Assam

Assam is the most populous and economically active of the northeastern states and thus acts as the nexus between the mainland and the northeast. Due to insurgencies and armed conflict spanning several decades, Assam struggled to attract major industries, however, and its primary economic drivers are agriculture, led by a thriving tea industry and energy resources – the state accounts for 15% of India’s total crude oil and 50% of the onshore natural gas output. With the settling of several conflicts, the state is poised to build out its pharmaceuticals, information technology, petrochemicals and tourism industries.   However, illegal immigration from Bangladesh is perceived as a major problem and has driven increased religious conflict in the state over the past 10 years.

State Summary

  • Size
    30,285 sq. miles
  • Population
    31.2 million
  • State GDP
    $24.65 billion (USD)
  • Legislative Assembly Seats
    126
  • Rajya Sabha Seats
    7
  • Lok Sabha Seats
    14
  • Party Affiliation
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)
    United People's Party Liberal (UPPL)
Fishermen paddle their boats back after fishing in the Brahmaputra River on the outskirts of Guwahati. (BIJU BORO/AFP/Getty Images)
Indian tea plantation workers make their way to pick leaves at a tea garden in Sonitpur district. (BIJU BORO/AFP/Getty Images)

Left: Fishermen paddle their boats back after fishing in the Brahmaputra River on the outskirts of Guwahati. (BIJU BORO/AFP/Getty Images)

Fishermen paddle their boats back after fishing in the Brahmaputra River on the outskirts of Guwahati. (BIJU BORO/AFP/Getty Images)

Right: Indian tea plantation workers make their way to pick leaves at a tea garden in Sonitpur district. (BIJU BORO/AFP/Getty Images)

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