximately 6000 temples in Himachal Pradesh with a known one being [[Bijli Mahadev]]. The temple is seen as a 20-meter structure built in stone which, according to locals, is known to attract lighting. They say that this is a way the Gods show their blessings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sengar |first=Resham |title=At Bijli Mahadev temple in Himachal, lightning strikes the Shiva lingam every year |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/at-bijli-mahadev-temple-in-himachal-lightning-strikes-the-shiva-lingam-every-year/articleshow/65148712.cms |access-date=16 October 2022 |newspaper=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=16 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016152731/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/at-bijli-mahadev-temple-in-himachal-lightning-strikes-the-shiva-lingam-every-year/articleshow/65148712.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
The [[Great Himalayan National Park]] is found in the [[Kullu district]]s of Himachal Pradesh. It has an area of 620 km<sup>2</sup> and ranging from an altitude of 1500 meters to 4500 meters and was created in 1984. There are various forest types found here such as [[Cedrus deodara|Deodar]], [[Abies pindrow|Himalayan Fir]], [[Spruce]], [[Oak]] and Alpine pastures. In the [[Great Himalayan National Park]], there are a variety of animals found such as [[Snow leopard]], [[Yak]], [[Himalayan black bear]], [[Western tragopan]], [[Monal]] and [[Musk deer]]. This National Park is a trail to many hikers and trekkers too. Moreover, there are sanctuaries which are tourist spots such as Naina Devi and Gobind Sagar Sanctuary in the [[Una district|Una]] and [[Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]] districts with an area of 220 km<sup>2</sup>. There are animals such as [[Indian crested porcupine|Indian porcupine]] and [[Indian giant flying squirrel|giant flying squirrel]] found here. The [[Gobind Sagar|Gobind Sagar Lake]] has fish species such as [[Mrigal carp|Mrigal]], [[Silver carp]], Katla, [[Mahseer|Mahaseer]] and [[Rohu]] are found here. [[Narkanda]] located in at an altitude of around 8850 feet is known for its apple orchards. It is located between the river valleys of Giri and [[Sutlej]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 November 2014 |title=Narkanda: The gateway to apple country |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/narkanda-the-gateway-to-apple-country/story-ucUWtTA40mkKWcc6f8JteO.html |access-date=16 October 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=16 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016153022/https://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/narkanda-the-gateway-to-apple-country/story-ucUWtTA40mkKWcc6f8JteO.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="125">
File:Paragliding at Bir, HP.jpg|Paragliding in [[Bir, Himachal Pradesh|Bir]]
File:Solang valley under snow, 2015.jpg|[[Solang]], a popular ski resort near Manali
File:Waterrafting in kasol.jpg|[[Rafting]] in the Parvati river near [[Kasol]]
File:Triund_(22356802630).jpg|Campsite for trekkers at [[Triund]]
</gallery>
== Transport ==
{{Main|Transport in Himachal Pradesh}}
=== Air ===
[[File:Kangra airport 1.jpg|thumb|[[Gaggal Airport]]]]
Himachal has three domestic airports in Kangra, Kullu and Shimla districts, respectively.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/airfares-to-dharamsala-skyrocket-this-weekend/566696.html |title=Airfares to Dharamsala skyrocket this weekend |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |date=1 April 2018 |author=Lalit Mohan|access-date=16 April 2018 |place=Dharamshala|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417023334/http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/airfares-to-dharamsala-skyrocket-this-weekend/566696.html|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The air routes connect the state with [[New Delhi]] and [[Chandigarh]].
* [[Kullu–Manali Airport]] is in [[Kullu district]], around {{convert|10|km|mi|0}} from district headquarters [[Kullu]].
* [[Kangra Airport]] is in [[Kangra district]], around {{convert|15|km|mi|0}} from district headquarters at [[Dharamshala]], which is around 10 kilometres (6 mi) from [[Kangra, Himachal Pradesh|Kangra]]
* [[Shimla Airport]] is around {{convert|22|km|mi}} west of the [[Shimla|Shimla city]].
=== Railways ===
[[File:Himalayan Queen.jpg|thumb|[[Kalka-Shimla Railway]]]]
[[File:Kangra Valley train.jpg|thumb|[[Kangra Valley Railway]]]]
====Broad-gauge lines====
The only broad-gauge railway line in the whole state connects {{stnlnk|Amb Andaura}}–[[Una Himachal railway station]] to {{stnlnk|Nangal Dam}} in [[Punjab]] and runs all the way to [[Daulatpur, Himachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/complete-una-hamirpur-rail-line-survey-within-6-months-anurag/articleshow/60848456.cms |title=Complete Una-Hamirpur rail line survey within 6 months: Anurag |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |author=TNN |date=27 September 2017|access-date=16 April 2018 |place=Shimla |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614175418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/complete-una-hamirpur-rail-line-survey-within-6-months-anurag/articleshow/60848456.cms|archive-date=14 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> It is an electrified track since 1999. While a tiny portion of line adjacent to Kandrori(KNDI) station on either side on Pathankot-Jalandhar Section, under Ferozepur Division of Northern Railway also crosses into Himachal Pradesh, before venturing out to Punjab again.
Future constructions:
* {{stnlnk|Una Himachal}}–[[Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur]] rail project via Dhundla
* Bhanupali (Punjab)–Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
* [[Chandigarh Junction railway station|Chandigarh]]–Baddi
====Narrow-gauge lines====
Himachal is known for its [[narrow-gauge railway]]s. One is the [[Kalka-Shimla Railway]], a UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]], and another is the [[Kangra Valley Railway]].<ref name="IT">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/heritage/story/kangras-narrow-gauge-rail-corridor-is-all-set-to-get-heritage-status-unesco-321325-2016-05-03 |title=Kangra's narrow-gauge rail corridor is all set to get heritage status |magazine=[[India Today]]|access-date=15 April 2018 |date=3 May 2016 |author=Mail Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200836/https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/heritage/story/kangras-narrow-gauge-rail-corridor-is-all-set-to-get-heritage-status-unesco-321325-2016-05-03|archive-date=16 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The total length of these two tracks is {{convert|259|km|mi}}. The Kalka-Shimla Railway passes through many tunnels and bridges, while the [[Pathankot]]–[[Jogindernagar]] one meanders through a maze of hills and valleys. The total route length of the operational railway network in the state is {{convert|296.26|km|mi}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155019 |title=Statewise Length of Railway Lines and Survey For New Railway Lines |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]], [[Ministry of Railways (India)]], [[Government of India]] |date=7 December 2016|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105011404/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155019|archive-date=5 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/work-chandigarh-baddi-railway-line-start-soon-1502599778.html |title=Work on Chandigarh–Baddi railway line to start soon |newspaper=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |agency=Statesman News Service |place=Shimla |date=11 March 2018|access-date=28 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429093235/https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/work-chandigarh-baddi-railway-line-start-soon-1502599778.html|archive-date=29 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-begins-work-on-himachal-ladakh-rail-link-339352-2016-09-05 |title=With eye on China, India begins work on Himachal-Ladakh rail link |magazine=[[India Today]] |date=5 September 2016 |author=Siddharatha Tiwari |place=New Delhi|access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921175311/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-begins-work-on-himachal-ladakh-rail-link-339352-2016-09-05|archive-date=21 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Roads ===
[[File:NH22 Shimla Chandigarh Mountain Highway through Forests, Roads in Himachal Pradesh India 2014.jpg|thumb|right|[[National Highway 5 (India)|NH 5]] in Himachal Pradesh]]
Roads are the major mode of transport in Himachal Pradesh due to its hilly terrain. The state has road network of {{convert|28208|km|mi}},<ref name=pppiinfr>{{cite web |url=http://www.pppinindia.com/states_hp_infrastructure.asp |title=Himachal Pradesh: Infrastructure|access-date=6 April 2008 |work=Public Private Partnerships in India |publisher=Ministry of Finance, [[Government of India]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207131100/http://www.pppinindia.com/states_hp_infrastructure.asp |archive-date=7 February 2010}}</ref> including eight [[National highways of India|National Highways]] (NH) that constitute {{convert|1234|km|mi}} and 19 [[List of State Highways in Himachal Pradesh|State Highways]] with a total length of {{convert|1625|km|mi}}.<ref name=pppiinfr /> [[Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur district]] has the highest road density in the country.<ref name="Hamirpur-rd">{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020518/himachal.htm |title=Hamirpur road density| access-date = 22 May 2007 |publisher=Hari Jaisingh, Published from The Tribune House| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110408082605/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020518/himachal.htm| archive-date = 8 April 2011| url-status = live }}</ref> Some roads are closed during winter and [[monsoon]] seasons due to snow and [[landslide]]s. The state-owned [[Himachal Road Transport Corporation]] with a fleet of over 3,100,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/white-paper-on-purchase-of-fleet-of-buses/557376.html |title=White Paper on purchase of fleet of buses |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]] |place=Shimla |agency=Tribune News Service |date=13 March 2018|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426012318/http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/white-paper-on-purchase-of-fleet-of-buses/557376.html|archive-date=26 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> operates bus services connecting important cities and towns with villages within the state and also on various interstate routes. In addition, around 5,000 private buses ply in the state.<ref name="PVT">{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/himachal-private-bus-operators-seek-hike-in-fare-113090300826_1.html |title=Himachal private bus operators seek hike in fare |newspaper=[[Business Standard]] |agency=IANS |place=Shimla |date=3 September 2013|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426075715/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/himachal-private-bus-operators-seek-hike-in-fare-113090300826_1.html|archive-date=26 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Demographics ==
=== Population ===
{{Historical populations
|title = Population Growth
|type =
|source = [[Census of India]]<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |title=A-2 Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901 |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010234955/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|width =
|state =
|shading =
|pop_name =
|1901 | 1,920,294
|1911 | 1,896,944
|1921 | 1,928,206
|1931 | 2,029,113
|1941 | 2,263,245
|1951 | 2,385,981
|1961 | 2,812,463
|1971 | 3,460,434
|1981 | 4,280,818
|1991 | 5,170,877
|2001 | 6,077,900
|2011 | 6,864,602
}}
Himachal Pradesh has a total population of 6,864,602 including 3,481,873 males and 3,382,729 females according to the Census of India 2011. It has only 0.57 per cent of India's total population, recording a growth of 12.81 per cent.<ref name="HPOP">{{cite web |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND002_Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf |title=Himachal Pradesh Profile |publisher=[[Census of India]]|access-date=27 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327080259/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND002_Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf|archive-date=27 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="POPS">{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-1.pdf |title=Census 2011:Population size and Decadal change |publisher=Census of India |access-date=27 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624015117/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-1.pdf |archive-date=24 June 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The child sex ratio increased from 896 in 2001 to 909 in 2011.<ref name="HP profile 2011"/> The total fertility rate (TFR) per woman in 2015 stood at 1.7, one of the lowest in India.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/himachal-pradesh-youth-status-report-sex-ratio-up-but-total-fertility-rate-declining-5013052/ |title=Himachal Pradesh Youth status report: Sex ratio up but total fertility rate declining |agency=Express News Service |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=5 January 2018|access-date=17 April 2018 |place=Shimla |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418092812/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/himachal-pradesh-youth-status-report-sex-ratio-up-but-total-fertility-rate-declining-5013052/|archive-date=18 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[scheduled caste]]s and [[scheduled tribe]]s account for 25.19 per cent and 5.71 per cent of the population, respectively.<ref name="statabs">{{cite web |url=http://admis.hp.nic.in/himachal/economics/REPORTS/StatisticalAbstract_2015_16.pdf |title=Statistical Abstract Of Himachal Pradesh 2015–16: I – Area And Population- Table 1.17 And 1.18, XIII – Education- Table 13.07 |pages=35, 36, 87, 88 |publisher=Official site of [[Government of Himachal Pradesh]]|access-date=23 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024102658/http://admis.hp.nic.in/himachal/economics/REPORTS/StatisticalAbstract_2015_16.pdf|archive-date=24 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The sex ratio stood at 972 females per 1,000 males, recording a marginal increase from 968 in 2001.<ref name="HP profile 2011"/> The main caste groups in Himachal Pradesh are [[Brahmin]]s, [[Rajputs]], [[Kanet]]s, Kulindas, Girths, [[Gurjar|Gurjars]], Raos, [[Koli people|Kolis]], Hollis, [[Chamar]]s, Drains, Rehars, Chanals, Lohars, Baris, Julahas, Dhakhis, Turis, and Batwals<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jl0qdJYU3LgC&q=Girth |title=Himachal Pradesh, Development Report |isbn=9788171884452 |last1=Planning Commission |first1=India |year=2005|publisher=Academic Foundation }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Minhas|first=Poonam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_52-WyPfLG0C&dq=Himachal+Koli+population&pg=PA59 |title=Traditional Trade & Trading Centres in Himachal Pradesh: With Trade-routes and Trading Communities |date=1998|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-080-4|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=divyahimachal |date=25 September 2017 |title=हां…मैं गुज्जर हूं |url=https://www.divyahimachal.com/2017/09/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%82-%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%82/amp/ |access-date=1 March 2025 |website=Divya Himachal |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Ved Prakash - Solang Valley 2014-05-10 2547.JPG|upright|left|thumb|A man in [[Kullu district|Kullu]], wearing a traditional [[Himachali cap]].]]
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; width: 100px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em;"
|+ Literacy rates<ref name="lit Ind"/>
|-
! Year !! %
|-
| 1971 || 31.96
|-
| 1981 || 42.48
|-
| 1991 || 63.86
|-
| 2001 || 76.48
|-
| 2011 || 83.78
|}
In the census, the state is placed 21st on the population chart, followed by [[Tripura]] at 22nd place.<ref name="census 2011" /> [[Kangra District]] was top-ranked with a population strength of 1,507,223 (21.98%), [[Mandi District]] 999,518 (14.58%), [[Shimla District]] 813,384 (11.86%), [[Solan District]] 576,670 (8.41%), [[Sirmaur District]] 530,164 (7.73%), [[Una District]] 521,057 (7.60%), [[Chamba District]] 518,844 (7.57%), [[Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur district]] 454,293 (6.63%), [[Kullu District]] 437,474 (6.38%), [[Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur district]] 382,056 (5.57%), [[Kinnaur District]] 84,298 (1.23%) and [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul Spiti]] 31,528 (0.46%).<ref name="Dist">{{cite web |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/district.php |title=Indian Districts by Population, Sex Ratio, Literacy 2011 Census |publisher=Census 2011|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411024643/http://census2011.co.in/district.php|archive-date=11 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The [[life expectancy]] at birth in Himachal Pradesh increased significantly from 52.6 years in the period from 1970 to 1975 (above the national average of 49.7 years) to 72.0 years for the period 2011–15 (above the national average of 68.3 years).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Vital_Statistics/SRS_Life_Table/SRS_11-15/3.Analysis_2011-15.pdf |title=ABRIDGED LIFE TABLES- 2011–15 |publisher=[[Census of India]]|access-date=16 April 2018 |page=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219005237/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Vital_Statistics/SRS_Life_Table/SRS_11-15/3.Analysis_2011-15.pdf|archive-date=19 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[infant mortality rate]] stood at 40 in 2010, and the crude [[birth rate]] has declined from 37.3 in 1971 to 16.9 in 2010, below the national average of 26.5 in 1998. The crude [[death rate]] was 6.9 in 2010.<ref name=demoHDR>{{cite web |url=http://www.undp.org.in/media/HDRC/shdr/Himachal%20Pradesh/Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf |title=Highlights of Himachal Pradesh HDR (2002) |access-date=26 May 2007 |publisher=Government of Himachal Pradesh (2002), Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2002, Government of Himachal Pradesh |page=40 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615002344/http://www.undp.org.in/media/HDRC/shdr/Himachal%20Pradesh/Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Himachal Pradesh's literacy rate has almost doubled between 1981 and 2011 (see table to right). The state is one of the [[List of Indian states and union territories by literacy rate|most literate states of India]] with a literacy rate of 83.78% as of 2011.<ref name="lit Ind"/>{{rp|114}}
=== Languages ===
[[File:Language Map of Himachal Pradesh (2011 Census).svg|left|thumb|Languages spoken by district<br>
'''Western Pahari languages'''
{{legend|#d49a7d|60–70%}}
{{legend|#c77c57|70–80%}}
{{legend|#b0623b|80–90%}}
{{legend|#995533|90–100%}}
'''Kinnauri'''
{{legend|#3998ac|40–45%}}
{{legend|#266673|70–80%}}
'''Hindi'''
{{legend|#ffe0d1|30–40%}}
]]
{{Pie chart
|caption = Languages of Himachal Pradesh (2011)<ref name="2011Census_Languages"/>
|label1 = [[Western Pahari|Pahadi]] |value1 = 31.90 |color1 = coral
|label2 = [[Kangri language|Kangri]] |value2 = 16.25 |color2 = lightblue
|label3 = [[Hindi]] |value3 = 15.68 |color3 = orange
|label4 = [[Mandeali]] |value4 = 9.05 |color4 = green
|label5 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] |value5 = 4.42 |color5 = pink
|label6 = [[Bilaspuri language|Bilaspuri (Kahluri)]]
|value6 = 4.31 |color6 = purple
|label7 = [[Kullui]] |value7 = 2.86 |color7 = red
|label8 = [[Gaddi language|Gaddi]] |value8 = 2.23 |color8 = yellow
|label9 = [[Chambeali]]
|value9 = 1.81 |color9 = magenta
|label10= [[Sirmauri language|Sirmauri]]
|value10= 1.56 |color10 = darkblue
|label11= [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
|value11= 1.30 |color11 = orchid
|label12= [[Kinnauri language|Kinnauri]]
|value12= 1.20 |color12 = brown
|label13= "Other" Hindi
|value13= 1.18 |color13= aqua
|label14= [[Churahi language|Churahi]]
|value14= 1.10 |color14= turquoise
|label15 = Others |value15 = 5.15 |color15 = grey
}}
[[Hindi]] is the [[de jure]] official language of Himachal Pradesh and is spoken by the majority of the population as a [[lingua franca]].<ref name=langoff>{{cite web |url=http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |title=Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 52nd report (July 2014 to June 2015) |pages=33–34 |publisher=Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |access-date = 16 February 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171523/http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |archive-date = 28 December 2017}}</ref> [[Sanskrit]] is the additional official language of the state.<ref name="Sanskrit">{{cite news |title=Bill to make Sanskrit second official language of HP passed |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/bill-to-make-sanskrit-second-official-language-of-hp-passed/730075.html |date=17 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |author=Pratibha Chauhan |___location=Shimla |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218081810/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/bill-to-make-sanskrit-second-official-language-of-hp-passed/730075.html |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Although mostly encountered in academic and symbolic contexts, the government of Himachal Pradesh is encouraging its wider study and use.<ref>{{cite news |last1=((ED staff writer)) |title=Government committed to popularise Sanskrit language in State: Himachal Pradesh CM |url=https://indiaeducationdiary.in/government-committed-popularise-sanskrit-language-state-himachal-pradesh-cm/ |access-date=13 February 2022 |work=India Education Diary |date=29 April 2020 |archive-date=14 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234653/https://indiaeducationdiary.in/government-committed-popularise-sanskrit-language-state-himachal-pradesh-cm/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Most of the population, however, speaks natively one or another of the [[Western Pahari languages]] (locally also known as ''Himachali'' or just ''Pahari''), a subgroup of the [[Indo-Aryan languages]] that includes [[Bhattiyali dialect|Bhattiyali]], [[Bilaspuri language|Bilaspuri]], [[Chambeali]], [[Churahi]], [[Gaddi language|Gaddi]], [[Hinduri language|Hinduri]], [[Kangri language|Kangri]], [[Kullu language|Kullu]], [[Mahasu Pahari]], [[Mandeali language|Mandeali]], [[Pahari Kinnauri language|Pahari Kinnauri]], [[Pangwali]], and [[Sirmauri language|Sirmauri]]. Additional Indo-Aryan languages spoken include [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] (native to 4.4% of the population), [[Nepali language|Nepali]] (1.3%), [[Chinali language|Chinali]], [[Lahul Lohar language|Lahul Lohar]], and others. In parts of the state there are speakers of [[Tibeto-Burman languages]] like [[Kinnauri language|Kinnauri]] (1.2%), [[Tibetan languages|Tibetan]] (0.3%), [[Lahuli–Spiti languages]] (0.16%), [[Pattani language|Pattani]] (0.12%), [[Bhoti Kinnauri]], [[Chitkuli Kinnauri language|Chitkuli Kinnauri]], [[Bunan language|Bunan]] (or Gahri), [[Jangshung]], [[Kanashi language|Kanashi]], [[Shumcho]], [[Spiti Bhoti]], [[Sunam language|Sunam]], [[Tinani language|Tinani]], and [[Tukpa language|Tukpa]].<ref name="2011Census_Languages">{{cite report |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Himachal Pradesh |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10205/download/13317/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0200.XLSX |publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=6 October 2019 |archive-date=27 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027033558/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0200.XLSX |url-status=live }} The census returns also include 32% who identify their language as Pahari; this can include speakers of any of the above-listed varieties of Himachali.</ref><ref>{{cite web |editor-last1=Eberhard |editor-first1=David M. |editor-last2=Simons |editor-first2=Gary F. |editor-last3=Fennig |editor-first3=Charles D. |year=2019 |title=India – Languages |edition=22nd |website=Ethnologue |publisher=SIL International |url=https://www.ethnologue.com/country/IN/languages |access-date=7 October 2019 |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401120331/https://www.ethnologue.com/country/IN/languages |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Religion ===
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Religion in Himachal Pradesh (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web |title=Population by religion community – 2011 |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=Census of India, 2011 |publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
| label1 = [[Hinduism]]
| value1 = 95.17
| color1 = DarkOrange
| label2 = [[Islam]]
| value2 = 2.18
| color2 = Green
| label3 = [[Sikhism]]
| value3 = 1.16
| color3 = darkkhaki
| label4 = [[Buddhism]]
| value4 = 1.15
| color4 = Yellow
| label5 = [[Christianity]]
| value5 = 0.18
| color5 = Blue
| label6 = [[Jainism]]
| value6 = 0.03
| color6 = brown
| label7 = Others or not stated
| value7 = 0.13
| color7 = grey
}}
Hinduism is the major religion in Himachal Pradesh. More than 95% of the total population adheres to the Hindu faith and majorly follows [[Shaivism]] and [[Shaktism]] traditions,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thequint.com/voices/blogs/shimla-name-change-shyamala-why-there-is-no-place-for-hindutva-himachal |title=Shimla Name Change – The Quint |date=30 October 2018 |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814193119/https://www.thequint.com/voices/blogs/shimla-name-change-shyamala-why-there-is-no-place-for-hindutva-himachal |url-status=live }}</ref> the distribution of which is evenly spread throughout the state.<ref name="HPREL" /> Himachal Pradesh has the highest proportion of Hindu population among all the states and union territories in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/data/religion/1-hinduism.html |title=Hindu Religion Census 2011 |work=Census2011|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208064336/http://www.census2011.co.in/data/religion/1-hinduism.html|archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
Other religions that form a smaller percentage are [[Islam]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Buddhism]]. [[Muslims]] are mainly concentrated in [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]], [[Chamba district|Chamba]], [[Una district|Una]] and [[Solan district|Solan]] districts where they form 2.5-6.3% of the population.<ref name="HPREL" /> Sikhs mostly live in towns and cities and constitute 1.16% of the state population. The Buddhists, who constitute 1.15%, are mainly natives and tribals from [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul and Spiti]], where they form a majority of 62%, and [[Kinnaur district|Kinnaur]], where they form 21.5%.<ref name="HPREL">{{cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/religion/state/2-himachal-pradesh.html |title=Himachal Pradesh Districts – Religion 2011 |publisher=Census2011|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603192443/http://www.census2011.co.in/data/religion/state/2-himachal-pradesh.html|archive-date=3 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
<div style="overflow-x:auto; border: 1px solid #AAA; padding-left: 0.1em; padding-right: 0.1em">
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Religion in Himachal Pradesh (1881–2011)
! rowspan="2" |[[Religion in India|Religious]]<br />group
! colspan="2" |1881<ref name="Census1881A">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.25057656 |jstor=saoa.crl.25057656 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census of India, 1881 Report on the Census of the Panjáb Taken on the 17th of February 1881, vol. I. |year=1881 }}</ref><ref name="Census1881B">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.25057657 |jstor=saoa.crl.25057657 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census of India, 1881 Report on the Census of the Panjáb Taken on the 17th of February 1881, vol. II. |year=1881 |pages=14 }}</ref><ref name="Census1881C">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.25057658 |jstor=saoa.crl.25057658 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census of India, 1881 Report on the Census of the Panjáb Taken on the 17th of February 1881, vol. III. |year=1881 |pages=14 }}</ref>{{efn|name=ColonialEra|[[British Punjab province]] era figures taken from [[Census in British India|census data]] by combining the total population of all [[Districts of British India|districts]] ([[Simla District|Simla]] and [[Kangra district|Kangra]]) and [[princely state]]s ([[Mandi State|Mandi]], [[Chamba State|Chamba]], [[Sirmur State|Sirmoor]], [[Bilaspur State (princely state)|Bilaspur]], [[Suket State|Suket]], and other small/minor [[Hill States of India#Simla Hills|Simla Hill states]]) which are in the region that comprises the contemporary state of Himachal Pradesh, India.}}
! colspan="2" |1891<ref name="Census1891">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.25318669 |jstor=saoa.crl.25318669 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=The Punjab and its feudatories, part II--Imperial Tables and Supplementary Returns for the British Territory |year=1891 |pages=14 |last1=Edward Maclagan |first1=Sir |volume=2 }}</ref>{{efn|name=ColonialEra}}
! colspan="2" |1901<ref name="Census1901">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.25363739 |jstor=saoa.crl.25363739 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census of India 1901. [Vol. 17A]. Imperial tables, I-VIII, X-XV, XVII and XVIII for the Punjab, with the native states under the political control of the Punjab Government, and for the North-west Frontier Province. |year=1901 |pages=34}}</ref>{{efn|name=ColonialEra}}
! colspan="2" |1911<ref name="Census1911">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.25393788 |jstor=saoa.crl.25393788 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census of India 1911. Vol. 14, Punjab. Pt. 2, Tables. |year=1911 |pages=27}}</ref><ref name="Census1911B">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.62718 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census Of India 1911 Punjab Vol XIV Part II |year=1911 |pages=27 |author=Kaul, Harikishan}}</ref>{{efn|name=ColonialEra}}
! colspan="2" |1921<ref name="Census1921">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.25430165 |jstor=saoa.crl.25430165 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census of India 1921. Vol. 15, Punjab and Delhi. Pt. 2, Tables. |year=1921 |pages=29}}</ref>{{efn|name=ColonialEra}}
! colspan="2" |1931<ref name="Census1931">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.25793242 |jstor=saoa.crl.25793242 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census of India 1931. Vol. 17, Punjab. Pt. 2, Tables. |year=1931 |pages=277}}</ref>{{efn|name=ColonialEra}}
! colspan="2" |1941<ref name="Census1941">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.28215541 |jstor=saoa.crl.28215541 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census of India, 1941. Vol. 6, Punjab |year=1941 |pages=42 |author1=India Census Commissioner |volume=6 }}</ref>{{efn|name=ColonialEra}}
! colspan="2" |1951<ref name="Census1951">{{cite web|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/saoa.crl.25803729 |jstor=saoa.crl.25803729 |access-date=5 January 2025 |title=Census of India, 1951: Punjab, Pepsu, Himachal Pradesh, Bilaspur & Delhi |year=1951 |pages=298 |last1=Vashishta |first1=Lakshmi Chandra |last2=India. Superintendent Of Census Operations |first2=Punjab |volume=3 }}</ref>{{efn|name=Census1951|Total population of all East Punjab subdivisions that form part of contemporary Himachal Pradesh including Simla district, Kangra district, Mahasu district, Mandi district, Chamba district, Sirmoor district, and Bilaspur state.}}
! colspan="2" |1961<ref name="Census1961A">{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/31326 |title=Paper No 1 of 1963, India - Census 1961 |website=Census Digital Library |pages=4–9 |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="Census1961B">{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/32026|title=Social and Cultural Tables, Part II-C(i) , Vol-XIII, Punjab - Census 1961 |website=Census Digital Library|pages=349|access-date=1 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="Census1961C">{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/28305|title=Cultural & Migration Tables, Part II-C, Volume-XX, Himachal Pradesh - Census 1961 |website=Census Digital Library|pages=143|access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref>{{efn|name=Census1961|Total population of all East Punjab subdivisions that form part of contemporary Himachal Pradesh including Simla district, Kangra district, Lahaul & Spiti district, Chamba district, Mandi district, Bilaspur district, Mahasu district, Sirmur district, and Kinnaur district.}}
! colspan="2" |1971<ref name="Census1971">{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/32055 |title=Social and Cultural Tables, Part-II-C(i) ,Series-7, Himachal Pradesh - Census 1971 |website=Census Digital Library|pages=26|access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2011<ref name="census2011"/>
|-
![[Population|{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}]]
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
|-
! [[Hinduism]] [[File:Om.svg|15px]]{{efn|name=ad-dharmi|1931-1941: Including [[Ad-Dharmi]]s}}
| 1,458,481
| {{Percentage | 1458481 | 1539433 | 2 }}
| 1,558,111
| {{Percentage | 1558111 | 1645364 | 2 }}
| 1,598,853
| {{Percentage | 1598853 | 1690066 | 2 }}
| 1,630,084
| {{Percentage | 1630084 | 1724480 | 2 }}
| 1,642,176
| {{Percentage | 1642176 | 1737801 | 2 }}
| 1,729,008
| {{Percentage | 1729008 | 1831253 | 2 }}
| 1,929,634
| {{Percentage | 1929634 | 2036428 | 2 }}
| 2,024,692
| {{Percentage | 2024692 | 2082093 | 2 }}
| 2,467,765
| {{Percentage | 2467765 | 2546768 | 2 }}
| 3,324,627
| {{Percentage | 3324627 | 3460434 | 2 }}
| 6,532,765
| {{Percentage | 6532765 | 6864602 | 2 }}
|-
! [[Islam]] [[File:Star and Crescent.svg|15px]]
| 70,642
| {{Percentage | 70642 | 1539433 | 2 }}
| 72,873
| {{Percentage | 72873 | 1645364 | 2 }}
| 76,480
| {{Percentage | 76480 | 1690066 | 2 }}
| 74,205
| {{Percentage | 74205 | 1724480 | 2 }}
| 77,425
| {{Percentage | 77425 | 1737801 | 2 }}
| 82,711
| {{Percentage | 82711 | 1831253 | 2 }}
| 87,485
| {{Percentage | 87485 | 2036428 | 2 }}
| 22,338
| {{Percentage | 22338 | 2082093 | 2 }}
| 34,744
| {{Percentage | 34744 | 2546768 | 2 }}
| 50,327
| {{Percentage | 50327 | 3460434 | 2 }}
| 149,881
| {{Percentage | 149881 | 6864602 | 2 }}
|-
! [[Christianity]] [[File:Christian cross.svg|15px]]
| 3,840
| {{Percentage | 3840 | 1539433 | 2 }}
| 3,571
| {{Percentage | 3571 | 1645364 | 2 }}
| 3,415
| {{Percentage | 3415 | 1690066 | 2 }}
| 4,400
| {{Percentage | 4400 | 1724480 | 2 }}
| 4,471
| {{Percentage | 4471 | 1737801 | 2 }}
| 2,586
| {{Percentage | 2586 | 1831253 | 2 }}
| 2,129
| {{Percentage | 2129 | 2036428 | 2 }}
| 1,517
| {{Percentage | 1517 | 2082093 | 2 }}
| 2,904
| {{Percentage | 2904 | 2546768 | 2 }}
| 3,556
| {{Percentage | 3556 | 3460434 | 2 }}
| 12,646
| {{Percentage | 12646 | 6864602 | 2 }}
|-
! [[Buddhism]] [[File:Dharma_Wheel_(2).svg|15px]]
| 3,250
| {{Percentage | 3250 | 1539433 | 2 }}
| 6,236
| {{Percentage | 6236 | 1645364 | 2 }}
| 6,931
| {{Percentage | 6931 | 1690066 | 2 }}
| 7,518
| {{Percentage | 7518 | 1724480 | 2 }}
| 5,718
| {{Percentage | 5718 | 1737801 | 2 }}
| 7,705
| {{Percentage | 7705 | 1831253 | 2 }}
| 614{{efn|name=1941CensusEnumeration|Enumeration error for adherents of Buddhism and Zoroastrianism likely occurred in [[Kangra district]].}}
| {{Percentage | 614 | 2036428 | 2 }}
| 1,320
| {{Percentage | 1320 | 2082093 | 2 }}
| 18,020
| {{Percentage | 18020 | 2546768 | 2 }}
| 35,937
| {{Percentage | 35937 | 3460434 | 2 }}
| 78,659
| {{Percentage | 78659 | 6864602 | 2 }}
|-
! [[Sikhism]] [[File:Khanda.svg|15px]]
| 2,680
| {{Percentage | 2680 | 1539433 | 2 }}
| 4,167
| {{Percentage | 4167 | 1645364 | 2 }}
| 3,897
| {{Percentage | 3897 | 1690066 | 2 }}
| 7,894
| {{Percentage | 7894 | 1724480 | 2 }}
| 7,610
| {{Percentage | 7610 | 1737801 | 2 }}
| 8,948
| {{Percentage | 8948 | 1831253 | 2 }}
| 12,245
| {{Percentage | 12245 | 2036428 | 2 }}
| 30,837
| {{Percentage | 30837 | 2082093 | 2 }}
| 22,845
| {{Percentage | 22845 | 2546768 | 2 }}
| 44,914
| {{Percentage | 44914 | 3460434 | 2 }}
| 79,896
| {{Percentage | 79896 | 6864602 | 2 }}
|-
! [[Jainism]] [[File:Jain_Prateek_Chihna.svg|15px]]
| 536
| {{Percentage | 536 | 1539433 | 2 }}
| 388
| {{Percentage | 388 | 1645364 | 2 }}
| 483
| {{Percentage | 483 | 1690066 | 2 }}
| 358
| {{Percentage | 358 | 1724480 | 2 }}
| 356
| {{Percentage | 356 | 1737801 | 2 }}
| 291
| {{Percentage | 291 | 1831253 | 2 }}
| 425
| {{Percentage | 425 | 2036428 | 2 }}
| 1,364
| {{Percentage | 1364 | 2082093 | 2 }}
| 358
| {{Percentage | 358 | 2546768 | 2 }}
| 626
| {{Percentage | 626 | 3460434 | 2 }}
| 1,805
| {{Percentage | 1805 | 6864602 | 2 }}
|-
! [[Zoroastrianism]] [[File:Faravahar.svg|15px]]
| 4
| {{Percentage | 4 | 1539433 | 2 }}
| 13
| {{Percentage | 13 | 1645364 | 2 }}
| 7
| {{Percentage | 7 | 1690066 | 2 }}
| 18
| {{Percentage | 18 | 1724480 | 2 }}
| 40
| {{Percentage | 40 | 1737801 | 2 }}
| 3
| {{Percentage | 3 | 1831253 | 2 }}
| 3,895{{efn|name=1941CensusEnumeration}}
| {{Percentage | 3895 | 2036428 | 2 }}
| 13
| {{Percentage | 13 | 2082093 | 2 }}
| 7
| {{Percentage | 7 | 2546768 | 2 }}
| 51
| {{Percentage | 51 | 3460434 | 2 }}
| {{N/a}}
| {{N/a}}
|-
! [[Judaism]] [[File:Star_of_David.svg|15px]]
| {{N/a}}
| {{N/a}}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 1645364 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 1690066 | 2 }}
| 3
| {{Percentage | 3 | 1724480 | 2 }}
| 1
| {{Percentage | 1 | 1737801 | 2 }}
| 1
| {{Percentage | 1 | 1831253 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 2036428 | 2 }}
| 12
| {{Percentage | 12 | 2082093 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 2546768 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 3460434 | 2 }}
| {{N/a}}
| {{N/a}}
|-
! Others
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 1539433 | 2 }}
| 5
| {{Percentage | 5 | 1645364 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 1690066 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 1724480 | 2 }}
| 4
| {{Percentage | 4 | 1737801 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 1831253 | 2 }}
| 1
| {{Percentage | 1 | 2036428 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 2082093 | 2 }}
| 125
| {{Percentage | 125 | 2546768 | 2 }}
| 396
| {{Percentage | 396 | 3460434 | 2 }}
| 8,950
| {{Percentage | 8950 | 6864602 | 2 }}
|-
! Total population
! 1,539,433
! {{Percentage | 1539433 | 1539433 | 2 }}
! 1,645,364
! {{Percentage | 1645364 | 1645364 | 2 }}
! 1,690,066
! {{Percentage | 1690066 | 1690066 | 2 }}
! 1,724,480
! {{Percentage | 1724480 | 1724480 | 2 }}
! 1,737,801
! {{Percentage | 1737801 | 1737801 | 2 }}
! 1,831,253
! {{Percentage | 1831253 | 1831253 | 2 }}
! 2,036,428
! {{Percentage | 2036428 | 2036428 | 2 }}
! 2,082,093
! {{Percentage | 2082093 | 2082093 | 2 }}
! 2,546,768
! {{Percentage | 2546768 | 2546768 | 2 }}
! 3,460,434
! {{Percentage | 3460434 | 3460434 | 2 }}
! 6,864,602
! {{Percentage | 6864602 | 6864602 | 2 }}
|- class="sortbottom"
|}
</div>
== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Himachal Pradesh}}
Himachal Pradesh was one of the few states that had remained largely untouched by external customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. With remarkable economic and social advancements, the state has changed rapidly.<ref name="HPS2">{{cite web |url=http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2015/01/28/himachal-pradesh-secrets-of-success |title=Himachal Pradesh: Secrets of Success |publisher=[[World Bank]] |date=28 January 2015|access-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419183745/http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2015/01/28/himachal-pradesh-secrets-of-success|archive-date=19 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Himachal Pradesh is a multilingual state like other Indian states. [[Western Pahari]] languages also known as Himachali languages are widely spoken in the state. Some of the most commonly spoken Pahadi lects are [[Kangri language|Kangri]], [[Mandeali|Mandyali]], [[Kullu language|Kullvi]], [[Chambeali language|Chambeali]], [[Bharmauri language|Bharmauri]] and [[Kinnauri language|Kinnauri]].<ref name=dem2>{{cite web |url=http://123himachal.com/himachal/info.htm |title=The people and tribes|access-date = 20 May 2007 |publisher=www.123himachal.com|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725003908/http://123himachal.com/himachal/info.htm|archive-date = 25 July 2011|url-status = live }}</ref>
{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| align = left
| total_width = 400
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana at the Hermitage of Bharadvaja Page from a dispersed Ramayana (Story of King Rama), ca. 1780.jpg
| caption1 = [[Kangra painting]] depicting a scene from the [[Ramayana]], ca. 1780
| image2 = Facade of Lakshana Devi Temple, Bharmour (edited).jpg
| caption2 = Intricate wood carvings of 7-century [[Lakshana Devi Temple, Bharmour|Lakshana Devi Temple]] in [[Bharmour]]
}}
Himachal is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, [[Kullu shawl]]s, [[Kangra painting]]s, [[Chamba Rumal]]s, [[Shawl#stole|stoles]], embroidered grass footwear (''Pullan chappal''), silver jewellery, metal ware, knitted woolen socks, ''Pattoo'', basketry of cane and bamboo (''Wicker'' and ''Rattan'') and woodwork are among the notable ones.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.craftscouncilofindia.org/indian-crafts-map/himachal-pradesh/ |title=Indian Crafts Map: Himachal Pradesh |website=Crafts Council of India|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417023642/https://www.craftscouncilofindia.org/indian-crafts-map/himachal-pradesh/|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NISCAIR">{{cite web |url=http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/569/1/IJTK%207%281%29%20%282008%29%2056-61.pdf |title=Traditional handicrafts and handloom of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh |author1=Neetu Sharma |author2=Promila Kanwar |author3=Anju Rekha|access-date=16 April 2018 |publisher=NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010141650/http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/569/1/IJTK%207(1)%20(2008)%2056-61.pdf|archive-date=10 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Himcrafts: H.P State Handicrafts and Handloom Corp. Ltd, Shimla |url=http://www.himcrafts.com/ |website=Himcrafts|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417023455/http://www.himcrafts.com/|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Of late, the demand for these handicrafts has increased within and outside the country.<ref name="NISCAIR" />
Himachali caps of various colour bands are also well-known local art work, and are often treated as a symbol of the Himachali identity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.himvani.com/47431/himachali-cap-culture-legacy-heritage/ |publisher=Himvani |date=3 February 2018 |author=Shruti Verma|access-date=12 March 2018 |title=The Himachali cap: Culture, legacy and heritage|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312173701/http://www.himvani.com/47431/himachali-cap-culture-legacy-heritage/|archive-date=12 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The colour of the Himachali caps has been an indicator of political loyalties in the hill state for a long period of time with [[Indian National Congress|Congress party]] leaders like [[Virbhadra Singh]] donning caps with green band and the rival [[BJP]] leader [[Prem Kumar Dhumal]] wearing a cap with maroon band.<ref name="caphp">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/cap-likely-cap-politics-himachal-pradesh-1502563887.html |title=Cap likely on 'cap politics' in Himachal Pradesh |author=Archana Phull |newspaper=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |date=14 January 2018|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092147/https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/cap-likely-cap-politics-himachal-pradesh-1502563887.html|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-s-cap-in-israel-takes-political-hue-in-himachal/story-JJH2Dk9H1LQ1xPF2m3hFiM.html |title=PM Modi's cap in Israel takes political hue in Himachal |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=6 July 2017 |author=Gaurav Bisht|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092408/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-s-cap-in-israel-takes-political-hue-in-himachal/story-JJH2Dk9H1LQ1xPF2m3hFiM.html|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The former has served six terms as the [[Chief Minister (India)|Chief Minister]] of the state while the latter is a two-time Chief Minister.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/prem-kumar-dhumalvirbhadra-singh-tale-of-two-captains-their-wins-and-losses/articleshow/62122764.cms |title=Prem Kumar Dhumal, Virbhadra Singh: Tale of two captains, their wins and losses |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |author=PTI |date=18 December 2017|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313032814/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/prem-kumar-dhumalvirbhadra-singh-tale-of-two-captains-their-wins-and-losses/articleshow/62122764.cms|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Local music and dance also reflect the cultural identity of the state. Through their dance and music, the Himachali people entreat their gods during local festivals and other special occasions.<ref name="MOI1" />
{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| align = right
| total_width = 400
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Kinnauri Nati dance.jpg
| caption1 = Kinnauri [[Nati (dance)|Nati]] performance
| image2 = Gaddi shepherds having a good time (16260304116).jpg
| caption2 = [[Gaddi people|Gaddi]] nomads smoking [[hookah]]
}}
There are national and regional fairs and festivals, including temple fairs in nearly every region.<ref name="MOI1">{{cite web |url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/himachal-pradesh/fair-festivals-and-events.html |title=Fair Festivals and Events of Himachal Pradesh |website=Maps of India|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417024222/https://www.mapsofindia.com/himachal-pradesh/fair-festivals-and-events.html|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="KULF">{{cite web |url=http://www.himachaltourism.org/fairs-festivals-of-himachal.html |title=Fairs & Festivals of Himachal |website=Himachal Tourism|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417023703/http://www.himachaltourism.org/fairs-festivals-of-himachal.html|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Kullu Dussehra|Kullu Dussehra, Minjar mela and Mahashivratri Mandi]] festival is nationally known.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.himachaltourism.org/kullu-dussehra-kullu.html |title=Kullu Dussehra, Kullu |website=Himachal Tourism|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417023143/http://www.himachaltourism.org/kullu-dussehra-kullu.html|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The day-to-day cuisine of ''Himachalis'' is similar to the rest of northern India with [[Punjabi cuisine|Punjabi]] and [[Tibetan cuisine|Tibetan]] influences.<ref name="MOI">{{cite web |url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/himachal-pradesh/food.html |title=Himachal Pradesh Food and Cuisine |website=Maps of India|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417024123/https://www.mapsofindia.com/himachal-pradesh/food.html|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Lentil]]s (''Dāl''), [[rice]] ({{lang|hi|chāwal}} or {{lang|hi|bhāț}}), [[vegetable]]s ({{lang|hi|sabzī}}) and [[chapati]] (wheat flatbread) form the staple food of the local population.<ref name="MOI" /> Non-vegetarian food is more widely accepted in Himachal Pradesh than elsewhere in India, partly due to the scarcity of fresh vegetables on the hilly terrain of the state.<ref name="HPfood">{{cite web |url=https://food.ndtv.com/lists/himachal-pradesh-food-10-best-recipes-1442434 |title=Himachal Pradesh Food: 10 Best Recipes |publisher=[[NDTV]] |author=NDTV Food |date=10 August 2016|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031615/https://food.ndtv.com/lists/himachal-pradesh-food-10-best-recipes-1442434|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
Himachali specialities include Siddu, Babru, Khatta, Mhanee, Channa Madra, Patrode, Mah ki dal, Chamba-style fried fish, Kullu trout, Chha Gosht, Pahadi Chicken, Sepu Badi, Auriya Kaddu, Aloo palda, Pateer, [[Makki di roti]], [[Sarson ka saag]], [[Chamba Chukh]] (Chouck), Bhagjery, [[Chutney]] of Til, etc.
=== Notable people ===
{{Main|List of people from Himachal Pradesh}}
== Education ==
{{Main|Education in Himachal Pradesh}}
{{See also|List of institutions of higher education in Himachal Pradesh}}
[[File:Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital at Shimla.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|[[Indira Gandhi Medical College]] and Hospital at [[Shimla]]]]
At the time of Independence, Himachal Pradesh had a literacy rate of 8% – one of the lowest in the country.<ref name="Planning Commission -2017">{{cite web |url=http://planningcommission.gov.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_hp/sdr_hpch7.pdf |page=14 |title=Himachal Pradesh Development Report: Chapter 7 Education|access-date=26 April 2018 |publisher=[[Planning Commission (India)]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215054945/http://planningcommission.gov.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_hp/sdr_hpch7.pdf|archive-date=15 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> By 2011, the literacy rate surged to 82.8%,<ref name="HPOP" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/himachal-female-literacy-rate-touches-80-per-cent/1/273153.html |magazine=[[India Today]] |title=In Himachal, where 90 per cent people live in villages, female literacy rate touches 80 per cent|access-date=31 May 2016 |date=26 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807035753/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/himachal-female-literacy-rate-touches-80-per-cent/1/273153.html|archive-date=7 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> making Himachal one of the most-literate states in the country. There are over 10,000 primary schools, 1,000 secondary schools and more than 1,300 high schools in the state.<ref name="eduprofile22">{{cite web |url=http://himachal.nic.in/educ |title=Factual source on Education in Himachal |publisher=Government of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070430135006/http://himachal.nic.in/educ/|archive-date=30 April 2007|access-date=16 March 2007}}</ref> In meeting the constitutional obligation to make primary education compulsory, Himachal became the first state in India to make elementary education accessible to every child.<ref name="eduprofile32">{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030629/himachal.htm |title=Educational updates- Himachal |last=Dua |first=H.K. |work=The Tribune Trust, 2006 |publisher=The Tribune House|access-date=16 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209173926/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030629/himachal.htm|archive-date=9 February 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> Himachal Pradesh is an exception to the nationwide gender bias in education levels.<ref>De, Anuradha & Khera, Reetika & Samson, Meera & Shiva Kumar, A. K., 2011. ''"Probe Revisited: A Report on Elementary Education in India''", OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198071570.</ref> The state has a female literacy rate of around 76%.<ref>Government of India. Census of India (2011)</ref> In addition, school enrolment and participation rates for girls are almost universal at the primary level. While higher levels of education do reflect a gender-based disparity, Himachal is still significantly ahead of other states at bridging the gap.<ref name="Dreze-1999">{{Cite journal |last=Dreze |first=J. |date=May 1999 |title=A surprising exception. Himachal's success in promoting female education |journal=Manushi |issue=112 |pages=12–17 |issn=0257-7305 |pmid=12295760}}</ref> The [[Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur]] District in particular stands out for high literacy rates across all metrics of measurement.<ref name="eduprofile4">{{cite web |url=http://www.himachaleducation.net/EducationProfile/ |title=Educational Profile of Himachal Pradesh |work=General Overview of Education in Himachal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202005233/http://www.himachaleducation.net/educationprofile|archive-date=2 February 2008|access-date=16 March 2007}}</ref>
The state government has played an instrumental role in the rise of literacy in the state by spending a significant proportion of the state's GDP on education. During the first six five-year plans, most of the development expenditure in the education sector was utilised in quantitative expansion, but after the seventh five-year-plan the state government switched emphasis on qualitative improvement and modernisation of education.<ref name="Planning Commission -2017" /> To raise the number of the teaching staff at primary schools they appointed over 1000 teacher aids through the Vidya Upasak Yojna in 2001.<ref name="Planning Commission -2017" /> The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is another HP government initiative that not only aims for universal elementary education but also encourages communities to engage in the management of schools.<ref name="Edumis-2018">{{cite web |url=http://www.edumis.hp.gov.in/homeContent/20 |title=Himachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan & Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan |website=edumis.hp.gov.in|access-date=26 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426213716/http://www.edumis.hp.gov.in/homeContent/20|archive-date=26 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Rashtriya Madhayamic Shiksha Abhiyan launched in 2009, is a similar scheme but focuses on improving access to quality secondary education.<ref name="Edumis-2018" />
[[File:Institue OF Advance Studues In Shimla.JPG|thumb|left|[[Indian Institute of Advanced Study]] at [[Shimla]]]]
[[File:IIT Mandi Campus from Griffon Peak Jan 2020 D72 13785.jpg|thumb|right|IIT Mandi campus, Jan '20]]
The standard of education in the state has reached a considerably high level as compared to other states in India<ref name="eduprofile4" /> with several reputed educational institutes for higher studies. The [[Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technologies]], [[Indian Institute of Technology Mandi]], [[Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur]], [[Himachal Pradesh University]] in Shimla, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala, [[National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur]], [[Indian Institute of Information Technology Una]], [[Alakh Prakash Goyal University]], [[Maharaja Agrasen University]], [[Himachal Pradesh National Law University]] are some of the notable universities in the state. [[Indira Gandhi Medical College]] and Hospital in Shimla, [[Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Kangra|Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College]] in [[Kangra, Himachal Pradesh|Kangra]], Rajiv Gandhi Government Post Graduate Ayurvedic College in Paprola and Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital in Kumarhatti are the prominent medical institutes in the state. Besides these, there is a Government Dental College in Shimla which is the state's first recognised dental institute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.igmcshimla.org/about_IGMC.htm |title=IGMC-home |publisher=Igmcshimla.org |access-date=7 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222170103/http://www.igmcshimla.org/about_IGMC.htm |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The state government has also decided to start three major nursing colleges to develop the healthcare system of the state.<ref name="eduprofile" /> [[Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya|CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalya Palampur]] is one of the most renowned hill agriculture institutes in the world. [[Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry]] has earned a unique distinction in India for imparting teaching, research and extension education in horticulture, forestry and allied disciplines. Further, state-run [[Jawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering College]] was inaugurated in 2006 at [[Sundernagar]].<ref name="eduprofile">{{cite web |url=http://www.himachaleducation.net/EducationProfile/ |title=Educational Profile of Himachal Pradesh| access-date = 16 March 2007 |work=General Overview of Education in Himachal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202005233/http://www.himachaleducation.net/educationprofile |archive-date=2 February 2008}}</ref>
Himachal Pradesh also hosts a campus of the fashion college, [[National Institute of Fashion Technology]] (NIFT) in [[Kangra, Himachal Pradesh|Kangra]].
== State profile ==
Source: ''Department of Information and Public Relations.''<ref name="Himachal at a Glance">{{cite web |url=http://www.himachalpr.gov.in/hpglance.asp |title=Himachal at a Glance |publisher=Himachalpr.gov.in | access-date = 15 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816165620/http://himachalpr.gov.in/hpglance.asp |archive-date=16 August 2013}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Area || 55,673 km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| Total population || 7,781,244
|-
| Males ||3,946,646
|-
| Females ||3,834,598
|-
| Population density || 123
|-
| Sex ratio || 972<ref name="census 2011">{{cite web |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/states.php |title=States Census 2011 |website=Census 2011|access-date=15 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128124940/https://www.census2011.co.in/states.php|archive-date=28 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Rural population || 6,176,050<ref name="HP profile 2011">{{citation |last1=((Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India)) |first1=((Ministry of Home Affairs)) |title=Himachal Pradesh Profile |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND002_Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf |work=Census of India |publisher=Government of India |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-date=24 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124180937/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND002_Himachal%20Pradesh.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| Urban population || 688,552<ref name="HP profile 2011"/>
|-
| Scheduled Caste population || 1,729,252
|-
| Scheduled Tribe population || 392,126
|-
| Literacy rate || 83.78%<ref name="HP profile 2011"/>
|-
| Male literacy || 90.83%<ref name="HP profile 2011"/>
|-
| Female literacy || 76.60%<ref name="HP profile 2011"/>
|-
| Capitals || 2
|-
| Districts || 12
|-
| Sub-divisions || 71
|-
| Tehsils || 169
|-
| Sub-tehsils || 38
|-
| Developmental blocks || 78
|-
| Towns || 59
|-
| Panchayats || 3,243
|-
| Panchayat smities || 77
|-
| Zila parishad || 12
|-
| Urban local bodies || 59
|-
| Nagar nigams || 2
|-
| Nagar parishads || 25
|-
| Nagar panchayats || 23
|-
| Census villages || 20,690
|-
| Inhabited villages || 17,882
|-
| Health institutions || 3,866
|-
| Educational institutions || 17,000
|-
| Motorable roads || 33,722 km
|-
| National highways || 8
|-
| Identified hydroelectric potential || 23,000.43 MW in five rivers basins, i.e., Yamuna, Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Himurja
|-
| Potential harnessed || 10,264 MW<ref name="growth ToI">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/Economic-Survey-projects-Himachal-Pradeshs-growth-rate-at-7-7/articleshow/51266064.cms |title=Economic Survey projects Himachal Pradesh's growth rate at 7.7% |work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429043606/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/Economic-Survey-projects-Himachal-Pradeshs-growth-rate-at-7-7/articleshow/51266064.cms|archive-date=29 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Food grain production || 15.28lakh MT
|-
| Vegetable production || 18.67 lakh MT
|-
| Fruit production || 1,027,000 tonnes
|-
| Per capita income || {{INR}}2,01,854 (2021–22)<ref name="HPG1" />
|-
| Social Security pensions || 237,250 persons, annual expenditure: over {{INR}} 600 million
|-
| Investment in industrial areas || {{INR}} 273.80 billion, employment opportunities: Over 337,391
|-
| Employment generated in government sector || 2,17,142<nowiki/>
|}
== See also ==
*[[Outline of Himachal Pradesh]]
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}
== Further reading ==
{{refbegin|30em}}
*{{cite book |last1=Ahluwalia |given1=M.S. |year=1998 |title=Social, Cultural and Economic History of Himachal Pradesh |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=81-7387-089-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tG0fnF0VRk0C&q=himachal+history |access-date=31 March 2008 |ref=none }}
*{{cite book |last1=Batta |given1=R.N. |year=2000 |title=Tourism and the Environment: A Quest for Sustainability |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=81-7387-110-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lDJrdjwM7qYC&q=himachal |access-date=31 March 2008 |ref=none }}
*{{cite book |last1=Singh |given1=Mian Govardhan |year=2000 |title=Himachal Pradesh: History, Culture & Economy |editor1=C.L. Gupta |editor2=Kulbhushan Chandel |edition=extensively revised |publisher=Minerva Publishers & Distributors |___location=Shimla. |ref=none}}
*{{cite book |last1=Singh |given1=Sarina |year=2005 |title=India |publisher=Lonely Planet |isbn=1-74059-694-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/lonelyplanetindi00sari_1 |url-access=registration |quote=Himachal History. |access-date=31 March 2008 |ref=none }}
*{{cite book |last1=Tiwari |given1=A.K. |year=2000 |title=Infrastructure and Economic Development in Himachal Pradesh |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=81-7387-105-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aaXQwI5j9-MC&q=himachal |access-date=31 March 2008 |ref=none |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328161836/https://books.google.com/books?id=aaXQwI5j9-MC&q=himachal#v=snippet&q=himachal&f=false |url-status=live }}
*{{cite book |last1=Verma |given1=V. |year=1995 |title=The Emergence of Himachal Pradesh: A Survey of Constitutional Developments |publisher=Indus Publishing |___location=Himachal Pradesh (India) |isbn=81-7387-035-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QpWloqN5LTAC&q=himachal+history |access-date=15 June 2011 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328161918/https://books.google.com/books?id=QpWloqN5LTAC&q=himachal+history#v=snippet&q=himachal%20history&f=false |url-status=live }}
*{{cite book |author=United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |year=2002 |title=Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2002 |publisher=Government of Himachal Pradesh |isbn=0-19-521915-5 |url=https://archive.org/details/humandevelopment0000unse_h2n6 |access-date=31 March 2008 |ref=none |url-access=registration }}
*[http://hpplanning.nic.in/statistics&data.htm Statistics and Data, Planning Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829084306/http://hpplanning.nic.in/statistics%26data.htm |date=29 August 2019 }}
{{refend}}
== External links ==
{{Sister project links|voy=Himachal Pradesh}}
; Government
*[http://himachal.nic.in/en-IN/ The official site of Himachal Pradesh]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100324124730/http://himachaltourism.gov.in/ The official tourism site of Himachal Pradesh, India]
; General information
*{{Britannica|266009}}
*{{osmrelation-inline|364186}}
{{Himachal Pradesh topics}}
{{States and Union Territories of India}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:States and territories established in 1971]]
[[Category:1971 establishments in India]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]
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