Gujarat

Gujarat is a prosperous state on the western coast of India, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, industry and the longest coastline of any Indian state. Its capital is Gandhinagar, while Ahmedabad is the largest city. It is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and a powerhouse of trade and manufacturing.

Gujarat features a long Arabian Sea coastline, the salt deserts of the Rann of Kutch, fertile plains and the Gir Forest, the last home of the Asiatic lion. The climate ranges from arid in the north and west to subtropical elsewhere.

Gujarati culture is famous for its business acumen, vibrant festivals such as Navratri with its garba dance, predominantly vegetarian cuisine, and intricate textiles. It has a strong tradition of trade and a large global diaspora.

Home to the ancient Indus Valley port of Lothal, Gujarat was a major maritime trading region for millennia. It was the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who launched key independence movements here, and became a state in 1960.