Punjab

The Punjab (sometimes spelt Panjab) is a region straddling the border between India and Pakistan. Once a single entity, it is now split between two nations: see Punjab, India and Punjab, Pakistan. Punjab covers an area of 50,362 sq km (19,445 sq mi). Population in 2000 numbered 24,000,000.

The region came under British rule when the East India Company annexed the Punjab on March 29, 1849. The region was divided between India and Pakistan when they gained independence in 1947.

The name "Punjab" means "land of five rivers". The five rivers, tributaries of the Indus river which are now divided between India and Pakistan, are the Bipasha, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Shatadru rivers.

See also Punjabi language.