Arunachal Pradesh is the northeasternmost state of India and is often called the "Land of the Rising Sun" because it is one of the first places in the country to receive sunlight. Its capital and largest city is Itanagar. Before 1972, the region was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). It became a Union Territory in 1972 under the name Arunachal Pradesh and was officially granted statehood on 20 February 1987.
The state shares international borders with Bhutan to the west, Myanmar to the east, and China's Tibet Autonomous Region to the north. The northern border, known as the McMahon Line, is disputed, and China claims most of Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet. This dispute led to conflict during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, when Chinese forces briefly occupied parts of the region before withdrawing.
According to the 2011 Census, Arunachal Pradesh has a population of about 1.38 million people. It is the least densely populated state in India, with only about 17 people per square kilometre. The state is known for its rich cultural diversity and is home to 23 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes. Major tribal communities include the Nyishi, Monpa, Adi, Galo, Tagin, Apatani, Nocte, Singpho, and Mishmi tribes. The Nyishi are the largest tribal group, while the Mishmi community is divided into three main sub-groups: Idu-Mishmi, Digaru-Mishmi, and Miju-Mishmi. This diversity makes Arunachal Pradesh one of India's most culturally unique states.
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