Sikkim
Sikkim is a small state located in the northeastern region of India. It is the second-smallest state in the country and the least populous. The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, which is also its largest city. Sikkim is known for its natural beauty, with the state being home to the Himalayan mountain range and the Khangchendzonga National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The state is also known for its adventure sports and trekking destinations such as the Goecha La trek and the Dzongri trek. Sikkim has a rich cultural heritage, with a diverse population comprising of various ethnic groups such as the Bhutia, Lepchas, and Nepalis.
The state is known for its traditional music, dance and festivals such as the Losar, the Saga Dawa, and the Bhumchu festivals. Sikkim's economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The state is also known for its handicrafts, particularly its woolen and cane products. Sikkim is bordered by the Indian states of West Bengal to the south, Bihar to the west, and Assam to the north and east, and the country of Bhutan to the east. The state has its own language known as Sikkimese, which is spoken by majority of its population.
Below are some important points to remember about Sikkim:
• Sikkim is located on the North Easter part of India.
• It is the second smallest state by area wise and least populated state of India. The world's third highest peak, Kanchenjunga is located in Sikkim.
• Sikkim shares its boundary with Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east, China to the north and east, and West Bengal in the south.
• It is the only Indian state which is connected with India through a single border.
• The state is merged with India on 16th May, 1975.
• Gangtok is the largest and capital city of Sikkim.
• The state has only 4 districts with total area of 7,096 square km.
• Total population in the state is more than 6 lakhs according to 2011 census.
• The density in the state is 86 square km.
• Teesta is the main river in the state.
• Literacy rate in the state is 76.6 %.
• Sikkim has 11 official languages: Nepali (which is its lingua franca), Sikkimese, Lepcha, Tamang, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Magar, Sunwar and English.
• The state economy mainly depends on agriculture.
• Tusklakhang, Namgyal, Solophok Chardham, Orchid Sanctuary, Changu Lake, Yumthang Velley are the major tourist attraction in the state.
• Kanchendzonga, Lossong are the major festival celebrated in Sikkim.
| Category | English Term |
|---|---|
| Animal | Red panda |
| Bird | Blood pheasant |
| Flower | Noble dendrobium |
| Tree | Rhododendron |
