Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are two densely populated states in India. The following is a comparison between these two states. Let’s read.
Uttar Pradesh vs Bihar – Indian states comparison

Which state is larger in area, Uttar Pradesh or Bihar?
Uttar Pradesh is significantly larger in area than Bihar, at nearly 2.6 times its size.
- Area of Uttar Pradesh – approximately 243,290 square kilometers
- Area of Bihar – approximately 94,150 square kilometers
Which state has a larger population, Uttar Pradesh or Bihar?
Uttar Pradeshโs population is much higher than that of Bihar, but Bihar is more densely populated.
- Population of Uttar Pradesh – around 20 crore (2011 census)
- Population of Bihar – around 10.4 crore (2011 census)
GDP
Uttar Pradesh has a larger economy and a higher per capita income than Bihar. Both states have large agricultural and service sectors. Uttar Pradesh has a more diversified economy, with a relatively larger industrial sector.
| Uttar Pradesh | Bihar | |
|---|---|---|
| GDP rank in India (2025-26) | 3rd | 14th |
Overview
| Uttar Pradesh | Bihar | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | approximately 243,290 square kilometers | approximately 94,150 square kilometers |
| Area rank in India | 4th | 12th |
| Population (2011 census) | around 20 crore | around 10.4 crore |
| Population rank in India (2011 census) | 1st | 3rd |
| Capital city | Lucknow | Patna |
| Largest city | Lucknow | Patna |
| Statehood | 24 January 1950 | 26 January 1950 |
| Most spoken language | Hindi | Hindi |
| Second most spoken language | Bhojpuri | Bhojpuri |
(Also read: UNESCO World Heritage sites in India (Full list 2026))
Geography
| Uttar Pradesh | Bihar | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Northern India | Eastern India |
| Rivers | Ganga, Yamuna, Sharda, Ghaghara, Gomti, Chambal, Betwa, etc. | Ganga, Sone, Gandak, Koshi, Ghaghara, Punpun, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, etc. |
| Longest river | Ganga | Ganga |
| Highest mountain peak | โAmsot Peak | Someshwar Fort |
| Forest cover (2023) | 6.24% | 8% |
| Major soil type | Alluvial soil | Alluvial soil |
| Largest district | Lakhimpur-Kheri | West Champaran |
| International border | Yes, with Nepal | Yes, with Nepal |
| Coastline | No | No |
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State symbols
| Uttar Pradesh | Bihar | |
|---|---|---|
| State animal | Barasingha | Gaur |
| State bird | Sarus crane | House sparrow |
| State flower | Palash | Marigold |
| State tree | Ashoka | Peepal |
Popular places to visit in Uttar Pradesh

Vrindavan, Varanasi, Taj Mahal, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Sarnath, Ayodhya, Fatehpur Sikri, Dudhwa National Park, etc.
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Popular places to visit in Bihar

Bodh Gaya, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Munger, Valmiki National Park, Ghora Katora lake, etc.