1. The Land
Gujarat is the western most state of India and is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, by the states of Rajasthan in the north and north-east, Madhya Pradesh in the east, and Maharashtra in the south and south- east. It also shares an international boundary with Pakistan at the north-western fringe. The two deserts, one north of Kutch and the other between Kutch and mainland Gujarat are saline wastes.
Gujarat has a coast-line of about 1600 km which is the longest among all states of the country. For the purpose of administration, the State presently comprises of 26 districts.
2. The Climate
Due to the presence of a desert, the climate is mostly dry in the north-west, and wet in the southern districts because of heavy monsoon season. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 45°C in most parts of the State. The Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Cambay reduce the temperature and render the climate more pleasant and healthy. The year can be divided into: the winter season from November to February, the summer season from March to May, the south-west monsoon season from June to September, and the intervening month of October.
3. The People
The population of Gujarat as on March 1, 2001 stood at 50.06 million which is 4.93% of India's population. The growth rate of the population for the decade 1991-2001 was 22.66%. The density of Gujarat was 258 persons per sq km as opposed to 325 persons per sq km in India in 2001. The life expectancy at birth in Gujarat was 61 years, whereas in India it was 59 years in 1996. The literacy rate in the State stood at 69.97% in 2001, whereas in India it was 65% during the same year.
As per the population consensus 2001, 37.363% population of Gujarat resides in urban areas. The proportion of the population involved in running owned business in Gujarat is the highest among all states in India. English, Hindi, and Gujarati are the three major languages of Gujarat.