Capital - Thiruvananthapuram
No. of Districts - 14
Population - 33,406,061
Area - 38,863 sqkm
Pop. Density - 859/km2 (2,220/sq mi)
GDP - 9.78 lakh crore (US$140 billion)
Literacy Rate - 94.0%
Gender Ratio - 1084
Official Website - https://kerala.gov.in/
Kerala, a state located in the southwestern part of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and high human development indices. Here are some key facts about Kerala:
Location: Kerala is situated on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India, bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Arabian Sea to the west.
Capital and Major Cities: The capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Other major cities include Kochi (Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut), Thrissur, and Kollam.
Language: Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. However, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas.
Demographics: Kerala has a population of over 35 million people (as of the 2011 census), making it one of the most densely populated states in India. It also has one of the highest literacy rates in the country.
Economy: Kerala's economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and remittances from Keralites working abroad, particularly in the Gulf countries. It is known for its abundant natural resources, including spices, coconuts, rubber, and fish.
Education and Healthcare: Kerala boasts high levels of education and healthcare compared to other states in India. It has achieved near-universal literacy and has made significant strides in public health, with low infant mortality rates and high life expectancy.
Culture: Kerala has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. It is known for its classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, traditional music, and vibrant festivals like Onam and Thrissur Pooram.
Tourism: Kerala is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its picturesque backwaters, palm-fringed beaches, lush hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries. The Kerala backwaters, in particular, attract tourists from around the world for houseboat cruises.
Natural Beauty: The state is blessed with diverse ecosystems, including the Western Ghats mountain range, tropical forests, tea and spice plantations, and coastal regions. This biodiversity makes Kerala one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Social Indicators: Kerala is known for its progressive social indicators, including high levels of gender equality, low poverty rates, and social welfare programs. The state has achieved significant success in areas such as healthcare, education, and women's empowerment.
These key facts highlight Kerala's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and socio-economic development, making it a distinctive and fascinating region within India.