Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is one of India's most significant coastal states, located along the southeastern coast of the country. Andhra state was formed on 1 October 1953. Andhra Pradesh was formed on 1 November 1956 through the merger of the erstwhile Andhra State with the Telugu-speaking regions of the former Hyderabad State under the States Reorganisation Act. Following the bifurcation of the state in 2014, Telangana was carved out as a separate state, and Andhra Pradesh began developing a new administrative capital at Amaravati.

Telugu is the official and predominant language of Andhra Pradesh and is spoken by an overwhelming majority of the population. The state is renowned for its rich literary traditions, classical music, Kuchipudi dance, temple architecture and vibrant festivals such as Sankranti, Ugadi and Dasara. The Tirupati temple is among the world's most visited religious centres.

Agriculture remains a major economic activity, with the Godavari and Krishna river deltas making the state one of India's leading producers of rice. Andhra Pradesh is also emerging as a major hub for information technology, electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, ports and logistics. With a long coastline of nearly 975 kilometres, the state plays a crucial role in India's maritime economy and international trade.