Nagaland

Capital : Kohima
Principal Languages : Nagamese (Official), English (Official), Ao, Sema, Konyak

Geography :

One of India's smallest states, Nagaland sits on the far eastern edge of northeast India. Bordered by Arunachal Pradesh on the north, Myanmar on the east, Manipur on the south, and Assam on the west, Nagaland is a hilly state of high mountains, deep gorges, lush valleys, and winding streams. The dominant geographic feature of the landscape is the Naga Hills, which run all the way through the state and contribute to the mountainous terrain

Important Cities - Towns and Religious - Tourist Place :

Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha, Zunhoboto.

Climate :

Nagaland's mountainous terrain also has a profound effect on the state's climate. During the winter months (October - February), temperatures range from about 39ºF to 75ºF (4ºC - 24ºC); summer months (March - June) bring temperatures up into the 60ºF - 90ºF (16ºC - 31ºC) range. Filling the gap between those months, the monsoon season sees heavy rains and temperatures slightly cooler than the summer. That majority of the states annual 98 inches (250 cm) of rain falls during this time.

Location :

Situated in the extreme northeast of the country, Nagaland is bound by Arunachal Pradesh in the north, Manipur in the south, Myanmar in the east and Assam in the west.

Culture :

Nagaland is made up of over 20 tribes, the largest being the Konyaks, then the Aos, Tangkhuls, Semas, and Angamis. Over time, the tribes remained relatively isolated from each other, and even today do not view themselves as one unified people. Despite this, the many tribes do share common cultural characteristics that help to create the loose, generic "Nagaland culture". Naga craftsmanship has been perfected in the creation of utility pieces and tools. People all around India know Nagaland as the producer of fine shawls, complicated bamboo and cane furniture, powerful machetes, beads, and woodcarvings. Tribal outfits take this craftsmanship to higher levels with the use of colorful cloths, bearskin-covered bamboo shields, and decorated spears. Making use of mainly the drum and the flute, Naga music plays a major role in daily life and helps pass on legends and traditions to younger generations. Occasionally accompanied with slow, rhythmic dancing, the music helps in the celebrations of Nagaland's colorful festivals. The Angami tribe's 10-day Sekrenyi marks the end of the agricultural cycle. April sees the celebration of Konyak Aoling, which celebrates the New Year. In celebrating such events, the Nagas dine on their typical spicy, non-vegetarian food. Raw chilly is a standard ingredient of Naga cuisine, and pork with bamboo shoot is common dish

History :

Nagaland was constituted by the Union Government in September 1962. It comprises the former Naga Hills district of Assam and the former Tuensang Frontier division of the North-East Frontier Agency; these had been made a centrally administered area in 1957, administered by the President through the governor of Assam. In January 1961, the area was renamed and given the status of a State of the Indian Union, which was officially inaugurated on December1, 1963.

Economy :

The vast majority of Nagaland's people are involved in agricultural work. Much like other natives of this part of the world, Nagas frequently engage in slash and burn farming, which has combined with increasing food demands to cause sever soil erosion. Thankfully, the state's forests, the most important source of income, have not been badly harmed. Since the 1970s, the state has been working on an intensive industrialization program to move away from the cottage industries of weaving, woodwork, and pottery, but the lack of raw materials, finances, power, and infrastructure has made the process difficult

States and Union Territories of India