Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, the "land of the dawn-lit mountains", is India's north-easternmost state, where the sun rises first in the country. It is a land of high Himalayan passes, deep river valleys and dense forests, home to many indigenous communities such as the Adi, Apatani, Nyishi, Monpa and Mishmi, each with its own language, dress and festivals.

Visitors come for the Buddhist monastery at Tawang, the Apatani rice fields of Ziro, the wildlife of Namdapha National Park and some of the least-explored mountain landscapes in India. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit to enter.

The region was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) after independence. It became the union territory of Arunachal Pradesh in 1972 and a full state on 20 February 1987.

Most of the state is mountainous, rising from the foothills bordering Assam to the high Himalaya along the border with China and Bhutan. Major rivers include the Siang (the upper Brahmaputra), Subansiri, Kameng, Dibang and Lohit. It is one of the most biologically rich regions of India, with forests ranging from tropical to alpine.

Agriculture, horticulture (oranges, kiwi, apples) and forestry support most people. The state has large hydroelectric potential and a growing tourism sector.

English is the official language, and the state has a remarkable diversity of tribal languages. Festivals include Losar of the Monpa, Solung of the Adi and Dree of the Apatani. Weaving, bamboo and cane craft are important traditions.