State of India
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India with its capital at Shimla. The 2011 Census recorded a population of 6,864,602 over an area of about 55,673 km².
Overview
Himachal Pradesh, the "land of snow", is a mountain state of apple orchards, pine and deodar forests, and snowy peaks. Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, Manali and the Kullu valley, Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj – home of the Tibetan government-in-exile – and the high desert of Spiti and Lahaul make it one of India's favourite holiday destinations.
Districts of Himachal Pradesh
The district directory for Himachal Pradesh has not been published yet. Himachal Pradesh has 12 districts (as of January 2025).
History & formation
The hills were ruled by many small princely states. After independence they were brought together as a centrally administered territory in 1948, enlarged in 1966, and Himachal Pradesh became a full state on 25 January 1971.
Geography
The state rises from the Shivalik foothills through the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges to the Great Himalaya and the trans-Himalayan cold desert of Spiti. The Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Yamuna rivers flow through it. The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects alpine meadows and forests in Kullu.
Rivers, mountains & protected areas
Economy, agriculture & industry
Horticulture – especially apples – hydropower, tourism and pharmaceutical manufacturing around Baddi are the main pillars of the economy.
Culture, festivals & cuisine
Hindi is the official language and Sanskrit the second official language, with Pahari dialects spoken widely. Kullu Dussehra and the Minjar fair of Chamba are famous festivals, Kangra miniature painting and Kullu shawls are celebrated crafts, and the Kalka–Shimla railway is part of the UNESCO-listed Mountain Railways of India.
State symbols
State symbols for Himachal Pradesh are awaiting editorial verification. We only list symbols confirmed by an official source.
Legislature & representation
Details| Legislature | Unicameral |
|---|---|
| Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) seats | 68 |
| Lok Sabha constituencies | 4 |
| Rajya Sabha seats | 3 |
Seat figures as of January 2025 · source.
Sources & references
- Census of India 2011 – state population and area – Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India (2011) , retrieved 10 Oct 2026 – Population and area Reported
- Election Commission of India – delimitation and seats – Election Commission of India , retrieved 10 Oct 2026 – Lok Sabha and Assembly seat counts Reported