Sikkim General Information
Sikkim, a small Himalayan State lying between 27° to 28° North latitude and 88° to 89° East longitude is the second smallest state in India.
State Foundation Date :: 16th May, 1975
Total Area :: 7096 sq km
Altitude :: 5,500 ft
Temperature Summer :: 13°C to 21°C
Temperature Winter :: 0°C to 12°C
Annual Rainfall :: 385 cm
Best Seasons to Visit :: March to June and September to December
Capital City:: Gangtok
Other Major Towns :: Namchi, Gyalshing, Mangan, Rongpo, Gyezing, Jorthang, Pelling, Singtam
Number of Districts :: 4
District Headquarters :: North - Mangan, South - Namchi, East - Gangtok , West - Gyalshing
Neighboring State :: West Bengal
Neighboring Countries :: Nepal, China and Bhutan
Population :: 507,688 (Males- 321,661; Females- 286,027; Census -2011)
Population Density :: 86 people per sq. km.
Literacy Rate :: 82.20% ( Males- 87.29% and Females- 76.43%)
Language Spoken :: Nepali, English, Hindi, Bhutia (Sikkimese), Bhutia (Tibetan), Lepcha, Limboo
Major Religions :: Buddhism and Hinduism.
Currency :: Indian Rupee(
)
State day :: 16 May (day of accession to India)
State animal :: Red Panda
State bird :: Blood Pheasant
State tree :: Rhododendron
State flower :: Noble orchid
Climate of Sikkim
The climate of Sikkim is basically two types, sub-tropical in the south and to tundra in the northern parts. The north part is clad by snow for nearly four months a year, and temperature drops below 0°C. The peaks of northern Sikkim are frozen. Sikkim is one of the few states in India to receive regular snowfall. Fog also affects many parts of the state during winter. The average temperature for most of Sikkim is around 11°C.
Whether average temperature of summer is 15°C and 5°C .in winter. The state has five seasons: winter, summer, spring, and autumn. November to February is the time of winter, May to October is summer and monsoon season throughout the year. But from June to September, it is very crucial time for rain. Sikkim is almost always wet due to the heavy monsoons. The record for the longest period of continuous rain is 11 days. Heavy rains increase the possibility of landslides.