Uttarakhand borders Tibet in the north-east and Nepal to the south-east, while its neighbouring states are Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Dehradun is the rail-head in the region. The High Court is situated in the district of Nainital.

Uttarakhand has traditionally been divided into two parts, the eastern region going by the name of Kumaon and the western half known as Garhwal. The native people of Uttarakhand call themselves Paharis (hill people), the majority of whom are Hindus. Other ethnic communities in the region include Gujjars and Nepalis.

Uttarakhand is a region of outstanding natural beauty. Most of the northern parts of the state are covered by the high Himalayan ranges and glaciers, while the lower reaches are densely forested. The unique Himalayan ecosystem plays host to a large number of animals (including bharal, snow leopards, leopards and tigers), plants and rare herbs. Two of India's mightiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna take birth in the glaciers of Uttarakhand, and are fed by innumerable lakes, glacial melts and streams in the region.

The tourism industry is a major contributor to the economy of Uttarakhand, with hill-stations at Mussoorie, Ranikhet, Kausani, Auli and Nainital being some of the most frequented destinations. To this region also belong some of the holiest Hindu shrines, and for almost 2000 years now pilgrims have been visiting the temples at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath in the hope of salvation and purification from sin.

Districts:
Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Hardwar, Pauri Garhwal, Bageswar, Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar.

Major Peaks:
Gauri Parvat (6590m), Gangotri (6614m), Panch Chhuli(6910m), Nanda Devi (7816m), Nanda Kot (6861m), Kamet(7756m), Badrinath (7140m), Trishul (7120m), Chaukhamba (7138m), Dunagiri (7066m)

Major Passes:
Mana (5450m), Nitipass (5070m), Lipulekh(5122m), LumpiaDhura (5650m)

Railway Stations:
Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Lalkuan, Kathgodam, Tanakpur.

Airports:
Pant Nagar, Nainisaine, Jolly Grant

Festivals:
Uttarani, Nanda Devi Mela, Holi, Diwali, Dasara, Kandali, Hilljatra, Bikhoti, Bagwal, Harela, Ghugutee.

Uttarakhand at a glance:
Date of formation: Uttarakhand became the 27th state of India on November 9, 2000.
Capital: Dehradun
Area: 53,483 sq km
Districts: 13
Cities & Towns:
Roads:
National Highways ( km):
Population: 8,489,349; Male 4,325,924; Female 4,163,425.
Projected Population as on 1st March 2008 (000'): 9,497
Languages:
Literacy: % (1991 census)
Climate:
State Animal:
State Bird:
State Tree:
State Flower: To be declared