
Himachal Pradesh is one of the fastest-growing states in India. Located in the western Himalayas, the state is known for its beautiful hill stations. Famous for its natural environment, the state attracted tourists 3 times the size of its population in 2015-16. With five perennial rivers flowing through the state, Himachal Pradesh has the potential to contribute 26% of the total hydropower requirement of India.
Agriculture is the main source of income and employment in Himachal with about 90% population dependent on it for their livelihood. Himachal is the second-largest producer of apples in the country and is home to Asia’s largest pharmaceutical hub. The state (including Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana) has attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflows worth US$ 2.15 billion during the period April 2000 to June 2019,, according to data released by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
The state’s per capita GSDP in 2018-19 was Rs 206,138.09 (US$ 2,857.08).
Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Himalayan landscapes and popular hill-stations. In 2015-16, the state witnessed tourists three times the size of its population. The tourism sector contributed over 6.6% to the state’s GDP in 2017.
The agro and food processing sector contributes about 10% to the state GDP. Major crops grown in Himachal Pradesh include rice, maize, potato, ginger, etc. The state is one of the leading producers of off-season vegetable.
With five perennial rivers flowing through the state, Himachal Pradesh has the potential to contribute 26% of the total hydropower requirement of India. The state has a total installed hydropower generation capacity of 2,910 MW.
Himachal is home to Asia’s largest pharmaceutical hub. Over 300 pharmaceutical companies, including Ranbaxy, Dr.Reddy’s, Morepen and Torrent Pharmaceuticals have set up operations in the state. The state is also active in Ayurvedic ways of treatment.
Andhra Pradesh, the 10th most populated state in India, is home to about 4.1% of the country's total population. The state's population of 49.4 mn is equivalent to the population of Spain.