Bihar (/bɨˈhɑr/; Hindi: बिहार Hindustani pronunciation: [bɪˈɦaːr]) is a state in East India.[4][5] It is the 12th largest state in terms of geographical size of 38,202 sq mi (98,940 km2) and 3rd largest by population. It is bounded by Uttar Pradesh to its west, Nepal to the north, the northern part of West Bengal to the east, and by Jharkhand to the south. The Bihar plain is divided into two parts by the river Ganges which flows from west to east.[6] Bihar has forest area of 6,764.14 km2,[7] which is 7.2% of its geographical area. In 2000, southern Bihar was separated from Bihar to form the new state of Jharkhand.[8] Close to 85% of the population lives in villages. Almost 58% of Biharis are below the age of 25,[9] which is the highest proportion in India.