About Sikkim
Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the
Himalayas. The state borders Nepal to the west, Tibet to the north and east,
and Bhutan to the southeast. The state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its
south.
With just slightly over 600,000 permanent residents, Sikkim is the least
populous state in India and the
second-smallest state after Goa in total area. The entire state is mountainous,
with altitudes ranging from 300 to 8,586 meters from sea level, therefore
despite its small area of 7,096 km2 (2,740 sq mi), Sikkim is geographically
diverse. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine and a rich
diversity in flora and fauna thrives in the state.
Facts and Figures
|
Capital |
Gangtok |
|
Number of Districts |
Four |
|
District Headquarters |
East - Gangtok; West - Gyalshing; North - Mangan; South - Namchi |
|
Area |
7,096 sq km (2,740 sq mi) |
|
Population (2011) |
607,688 |
|
Population Density |
85.6/sq km (221.8/sq mi) |
|
Literacy (2011) |
82% |
The
thumb-shaped state is characterized by wholly mountainous terrain. Almost the
entire state is hilly, with an elevation ranging from 280 metres (920 ft) to
8,585 metres (28,000 ft). The summit of the Kanchenjunga is the highest point
which falls on the border between Sikkim and Nepal. For the most part, the land
is unfit for agriculture because of the precipitous and rocky slopes. However,
certain hill slopes have been converted into farm lands using terrace farming
techniques. Numerous snow-fed streams in Sikkim have carved out river valleys
in the west and south of the state. These streams combine into the Teesta and
its tributary, the Rangeet. The Teesta, described as the "lifeline of
Sikkim", flows through the state from north to south. About a third of the
land is heavily forested.
The Himalayan ranges surround the northern, eastern and western borders of
Sikkim in a crescent. The Lower Himalayas in the southern reaches of the state
are the most densely populated. The state has 28 mountain peaks, more than 80
glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes including the Tsongmo Lake, Gurudongmar and
Khecheopalri Lake, 5 hot springs, and more than 100 rivers and streams. Eight
mountain passes connect the state to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.
Sikkim's hot springs are known for medicinal and therapeutic values. The most
important hot springs are at Phurchachu (Reshi), Yumthang, Borang,
Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. They have high sulphur content and
are located near river banks. Some also emit hydrogen. The average temperature
of the water in these hot springs is 50 degree centigrade (122 degree
fahrenheit).
The climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the northern parts. The tundra-type region in the north is clad by snow for four months a year though the temperature drops below 0 degree centigrade (32 degree fahrenheit) almost every night. The peaks of north-western Sikkim are perpetually frozen. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim, however, witness a temperate climate, with the temperatures seldom exceeding 28 degree centigrade (82 degree fahrenheit) in summer or dropping below 0 degree centigrade (32 degree fahrenheit) in winter. The mean monthly temperature in summer is 15 degree centigrade. The state has five seasons: winter, summer, spring, and autumn, and a monsoon season between June and Seember. The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 degree centigrade (64 degree fahrenheit). Sikkim is one of the few states in India to receive regular snowfall. The snow line ranges from 20,000 feet in the north to 16,000 feet in the south. During the monsoon, heavy rains increase the possibility of landslides and flashfloods. The record for the longest period of continuous rain is 11 days. In the northern region, because of high altitude, temperatures drop below −40 degree centigrade (−40 degree fahrenheit) in winter. Fog also affects many parts of the state during winter and the monsoons, making transportation perilous.;