State of India

Sikkim

Reported Last updated 11 Oct 2026

Sikkim is a state in north-eastern India with its capital at Gangtok. The 2011 Census recorded a population of 610,577 over an area of about 7,096 km².

Capital
Gangtok
Area
7,096 km²
Population
610,577
Year 2011 · Census of India 2011
Density
86.0 /km²
Calculated
Districts
6
As of Jan 2025
Formed
16 May 1975
Became a state of India in 1975
Official language(s)
English; Nepali; Sikkimese (Bhutia); Lepcha and other languages

Overview

Sikkim is a small Himalayan state dominated by Kangchenjunga, the highest mountain in India. Monasteries such as Rumtek and Pemayangtse, the high-altitude Tsomgo and Gurudongmar lakes, and rhododendron forests make it one of India's most beautiful states. It was declared India's first fully organic state in 2016.

Districts of Sikkim

Directory
GangtokHQ: Gangtok
GyalshingHQ: Gyalshing
ManganHQ: Mangan
NamchiHQ: Namchi
PakyongHQ: Pakyong
SorengHQ: Soreng

Major cities & towns

All cities
Gangtok

History & formation

Sikkim was a kingdom ruled by the Namgyal (Chogyal) dynasty from the 17th century. It became a protectorate of India after 1950 and the 22nd state of India on 16 May 1975.

Geography

Sikkim rises from about 300 metres in the south to over 8,500 metres at Kangchenjunga. The Teesta river and its tributaries drain the state. Khangchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rivers, mountains & protected areas

Himalaya Mountain RangeKangchenjunga Mountain Peak

Economy, agriculture & industry

Tourism, organic farming (including large cardamom), hydropower and pharmaceuticals support the economy.

Culture, festivals & cuisine

English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha are among its official languages. Losar, Saga Dawa, Dasain and Pang Lhabsol are major festivals, and monastery masked dances (chham) are spectacular.

State symbols

State symbols for Sikkim are awaiting editorial verification. We only list symbols confirmed by an official source.

Legislature & representation

Details
LegislatureUnicameral
Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) seats32
Lok Sabha constituencies1
Rajya Sabha seats1

Seat figures as of January 2025 · source.

Sources & references

  1. Census of India 2011 – state population and area – Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India (2011) , retrieved 10 Oct 2026 – Population and area Reported
  2. Election Commission of India – delimitation and seats – Election Commission of India , retrieved 10 Oct 2026 – Lok Sabha and Assembly seat counts Reported