Why is Punjab alway referred to as "The Punjab"?

Question

Unlike the other states, Punjab is always referred to as "The Punjab"

Answer 1

The word Punjab or Puncha - Aapa in Sanskrit means Five Rivers, a proper noun. "The" is definite article and prefixed to the proper noun to mean" the five rivers". The is used to denote the particular river, Sea, or Ocean. But we do not use "The" before the all the names of countries except they indicate multiple areas and Places which are "nouns" like The UK, The USA. The Netherlands and not used before Mexico, Italy or England.