About Sikkim

Where is Sikkim?

Sikkim is a state in India, located in the northeastern part of the country, in the eastern Himalayas. It is one of the smallest states in India. Sikkim is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast, by Bhutan to the southeast, by the Indian state of West Bengal to the south, and by Nepal to the west. The capital is Gangtok, in the southeastern part of the state.

A part of the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and the third highest on Earth. Sikkim’s capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park.

Long a sovereign political entity, Sikkim became a protectorate of India in 1950 and an Indian state in 1975. Its small size notwithstanding, Sikkim is of great political and strategic importance for India because of its location along several international boundaries. Its area is 2,740 square miles (7,096 square km) and its population (2011) is 607,688.

People and Culture

The people of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, the Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali. Communities of different ethnicities intermingle freely in Sikkim. Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist monasteries, churches, mosques, and gurudwara. These myriad cultures have produced a quintessential Sikkimese culture that encompasses all ways and walks of life, but each has managed to preserve its own identity. This can be seen in the various places of worship, festivals, and cultural dances that are celebrated throughout the year.

The native Sikkimese consist of the Bhutias, who migrated from the Kham district of Tibet in the 14th century, and the Lepchas, who are believed to have migrated from the Far East. Tibetans reside mostly in the northern and eastern reaches of the state. Migrant resident communities include Bengalis, Biharis, and Marwaris who are prominent in south Sikkim and Gangtok.

People and Culture

Languages

The official languages of the state are English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia), and Lepcha. Additional official languages include Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Mukhia, Newari, Rai, Sherpa, and Tamang for the preservation of culture and tradition in the state.

Nepali is the lingua franca of Sikkim, while Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha are spoken in certain areas. English is also spoken and understood in most of Sikkim. Other languages include Dzongkha, Groma, Hindi, Majhi, Majhwar, Thulung, Tibetan, and Yakha. The major languages spoken as per the 2001 census are Nepali (62.61%), Sikkimese (Bhutia) (7.73%), Hindi (6.67%), Lepcha (6.61%), Limbu (6.34%), Sherpa (2.57%), Tamang (1.87%), and Rai (1.64%).

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About Sikkim

Where is Sikkim?

People and Culture

People and Culture

Languages

Would you like to become a member of our association?

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