Punjab

The Punjab (sometimes spelt Panjab) is a region straddling the border between India and Pakistan, having been divided between these two countries when they gained independence in 1947. 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 United Kingdom annexed the Punjab on March 29, 1849.

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.