Mizoram is one of the seven north-eastern states of India, bordered by Myanmar in the east and south, Bangladesh in the west and by the states of
Manipur,
Assam and
Tripura in the north. The name 'Mizoram' means 'land of the highlanders' in the local language,
Mizo.
Aizawl, the state capital, is 4,000 ft above the sea level. Mizoram is a land of great natural beauty and has an endless variety of landscape with rich flora and fauna, clusters of whispering pines and quaint villages with houses on stilts. The important rivers are Tlawang, Sonai, Tuivawl and Kamaphuli.
The population comprises several tribes - the Lushais, Pawis, Paithes, Pang and Kukis. Mizo and English are the official languages. The literacy rate is about 82 percent, one of the highest in India. There are Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu minorities.
Mizoram is famous for the fibreless ginger. Paddy, maize, mustard, sugarcane and sesame are the other crops cultivated. Small-scale industries include sericulture, handloom and handicrafts industries, sawmills and furniture workshops.
The hilly city, Aizawl, is a religious and cultural center where indigenous handicrafts are available. The other places of interest are
Tamdil Lake, Champai,
Lunglei,
Kolasib,
Saiha and
Phawngpui.
