Assam (from Sanskrit: asom—unrivalled) is a state in the north-eastern part of India. It is bordered by Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland[?], Manipur[?], Mizoram[?], Tripura[?], Meghalaya[?] and West Bengal. Assam and its surrounding states (except West Bengal) are commonly reffered to as the seven sisters.
Its capital is Dispur[?]. Assamese is the predominant language of the state. Its major festivals include Rongali or Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu, Magh or Bhogali Bihu and Durga Puja.
Assam is, like Darjeeling, is a renowned tea growing region of India. Unlike the majority of premium black tea, Assam tea is grown at elevations near sea level, giving it a malty sweetness and an earthy flavor, as opposed to the more floral aroma of highland (e.g. Darjeeling) tea.
Assam also produces crude oil and natural gas. It has been producing crude oil for more than one hundred years. Most of the oilfields of Assam are located in the Upper Assam region of the Brahmaputra Valley.
