Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is often referred to as the 'heart of India' due to its geographical location. It is the second-largest state by area and the fifth largest by population in India. Madhya Pradesh is enriched with a significant historical heritage; it hosts numerous monuments and sites that testify to the region's rich cultural past, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Khajuraho, Sanchi, and Bhimbetka. The state's diverse topography ranges from the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, which frame a substantial portion of its borders, to dense forests that shelter a rich variety of wildlife. National parks such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench are prominent tiger reserves and are among the state's main attractions. The Narmada, one of the country's holiest rivers, flows westward through a rift valley, providing fertile farmland and supporting hydropower projects. The economy of Madhya Pradesh is a mix of agriculture, industry, and services, with farming being the leading occupation.
