a state in northern India. Area, 55,600 sq km. Population, 3.6 million (1975). The administrative center is the city of Simla. The territory of Himachal Pradesh is dissected from northwest to southeast by ranges of the western Himalayas. From southwest to northeast run the Siwalik Range (700–1,000 m in elevation), the Dhaoladhar Range (4,000–5,000 m), the Great Himalayas, and the Zaskar Range, with individual peaks of 6,000–7,000 m. The upper courses of the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Chenab rivers flow through the state. The state’s vegetation includes coniferous and broad-leaved forests.
The primary occupation of the inhabitants of Himachal Pradesh is agriculture. In the river valleys, crops of wheat, corn, barley, rice, and potatoes are cultivated. Apples, peaches, apricots, nuts, and pomegranates are also grown, and medicinal herbs and plants are gathered. Rock salt is mined. Handicrafts in the state include the processing of hides and skins and the making of woolen yarn, shawls, and fabrics. The forest industry accounts for more than one-third of the state’s income. Rosin and turpentine are produced in Nahan and Bilaspur, and cement is made in Rajban. Simla is a mountain resort.