Rajasthan: Location, area and physical divisions

Rajasthan is the largest State in India by area, set between the Aravalli ranges and the Thar Desert in the north-west of the country, with a long international boundary with Pakistan. Facts below come from the Economic Review 2025-26 and Rajasthan Tourism pages.

Location and Area

Rajasthan is the largest State in India, covering 3,42,239 square kilometers. It holds 10.41 per cent of the country's total geographical area. The State is located in the northwestern part of India and has a distinctive rhomboid shape. It stretches 869 km from west to east and 826 km from north to south. The southern region lies approximately 225 km from the Gulf of Kutch and about 400 km from the Arabian Sea.

Borders

Rajasthan is surrounded by the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. It has a long international boundary with Pakistan. The State borders the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Sindh. The city of Jaisalmer is located close to the Pakistan border and acts as the guard to the western frontier.

Major Regions

The State's geography is characterized by four major regions:

• Western Desert: An arid region that is key for solar energy generation and mining activities. It contains the Thar Desert.
• Aravali Hills: Rich in biodiversity and central to tourism. The range runs from Guru Shikhar in the southwest to Khetri in the northeast.
• Eastern Plains: These areas have fertile soils that support agriculture.
• South-Eastern Plateau: This region offers prospects for industrial growth.

Climate and Rainfall

The climate is divided into four seasons: summer, monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter.

• Monsoon: Rainfall is caused by the South-West Monsoon and Western Disturbances. The Aravalli range divides the state in a 60 by 40 ratio; 60% lies to the northwest and 40% to the southeast. The range fails to intercept monsoon winds, keeping the northwest dry, while the eastern and southeastern parts are better watered.
• Summer: Hot and dry, with temperatures rising up to 48 degrees Celsius. Summers in Mount Abu, Ranakpur, and Kumbhalgarh are pleasant.
• Winter: Sets in around October. Temperatures can drop as low as 0°C and below in December and January.

Key Sites and Locations

• Mount Abu: The State’s only hill station, standing at 1722 metres above sea level.
• Guru Shikhar: The highest point on the Aravalli mountain range, located in Mount Abu.
• Jaisalmer: Known as the 'Golden City'. The Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila) is a world heritage site.
• Desert National Park (Jaisalmer): sand dunes, jagged rocks and salt lake bottoms; home to the highly endangered Great Indian Bustard, black buck, chinkara and desert fox.
• Bikaner: Situated in the northern region, nicknamed 'camel country'. It is home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms.
• Wood Fossil Park (Aakal): Jaisalmer site that traces geologic events from 180 million years ago.
• Tanot Mata Temple: Located 120 kilometres from Jaisalmer, managed by a BSF Trust.

Population and Statistics

According to Census of India 2011:

• Geographical Area: 3.42 Lakh sq. km.
• Population: 6.85 crore (India: 121.09 crore); Rajasthan has 5.66 per cent of India's population.
• Population Density: 200 per sq. km (India: 382).
• Urban Population: 24.9 per cent of the total population.
• Rural Population: 75.1 per cent of the total population.
• Literacy Rate: 66.1 per cent (India: 73.0).
• Decadal Growth Rate (2001-2011): 21.3 per cent (India: 17.7). The Executive Summary states the projected population as on 1st October, 2025, is 8.33 crore, making it the sixth most populous State in India.