Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, established on November 1, 1956, is a significant state located on India's southeastern shore, renowned for its 972 km long coastline, vibrant cultural legacy, and agricultural economy (with 62% of employment). It comprises 26 districts, with Amaravati as its capital, and is famous for the Tirupati temple, Kuchipudi dance, spicy food, and the Telugu language.

Important features of Andhra Pradesh encompass:

  • Geography: The state is bordered by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. It is divided into three geographical areas: the coastal plains, the Eastern Ghats, and the southwestern plateau.

  • Culture & Tourism:

    Known for the Tirumala Temple, Borra Caves, Araku Valley, and Kailasagiri. It is the birthplace of the Kuchipudi dance form and has a rich heritage of various dynasties.

  • Economy: Agriculture is the main economic activity, supported by major rivers such as the Godavari and Krishna that provide irrigation.

  • Key Facts: The state has the second-longest coastline in India and is referred to as the "Rice Bowl of India" owing to its substantial rice production.

  • Recent Developments: The government is emphasizing tourism initiatives, with plans for world-class theme parks in cities like Visakhapatnam and Tirupati. A draft population policy was introduced in 2026 to tackle the issue of declining fertility rates.

Major urban areas include Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Guntur.