Population: 540,851
• Capital: Gangtok
• Area: 2,740 square miles (7,096 sq km)
• Capital: Gangtok
• Area: 2,740 square miles (7,096 sq km)
Sikkim state in northeastern India, on the
southern slopes of the Himalayas Sikkim is bounded on the north and northeast
by Tibet Autonomous Region of China, on the southeast by Bhutan, on the south
by West Bengal and on the west by Nepal. The area is 7096 sq km. One of the
highest regions in India, Sikkim is traversed by the main range of the
Himalayas and by several spur ranges. It is entirely mountainous, with one -
third of the land covered with dense forests of sal, sambal and bamboo, which
are mostly inaccessible and unexploited. Kanchenjunga (8,598 m/28,209 ft) one
of the highest peaks in the world lie in Sikkim
Sikkim receives heavy rainfall. It is
watered by the perennial river Tista, and its tributaries, which are fed by
both snow and rain. The climate ranges from tropical to alpine. Generally the
lowlands are hot and humid, the hills are temperate, and the mountains are
permanently covered with snow. Average January temperatures in Gangtok, a hill
city, range from 4° to 14° C (39° to 57° F); in May the average temperatures
range from 14° to 22° C (57° to 72° F). Annual rainfall varies from about 1300
to 5000 mm (about 50 to 200 in), depending on the altitude and region of the
state
Sikkim has a single-chamber legislative
assembly with 32 members. The state sends two members to the Indian national
parliament: one to the RajyaSabha (Upper House) and one to the LokSabha(Lower
House). Local government is based on four administrative districts. Gangtok is
the Capital of this hilly state
The economy of Sikkim is basically
agrarian. Maize, rice, wheat, potato, large cardamom, ginger and orange are the
principal crops. Ginger, potato, orange and off season vegetables are the other
cash crops. Sikkim is one of the world's main producers of cardamom.
Copper, lead, zinc, coal, graphite, and
limestone are among the minerals found in the state, though not all are
commercially exploited. Forest resources and hydroelectric potential are
considerable. A number of industrial units have also come up in the state in
the area of fruit jams and juices, bakery products, beer, plastic goods, wrist
watches and leather goods.Traditional handicrafts, tourism, and the development
of new industry are also important to Sikkim's economy
Roads, though not extensive, are the
primary mode of travel. Ropeways have also been provided at many points. The
capital of Gangtok is nearly 75 miles from the nearest airport at Baghdogra and
70 miles from the railhead at Siliguri, both in West Bengal.Importanthydel
power projects include KalezHydel Project and Lachung in North Sikkim.
Being located in the Himalayas, the
residents of Sikkim experiences two kinds of climate. The northern part of the
state experiences tundra type of climate, whereas, the southern part observes
sub-tropical climatic conditions. Because of the tundra type of climate, the
northern Sikkim remains covered by snow for almost 4 months in a year, when the
night temperature goes below 0° C.
The weather condition of the state is
mainly divided into 5 seasons, which are:
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Monsoon
Winter
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