Meghalaya (pronounced IPA-hnsme????a?l?j?) is a small state (States of India) in north-eastern India. The word "Meghalaya" literally means "The Abode of Clouds" in Sanskrit and other Indic languages. Meghalaya is a hilly strip in the eastern part of the country about 300 km long (east-west) and 100 km wide, with a total area of about 8,700 sq mi (square mile) (22,720 km�). The population numbered 2,175,000 in 2000. The state is bounded on the north by Assam and by Bangladesh on the south. The capital is Shillong also known as the Scotland of the East, which has a population of 260,000.

About one third of the state is forested. The Meghalaya subtropical forests ecoregion encompasses the state; its mountain forests are distinct from the lowland tropical forests to the north and south. The forests of Meghalaya are notable for their biodiversity of mammals, birds, and plants. Meghalaya, a hilly strip in eastern India, covers a total area of just 22,429 km2. It was originally part of Assam, but on 21st January 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya.

Meghalaya is predominantly an agrarian economy. The important crops of the state are potato, rice, maize, pineapple, banana etc. The service sector comprises of Real estate and Insurance companies. Meghalayas gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $1.6 billion in current prices.

Shillong the capital of the state is a popular hill station. There are several falls in and around Shillong. The Shillong peak is highest in the state and is good for trekking. It is also known as the abode of the gods and has excellent views. If one is not in a mood for camping, the state also offers many good hotels and lodging facilities.