February 21, 2008	Thursday	Safar 13, 1429

Here are some key economic and social indicators for the Indian state of Bihar, the country’s poorest and one of its slowest growing.

Economists warn that Bihar and its larger neighbour Uttar Pradesh are lagging dangerously behind other parts of the country, and that growing inequality could have serious political and economic ramifications in the future.—Reuters

BIHAR ALL-INDIA

Per cent below poverty line 43 pct 26 pct

Electrification (per cent of households) 28 pct 68 pct

Adult literacy 47 pct 65 pct

School attendance (children aged 6-17) 56 pct 71 pct

Child malnourishment (under-5s stunted) 56 pct 48 pct