Indian States at a Glance 2008-09: Performance, Facts and Figures presents information on the 29 states and 6 union territories of India in a set of 22 volumes. A compilation of the latest facts and figures, ranging from the basic socio-economic and demographic indicators to development parameters, these books also provide brief profiles of the states covering their history, culture, cuisine, handicrafts, places of tourist interest as well as an account of their performance vis-à-vis other states

Karnataka, with its software sector and industrial base, is one of India’s fastest growing states. However, growth has been adversely affected since 2000 due to frequent droughts that have impacted agriculture and compounded water-management problems. Karnataka’s per capita income is comparable to the national average and poverty ratios are lower than in many other states. The state has a very large share of middle-class households. Karnataka has been a leader in setting up private higher education and software technology parks. Yet, sharp divides between rural and urban amenities and between districts in the north and the south remain to be bridged.