Jammu and Kashmir (former Indian state)

Geography and regions

The territory included several distinct regions: the Jammu plains and lower hills to the south, the central and fertile Kashmir Valley, and the high-altitude plateaus and ranges traditionally associated with Ladakh. Climate and vegetation vary markedly with elevation, from temperate river valleys to arid high plateaus and permanent snow near the highest passes. To the south and southeast the state bordered the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab; other boundaries lead into areas administered by neighbouring countries.

Political status and administration

Since 1947 the region has been divided by lines of control and administered in separate parts. Areas to the west and northwest are administered by Pakistan as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit‑Baltistan. Some high-elevation tracts to the east and northeast are administered by the People's Republic of China. The Government of India maintained administration over the remainder until 2019, when the former state was reorganised into two union territories.

History and dispute

The Kashmir dispute arose at the time of British Indian partition in 1947 and has involved military conflicts, diplomatic negotiations and international attention. The region was affected by wars between India and Pakistan and by the China–India war of 1962, which altered control over some Himalayan areas. The status of territory in Kashmir remains a core issue in relations among the three countries.

People, economy and culture

The area is culturally diverse: the Kashmir Valley has a predominantly Muslim population, Jammu includes substantial Hindu and Sikh communities, and Ladakh is home to Buddhist and Muslim groups. Agriculture in valleys, orchard cultivation, handicrafts (notably shawls and carpet weaving), tourism and hydropower potential have been important economically. The difficult terrain and strategic location give the region continuing geopolitical significance.

Notes

• The former state's administrative arrangements and borders have been altered since 2019.
• International and bilateral efforts to resolve the dispute continue, and the situation on the ground has varied over time.