After it's separation from Uttar Pradesh, UTTARAKHAND became the 27th State of the republic of India. Geographically, UTTARAKHAND is located in the foothills of Himalayas and shares border with Nepal in the East and China in North. Himachal Pradesh in the northwest and UttarPradesh on its South, share territorial borders. UTTARAKHAND, with Dehradun, the so called ''Oxford of India'',as its Capital
city; is diverse in many ways. With almost all major climatic zones, it is a heaven for all 175 rare species of medicinal plants along with agriculture, horticulture and floriculture. With its immense mineral wealth, the state supports a large number of small scale and large scale industries, thus providing employment to thousands.Most of the industries are forest based, perhaps due to its rich water resources and dense forests. Its snow-clad mountain peaks have a charismatic affect on a number of tourists who love visiting here. Although, UTTARAKHAND is usually associated with it's natural beauty and it's rightfully earned title of "DEV BHOOMI"- God's own land; largely due to the presence of "CHAR DHAMAS"- the four most pious places of worship to Hindus, it is also synonymous to development and a healthy literacy rate. With abundant skilled and semi-skilled work force, UTTARAKHAND is setting mile stones year after year. The State has ideal conditions for growth in all sectors of economy. This has ensured huge inflows of investment in all sectors. The state of UTTARAKHAND has 13 big and small districts. Dehradun in not only its Capital city but also an education hub, with some of its world acclaimed schools and Colleges. It also houses some important Government agencies like IMA, FRI, ONGC and many more. Undoubtedly, Dehradun is the most developed part of UTTARAKHAND. A number of hill stations like ''The Queen of hills''- Mussoorie, Almora, Auli, Chakrata, Chamba, Choukari and Dunagiri make UTTARAKHAND one of the most picturesque state in the country. It also stores some major pilgrim destinations and holy Temples. The four “Dhamas” - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath top the list. Be it Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world and home to the biggest agglomeration of meditation centres and temples or places like Bhojwasa,Binsar, Jageshwar,Nanital-the lake district, Haridwar-the home to ''Kumbh fair''(the world's largest); all quench the religious thirst of millions. Where on one hand UTTARAKHAND has India'' oldest National park- Corbett National Park and the new favorite- Valley of flowers National Park, on the other, it has the engineering marvel of 21st Century- The majestic "TEHRI DAM"- one of the largest in Asia. Other hot spots include Peora, Bigul, Nacheketa taal, Gopeshwar, Bhowali, Pithoragarh and Mukteshwar. People of UTTARAKHAND are fluent in Hindi Language. Local languages include Kumaoni and Garhwali. The educated lot speaks English as well. UTTARAKHAND is well connected to all major highways in this part of the country, with Haridwar being the most popular entrance gate. Kotdwar is among many other ways to enter UTTARAKHAND.
