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Odisha lies on the eastern coast of India bounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, West Bengal in the north-east, Bihar in the north, Madhya Pradesh in the west and Andhra Pradesh in the south. Spread across 155,707 sq km, it contains diverse habitats from lush green and hilly terrain to coastal plains and rolling river valleys, and rivers. Orissa was conferred statehood in the Indian Republic in 1950, with the famous temple town and handicraft center Bhubaneswar as its capital. Oriya is the official language. The climate is primarily tropical. The coastal regions are more prone to heavy rain and tropical cyclones.

Bhubaneswar,Cuttack,Rourkela and Berhampur are the four major cities. The Mahanadi, the Rushikulya,the Brahmani and the Baitarani are the four major rivers. Hirakud dam, one of world’s longest dams, is built across the Mahanadi. Orissa has no giant industrial plants, but is famous for its traditional tie and dye technique of 'ikat' and exquisite handicrafts. One of the oldest and finest forms of Indian classical dance, Odishi, has its origin in Odisha.

Time zone:

IST :+5:30

Area :

155,707 km² (60,119 sq mi)

Capital:

Bhubaneswar

Largest city:

Bhubaneswar

Districts:

30

Population:

36,706,920

Density:

236 /km²

Language:

Oriya

Chief Minister:

Naveen Patnaik

Established:

1949-01-01

ISO abbreviation:

IN-OR