Location:
Punjab is situated in the northwest of India, bordered by Pakistan on the west, the Indian states of Jammu & Kashmir on the north, Himachal Pradesh on its northeast, Haryana and Rajasthan to its south. Find Punjab on the globe at 29’ 30’’ N to 32’ 32’’ N latitude and 73’ 55 E to 76’ 50 E longitude. The state capital is Chandigarh.

Punjab is Haryana's neighbouring state; Haryana having being carved out of Punjab in 1966. Chandigarh is the joint capital of both the states. Enterprise and endeavour, these two words symbolize the essential spirit of the people of Punjab. For over 50 years since independence, the state has earned its epithet: 'Granary of India' through the enterprising spirit, and untiring toil of its people. Its growth rate is amongst the highest in the country, clearly reflecting the progressive economy of the state. With a 58% literacy rate, Punjab has the highest per capita income of all the states in India. The major cities in Punjab are Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Patiala.

Major Features:
Most of Punjab is a fertile plain; toward the southeast one finds semi-arid and desert landscape; a belt of undulating hills extends along the northeast at the foot of the Himalayas. Three rivers, the Ravi, Beas and Sutluj flow across the state in a south-westerly direction. They have numerous seasonal tributaries. In addition, Punjab is irrigated by an extensive canal system. A barrage built in 1953 on the confluence of rivers Sutluj and Beas near Harike town resulted in the creation of Harike Lake. The Harike wetland is a major attraction for migratory birds in winter.

Punjab at a glance:
Date of formation:
Capital: Chandigarh
Area: 50,362 sq km
Districts:
Cities & Towns: 157
Roads:
National Highways ( km):
Population: 24,358,999; Male 12,985,045; Female 11,373,954.
Projected Population as on 1st March 2008 (000'): 26,591
Languages: Punjabi and Hindi. Many people are fluent in English and Urdu.
Literacy: % (1991 census)
Climate:
State Animal: Black Buck or Kala Hiran is a graceful antelope, with a striking colour and spiralled horns. The fawn’s coat is yellowish but it turns black at maturity. It is found in the plains and avoids forests and hilly tracks. Mostly found in herds of 20-30, large herds may number several hundreds.
State Bird: Baaz (Eastern Goshawk)
State Tree: Shisham
State Flower: To be declared