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Kerala state (2001 provisional
pop. 31,838,619), 15,003 sq mi (38,858 sq km), SW India, on
the Arabian Sea. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital. A wet
tropical climate and coastal lowlands support cultivation of
rice, coconuts, tapioca, and spices; the interior hills
produce rubber, coffee, and tea. A densely populated state,
Kerala was created in 1956 from the Malayalam-speaking
former princely states of Cochin and Travancore and
Malayalam-speaking areas formerly in Madras state (now Tamil
Nadu). About 60% of the population is Hindu; Christians and
Muslims each make up about 20% of the remaining inhabitants.
Although Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India (1981
est. 70%), it suffers from economic underdevelopment and |
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unemployment.In 1957, India's first Communist state
administration was elected in Kerala, and a Communist
coalition was again elected in 1967, 1970, and 1987. Maoist
Naxalite groups were active in the state. Kerala takes its
name from the ancient Tamil kingdom of Kerala (Chera), which
traded with the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. Some
coastal areas of Kerala were hard-hit by the Dec., 2004,
Indian Ocean tsunami. The state is governed by a chief
minister responsible to an elected unicameral legislature
and by a governor appointed by the president of India.
Kerala facts & Figures
Kerala at a Glance
Area: 38,864 sq km
Capital: Thriruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
No of District: 14
Languages: Telgu, Hindi, English
Population: 31.8 Mil (2001)
Per Capita Income: 6,462
Religion: Hindu, Muslim, Christian
Location: South West India
Urban: appr.20%
Main Incame: Tourism , Agriculture
Best Time to visit: October to March |
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