Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh: Know the Difference Between These Two Neighbouring States

Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh: Bihar & Uttar Pradesh are the two important northern states in India, These two states are the neighbours to each, and share many similarities in historical, culture, food, agriculture, and languages.

One of the important rivers in India, the Ganga, travels in both states, which play an important role in both Bihar & Uttar Pradesh in agriculture, irrigation, constriction of hydroelectric dams.

Besides these similarities, there are many differences in both of these states in area size, population, number of districts, population density, literacy rate, and in the administrative structure.

So, let’s explore Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh in detail with this article with the official government data of Bihar & Uttar Pradesh.

Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh: Quick Comparison

Who is the current Chief Minister & Governor of Bihar?

The current Chief Minister of Bihar is Samrat Choudhary and the Governor is Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain.

Who is the current Chief Minister & Governor of Utrar Pradesh?

The current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is Yogi Adityanath and the current Governor is Anandiben Patel.

Map of Bihar

Map of Uttar Pradesh

Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh: Know the Difference Between These Two Neighbouring States

Let’s understand Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh in detail and know the difference & similarities between these two neighbouring states in detail.

1. Which State Is Bigger: Bihar or Uttar Pradesh?

In terms of area, Uttar Pradesh is much larger than Bihar. 

The total area of Uttar Pradesh covers around 2,40,928 square kilometres. 

Whereas, Bihar has an area of 94,163 square kilometres which means that the Uttar Pradesh covers more than twice the geographical area of Bihar. 

Area Comparison

So, Uttar Pradesh is larger than Bihar in geographical area.

2. Population: Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh

Both states have very large populations.

According to the 2011 Census data published by the respective state governments, Uttar Pradesh had a population of 19,98,12,341, while Bihar had a population of 10,40,99,452.

Population Comparison

Therefore, Uttar Pradesh had a much larger population than Bihar in the 2011 Census.

Important: These population figures are from the 2011 Census. They should not be treated as current 2026 population figures.

3. Which State Has More Districts?

Uttar Pradesh has more districts than Bihar.

• Uttar Pradesh: 75 districts

• Bihar: 38 districts

The official Uttar Pradesh government website lists 75 districts, while the Bihar government state profile lists 38 districts.

District Comparison

4. Which State Has Higher Population Density?

Population density tells us how many people live in an average square kilometre of land.

According to official state government data:

• Bihar: 1,106 people per sq km

• Uttar Pradesh: 829 people per sq km 

So, Bihar has a higher population density than Uttar Pradesh.

Let’s understand by example:

Imagine two classrooms.

If both classrooms have different sizes but many students are sitting in them, the smaller classroom may feel more crowded.

In a similar way, Bihar has a smaller geographical area but a large population, resulting in a higher population density.

5. Literacy Rate: Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh

Literacy means the ability to read and write.

The official Uttar Pradesh Planning Department gives the state's 2011 literacy rate as 67.68%. The Bihar government gives Bihar's 2011 literacy rate as 61.80%. 

These figures are based on the 2011 Census, so they should be clearly labelled as historical Census data.

6. Sex Ratio

Sex ratio tells us the number of females for every 1,000 males.

According to official government data:

• Bihar: 918 females per 1,000 males

• Uttar Pradesh: 912 females per 1,000 males 

7. Agriculture in Bihar

Agriculture is an important part of Bihar's economy and rural life.

The Bihar Agriculture Department says the state's principal food crops include rice, wheat, maize and pulses. It also lists crops such as sugarcane, jute and oilseeds among the important agricultural crops. 

The Bihar government's latest statistical data also records significant production of rice, wheat, maize and sugarcane in 2024–25.

Major Crops of Bihar

• Rice

• Wheat

• Maize

• Pulses

• Sugarcane

• Jute

• Oilseeds

Bihar is also known for its fertile plains and agriculture around the Ganga and its tributaries.

8. Agriculture in Uttar Pradesh

Agriculture is also an important sector in Uttar Pradesh. The state's large geographical area provides different regions for growing various crops.

Official Uttar Pradesh government material identifies agriculture as an important part of the state's economy and rural livelihood. The state is particularly associated with crops such as wheat, rice and sugarcane.

Major Crops of Uttar Pradesh

• Wheat

• Rice

• Sugarcane

• Pulses

• Potato

• Garlic

The two states therefore have some common crops, but their agricultural landscapes are different because Uttar Pradesh is much larger geographically.

9. Rivers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

The Ganga is one of the most important rivers for both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Bihar

The Bihar government state profile says that the Ganga flows through the middle of Bihar from west to east, dividing the Bihar plain into two parts. 

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh also has several major rivers. Official Uttar Pradesh government material identifies the Ganga and Yamuna among the major rivers of the state. 

Simple Comparison

The rivers are important for agriculture, water supply, transport, culture and the lives of millions of people.

10. Economic Size

The two states also have large economies.

For Bihar, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics reports a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of ₹9,91,997 crore at current prices for 2024–25 (Quick Estimate).

For Uttar Pradesh, an official Uttar Pradesh government publication reports a 2024–25 GSDP of about ₹9.6 lakh crore. 

However, these figures come from different state statistical publications and estimation stages, so they should not be used as a simple ranking without checking the same methodology and revision status.

For a school-level GK article, it is safer to understand that both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have large state economies, with agriculture, industry and services playing important roles.

Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh: Important Differences at a Glance

What Are the Similarities Between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh?

As you have seen, there are many differences between Bihar & Uttar Pradesh, but besides these differences, there are many similarities also in both of these state, like they both have Hindi language belt, they both share Ganga rivers, and many others things.

Here all the details given below:

1. Both are in the Hindi-speaking belt

The Hindi language is widely used in both states.

2. The Ganga is important to both

The Ganga flows through both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and this river plays an important role in both states for agriculture, culture and daily life.

3. Agriculture is important

Farmers and agricultural activities play an important role in both states.

4. Rich history and culture

Both states have important historical places, religious sites, festivals, traditional food, art and literature.

5. They share a boundary

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are neighbouring states.

Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh: Key GK Facts

• Capital of Bihar: Patna

• Capital of Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow

• Area of Bihar: 94,163 sq km

• Area of Uttar Pradesh: 2,40,928 sq km

• Bihar districts: 38

• Uttar Pradesh districts: 75

• Bihar population in 2011: 10,40,99,452

• Uttar Pradesh population in 2011: 19,98,12,341

• Bihar population density: 1,106 per sq km

• Uttar Pradesh population density: 829 per sq km

• Bihar literacy rate: 61.8% (2011)

• Uttar Pradesh literacy rate: 67.68% (2011)

• Bihar sex ratio: 918

• Uttar Pradesh sex ratio: 912