Google Map Of Sikkim

• Official Website: http://www.sikkim.gov.in/
• Established: 16 May 1975
• Capital: Gangtok
• Largest City: Gangtok
• Districts: 4
• Government Body: Governor-Balmiki Prasad Singh, Chief Minister-Pawan Chamling
• Legislature: Unicameral (32 seats)
• Parliamentary Constituency: 1
• High Court: NA
• Area Total: 7,096 km2 (2,739.8 sq mi)
• Area Rank: 27th
• Population 2011: 607,688
• Population Density: 85.6/km2 (221.8/sq mi)
• Time Zone: IST (UTC+05:30)
• UN/LOCODE: NA
• ISO 3166 Code: IN-SK
• Vehicle Registration: NA
• HDI:  0.684 (medium)
• HDI Rank: 7th (2005)
• Literacy: 76.6% (7th)
• Official Languages: Nepali (lingua franca), Bhutia, Lepcha (since 1977), Limbu (since 1981), Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang (since 1995) and Sunwar (since 1996).

History behind the state name :

The word Sikkim means new palace. The name Sikkim is derived from Limbu words su khyim meaning new house. Historians are of the opinion that the name bears resemblance to the new palace built by its first monarch Phuntsog Namgyal.

Population:

The population of Sikkim is mainly comprised of the Himalayan ethnic groups of Nepalis, Bhutias, Lepchas and Tibetans. Together they form the native Sikkimese population. The total population of Sikkim as per the 2011 census is slightly over 6 lakhs 7 thousand. Of the total population almost 24% people live in urban areas in the 9 major towns of the state.

Geographical situation:

Sikkim is a thumb shaped land-locked Indian state of the Himalayan terrain. The state is bordered by neighbouring countries of Nepal to the West, Tibet to the North and East and Bhutan to the South-east. The only domestic neighbouring state of Sikkim is West Bengal which borders it at the south. Sikkim has a mountainous terrain with heights ranging from 280 metres to 8,585 metres. Kanchenjunga the third highest peak in the world is at the border of Sikkim and Nepal. Snowfed small streams meeting to the Teesta river, mountain slopes, dense forests that cover one-third of the state’s land and the natural hilly lakes make up the beautiful terrain of Sikkim.

Weather conditions:

There are five prominent seasons in Sikkim as winter, summer, spring, autumn and monsoon. The climate is sub-tropical in the southern part of the state while tundra type prevails in the northern part. The regions with temperate climate are most populous. In summer temperature seldom crosses 28 degrees mark but in winter -40 degrees is not abnormal. During the monsoon season – from June to September the state experiences heavy rain which sometimes runs continuously for 11 days accompanied by heavy fog as in winter.

History of the State:

Sikkim has a history that dates back to the days of Buddhist saint guru Rinpoche who passed through this land and introduced Buddhism here. Centuries later Phuntsog Namgyal was accepted as the king by the Lamas and monarchy was established in Sikkim.
Before the advent of the British in India and after the first monarch Sikkim faced many raids by the Bhutanese and the Nepalese. Sikkim joined hands with the British to fight the Nepalese. Later on Sikkim became a British Protectorate.

Demographics:

The least populous state of India is Sikkim with a density of 86 persons per square kilometer of which the majority of the permanent residents are Nepalese. The Bhutias who migrated from Tibet and Lepchas who are believed to be of far eastern origin are among the native people of the state. Of the total population 321,661 are males and 286,027 are females. The growth rate of the population is 12.35 % in the state.

Economical Information:

The per capita income Sikkim is 11,356 which is one of the highest in the country. The economy is mainly dependant on agriculture or terrace farming. Sikkim is the highest producer of cardamoms in India. Heavy industries are absent but breweries distilleries and watch-making industries are found here. Sikkim’s economy has grown 14 times higher than what it was in the 1990’s due to the promotion of the tourism industry. The overall economic growth is 8.3% which is the second highest in the country.

Culture:

The culture here is a mix of Nepalese and the Bhutanese with tradition Hindu trends. The terrain and the climate influenced the dresses of the people and they are one of the toughest and strongest in the country. Buddhism holds a wide impact on the culture of Sikkim.

Cuisine:

The main cuisine consists of noodles like thukpa, chowmein and wonton. The most celebrated dish of Sikkim is Momos. Momos are steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or chicken or meat and served to eat with a soup. In consumption of alcohol the state ranks next to Punjab and Haryana in the country. 

Festivals:

The majority of the Hindu population celebrates all the festivals of The Hindu calendar as Holi, Dewali and Dussera. The Nepali festivals of Tihar and Bhimsen Puja are also celebrated in the state. The Buddhist festivals are also commonly celebrated by the people. Losar – the Tibetan newyear is an important event when all institutions are closed for a week. In recent days Christmas is promoted to attract tourists in the festive season.

Religion:

The Hindu religion is the major religion in the state. But there are also a great number of Buddhists who have lived for long in this region. The Tibetan migrants form a considerable part of the population who are mostly Buddhists. Other than this a few number of Christians and Muslim religious people are found in the state.