Manipur literally means the land of the gems. This north-eastern state surrounded by Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram has an international border with Burma in the east. Manipur formally became a part of the Indian Union in 1949 and a state in 1972.

Area : 22,327 square kilometres
Population : 23,88,068.
State Language : Manipuri.
Capital : Imphal.

Literacy rate : 59.9%.

Physiography :
Manipur is geographically divided into two distinct tracts– hills and plains. Manipur's hill ranges form parts of the Indo-Burmese Mountain arc, often referred to as the eastern arm of the Himalayas. Though predominantly a hill state, it is watered by the rivers Imphal, Iril, Thoubal, Irang and Barak, which flow from north to south. At its centre is Lake Loktak into which several rivers drain. There are other lakes in the central area. They are used for fishing and duck shooting as well as for boat races.
To the south of Lake Loktak is the Keibul Lamjao game sanctuary famous for its brow- antlered deer found only in Manipur. The Loktak multi-purpose project completed in 1982, has made an impact on the economic development of north-eastern India.

General Information :
More than 2/3rds of the state's area is covered by forests, but these forests are poor in quality and difficult to access. Bamboo and teak are common and magnolia and oak, widespread. Elephants, rhinoceroses and tigers were once common in these forests.

People :
The characteristics of the Manipuri people vary according to geographical divisions.

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