As its name suggests Madhya Pradesh is situated in the centre of India. It is the biggest state covering an area of 4,43,446 sq. km. Its tribal population is larger than that of any other state. Gonds, Bhils, Oraons, Korkens and Kols are the major tribes.
Area : 3,08,000 sq. km.
Population : 6,03,85,118.
Language : Hindi.
Capital : Bhopal is the capital.
Physiography :
The state occupies the Deccan plateau. The main river systems are the Chambal, the Betwa, the Narmada, the Tapti, the Mahanadi and the Indravati. The Narmada, one of the most sacred rivers of India, rises in the heart of the state and flows west. The Mahanadi flows eastward. The Chambal forms the northern border of the state with Rajasthan and UP. The ravines of Chambal are well known.
The Vindhyas and the Satpura are well known hill ranges.
Major Cities :
Major cities are Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Sagar, and Jabbalpur.
Flora & Fauna :
The state is well covered by forests. Teak, sal and bamboo are the most important commercial trees. The state is rich in wildlife. One can find, bison, black buck, deer, (chital and sambar) and wild buffalo besides many other smaller species of animals. Barasingha can be found only in Kanha National Park and white tigers in Shivpuri.
Crops :
Farming is the mainstay of the economy. Main food crops are jowar (sorghum), rice, wheat and some varieties of coarse millets.
Soya bean is produced on a large scale in many parts of the state today and the state can be considered as the largest producer of soya in the country.
