West Bengal is a state located in eastern India, with Kolkata as its capital. It is the fourth-most populous state in India with a population of over 91 million people. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to various ethnic groups.
West Bengal has a diverse economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors being major contributors. The state is known for its production of tea, jute, and rice.
West Bengal is bordered by Bangladesh to the east and Nepal and Bhutan to the north. The Bay of Bengal lies to the south of the state. The Sunderbans, a mangrove forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in West Bengal. The state also has various other natural attractions like the Darjeeling hills, the Dooars, and the Himalayan foothills.
The state has a rich literary tradition and has produced many famous writers, poets, and intellectuals. Rabindranath Tagore, the first Indian Nobel laureate, is from West Bengal. It is also known for its art, music, and dance forms. The Baul music of Bengal and the classical dance form of Kathakali are famous cultural treasures of the state.
Politics in West Bengal is highly contested, with the state having a long history of political activism and protests. The state has been ruled by both the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the All India Trinamool Congress.