Mizoram means “Land of the Mizo people” in its literal sense. It is one of the seven sister states in the northeast region of India. Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on 20 February 1987 after signing the Mizoram Peace Accord, and Aizawl was named the capital. It borders itself with other northeast states like Manipur, Tripura, and Assam and neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar. Before we delve deeper into the cultural, geographical, industrial and other aspects of Mizoram, let’s look at some facts. 

Area: The area of this state is 8,139 square miles (21,080 km2).
Population (2011): The population of Mizoram is 1,091,014 (the second least populous state in India).
Literacy rate: 91.33%. The workforce of Mizoram is highly literate. The additional knowledge of the English language works as an advantage for the Mizo workforce.
Provincial bird of Mizoram: Syrmaticus humiae
Provincial animal of Mizoram: Hoolock gibbon
Provincial tree of Mizoram: Ironwood (Mesua ferrea)

Culture and Diversity

• Wildlife
  Located on the high hills of Eastern India, Mizoram is a place of rich plant and animal diversity characterised by steep slopes and rivers running north and south. Mizoram’s beautiful landscape is characterised by deep gorges between mountains and falls, green valleys, and streams. Besides that, Mizoram is home to many species of birds, wildlife, and flora. Mammal species observed in Mizoram forests include Sahuai, the state animal Red Saza, and Goral Sathar.
• Climate
  The climate experienced in Mizoram is moderate. During the coolest months (November through February), temperatures rise from the low 10°C to the high 20°C. Southwest Monsoon (May to September) brings rainfall which averages about 2,500 mm annually.
• Population composition
  The population of Mizoram consists almost entirely of Scheduled Tribes, the indigenous people of the region. They are known locally as Mizo, which means “highlanders”. Among the most prominent of these peoples are the Kuki, Pawi, and Lakher.

Industries

• Location-specific advantages are available to industries in the state. Mizoram, which borders Myanmar and Bangladesh, offers a gateway for establishing trade with Southeast Asian nations. Trade facilitation has improved over the last decade due to better access to highways, rails and skies and the opening of trade routes with neighbouring countries.
• Mizoram’s geographical area is covered with 3,267 square kilometres of bamboo forests. In the state, 35 varieties of bamboo are estimated to amount to 25 million metric tonnes (MMT). Natural resources present tremendous potential for the commercial exploitation of export-oriented industries.
• The state’s climatic conditions provide a conducive breeding ground for the commercial exploitation of all kinds of silkworms which is why sericulture remains one of the state’s key industries. Raw silk production in Mizoram stood at 104 metric tonnes last year.
• Agriculture is the main source of income for about 60% of the population of Mizoram. Only 5% of the total area of the state is under cultivation. Besides maize and paddy, pulses, sugarcanes, chillies, ginger, tobacco, vegetables, turmeric and pineapple are grown on the hill slopes.

Social and Cultural Trivia Facts

• Mizo ethics
  The Mizo code of ethics revolves around “Tlawmngaihna“, an untranslatable term that means that everyone should be hospitable, kind, unselfish and helpful to others. Tlawmngaihna to a Mizo person stands for selfless service.

• Festivals
  The Mizos have three main festivals – Mim Kut (Maize festival), Chapchar Kut (Spring Festival) and Pawl. These festivals or Kuts, as they call them, are directly or indirectly associated with their agricultural activities.

• Music instruments
  Darkhuang, Zamluang or Jamluang is a large bass musical drum found in Mizoram. Other instruments include Khuang (drum), dar (cymbals), as well as bamboo-based instruments such as Phenglawng, Tulum and Tawtawrawt.

• Mizoram peace accord and its importance
  Mizoram Peace Accord was signed in June 1986 to grant political freedoms by making Mizoram a full state of India. It also included infrastructure provisions such as a High Court and the Mizoram University.

• The biggest cave in Mizoram
  Pukzing means “A Cave of Shouting Stones”. It is one of the biggest caves in the state and a must-visit place for any tourist. Pukzing caves, along with others, are manifested with interesting, mysterious and hysterical stories and are beautiful creations of nature.

Conclusion 

The scenic beauty, cultural richness and diversity are what define Mizoram the best. It is the land of hills and valleys inhabited by multiple indigenous tribal groups with different cultural significance and influences, thereby making Mizoram one of the most diverse states of India. It is the perfect place to travel if one is fond of hills, wildlife photography, and natural beauty and is keenly interested in knowing the historical significance of places. This place is an epitome of peace, sereneness and subtle beauty. Being culturally enriched with innumerable places to explore, Mizoram quenches the thirst for travelling and living in the lap of nature. Nature is always at her best here, and you can spot miles and miles of greenery, hilly areas, and beautiful valleys intertwined with rivers.