Editing Uttar Pradesh

{{SHORTDESC: Indian State}}
{{Infobox Indian state
| name                    = Uttar Pradesh
| native_name             = उत्तर प्रदेश
| native_name_lang        = hi
| type                    = State
| image_skyline           = Taj Mahal 2012.jpg
| image_alt               = Taj Mahal
| image_caption           = The Taj Mahal in Agra
| image_map               = IN-UP.svg
| map_alt                 = Uttar Pradesh, a state in northern India
| map_caption             = Location of Uttar Pradesh in India
| coordinates             = 26.85°N 80.91°E
| coordinates_footnotes   = 
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_name        = India
| established_title       = Established
| established_date        = 24 January 1950
| seat_type               = Capital
| seat                    = Lucknow
| largest_city            = Kanpur
| largest_metro           = [[National Capital Region (India)|National Capital Region]]
| total_type              = Total
| area_total_km2          = 243286
| area_rank               = 4th
| elevation_max_m         = 957
| elevation_min_m         = 60
| population_total        = 241000000
| population_as_of        = 2021
| population_rank         = 1st
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_demonym      = Uttar Pradeshi
| timezone1               = IST
| utc_offset1             = +05:30
| iso_code                = IN-UP
| registration_plate      = UP
| website                 = [https://up.gov.in up.gov.in]
}}

'''Uttar Pradesh''' ({{IPA-hns|ˈʊtːəɾ pɾəˈdeːʃ|hi}}) is a state in northern India. With over 241 million inhabitants, it is the most populous state in India and the most populous country subdivision in the world, accounting for 16.5% of India's total population. The state covers an area of 243,286 square kilometers, making it the fourth-largest in India by area. Uttar Pradesh is bordered by [[Nepal]] to the north, and the Indian states of [[Uttarakhand]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]] to the northwest, [[Haryana]], [[Delhi]], and [[Rajasthan]] to the west, [[Madhya Pradesh]] to the south, [[Chhattisgarh]] and [[Jharkhand]] to the southeast, and [[Bihar]] to the east. The state capital is [[Lucknow]], with [[Kanpur]] being its largest city.

== History ==
Uttar Pradesh has a rich historical heritage, recognized in the later Vedic Age as Brahmarshi Desha or Madhya Desha. It was home to many great sages of the Vedic times, such as Bhardwaja, Gautam, Yagyavalkaya, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, and Valmiki. The region inspired the two great Indian epics, the ''Ramayana'' and the ''Mahabharata''. During the medieval period, it was part of the [[Delhi Sultanate]] and later the [[Mughal Empire]]. In the British colonial period, it was known as the United Provinces, and in 1950, it was renamed Uttar Pradesh.

== Geography ==
Uttar Pradesh features diverse geographical features, from the [[Himalayas]] in the north to the [[Gangetic Plain]] in the center, and the [[Vindhya Range]] in the south. The [[Ganges]], [[Yamuna]], [[Saraswati]], [[Sarayu]], [[Betwa]], and [[Ghaghara]] are the major rivers flowing through the state.

=== Climate ===
The state experiences a humid subtropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 0°C in winter to over 45°C in summer. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings the majority of annual rainfall.

=== Flora and Fauna ===
Uttar Pradesh is home to diverse flora and fauna, including several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The [[Dudhwa National Park]] is notable for its population of tigers, leopards, and swamp deer.

== Divisions, Districts, and Cities ==
The state is divided into 18 divisions and 75 districts. Major cities include [[Lucknow]], [[Kanpur]], [[Ghaziabad]], [[Agra]], [[Varanasi]], and [[Meerut]].

== Demographics ==
As of 2021, Uttar Pradesh has a population of approximately 241 million people. The official language is Hindi, and Urdu is also recognized as a second official language. The state has a literacy rate of around 70%.

== Governance and Administration ==
Uttar Pradesh has a parliamentary system of government with a bicameral legislature, consisting of the [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] and the [[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council]]. The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, while the Chief Minister is the head of government.

== Economy ==
The economy of Uttar Pradesh is primarily based on agriculture, with major crops including wheat, rice, sugarcane, and potatoes. The state is also a hub for industries such as textiles, sugar, and leather. In recent years, there has been significant growth in the IT and service sectors.

== Transportation ==
Uttar Pradesh has an extensive transportation network, including roadways, railways, and airports. The state is well-connected to other parts of India, with major highways and railway lines passing through it. The [[Noida International Airport]] is an upcoming project aimed at enhancing air connectivity.

== Education ==
The state has a large number of educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and schools. Notable universities include [[Aligarh Muslim University]], [[Banaras Hindu University]], and [[Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur]].

== Culture ==
Uttar Pradesh is known for its rich cultural heritage, including classical music, dance, and literature. The state is famous for its festivals such as [[Diwali]], [[Holi]], and [[Eid]]. It is also renowned for its cuisine, including dishes like kebabs, biryani, and sweets like ''petha'' and ''pedha''.

== Recent Developments ==
In January 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government announced plans to privatize two of its four power distribution companies, Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam, to address issues of power losses and inadequate transmission infrastructure. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency and attract investment in the state's power sector. <ref>{{cite news |title=India's most populous state looks to privatise two power distribution firms |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-most-populous-state-looks-privatise-two-power-distribution-firms-2025-01-13/ |access-date=13 January 2025 |work=Reuters}}</ref>

== See Also ==
* [[List of districts of Uttar Pradesh]]
* [[Tourism in Uttar Pradesh]]
* [[Education in Uttar Pradesh]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==
* [https://up.gov.in Official website of Uttar Pradesh Government]
* [https://upstdc.co.in/ Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department]

[[Category: State]]
[[Category: Indian State]]