MEGHALAYA INFO

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General Information:
Area: 22,400 Sq. km.
Population: 2.3 millions
Density: 247 Per Sq. Km.
Capital: Shillong
Main Languages: Khasi, Garo and English
Literacy Rate: 50%

       The word Meghalaya means Abode of Clouds and very aptly represents what the state is like. A land full with natures own creations- pure and fresh mountain air, whispering pines, gurgling streams that turn into a waterfall, extensive flora and fauna, limpid lakes, rivers, unpolluted rushing streams breaking into waterfalls, twisting and turning, disappearing into the jungle.

       Meghalaya was declared as a state on 21st January, 1972. It is one of the seven sister states of the North Eastern region and also one of the wettest places on earth. The Cherapunjee - Mawsynram belt in the southern slopes of Khasi Hills records the heaviest rainfall in the world. It is bordered by Assam in the north and Bangladesh in the south. Meghalaya experiences two seasons: winter and monsoon and is characterised by cool climate throughout the year.

       The original inhabitants of this state are Khasis, Jaintias and Garos who are a predominantly tribal lot. A common cultural tradition of all the tribes of Meghalaya is the matriarchal law of inheritance by which, custody to property and succession of family position runs through the female line, passing from the mother to the youngest daughter, instead of the male line as is common elsewhere in the country.

       Shillong forms the capital city and is situated in the centre of a high plateau, is often referred to as the 'Scotland of the East'. This mountainous area, is drained by a number of rivers, none of which are navigable due to rocky beds and strong currents.

       Only 50% of the villages in Meghalaya get electricity. Most people depend upon their land for livelihood. The state has only 56 factories which provide employment to a meagre 2746 people. Recently, new industrial units set up by or with the help of the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation are fast coming up. like the public sector cement factory Mawmluh- Cherra Cement Ltd with a production capacity of 930 tonnes per day.

       Agriculture is the main occupation of Meghalaya, with eighty three percent of the total population, dependent on it for their livelihood. Rice and maize are the major food crops. Meghalaya is dotted with a number of divine tourist spots, where Nature unveils herself in all her glory. Shillong, the capital city has a number of beautiful sites like, wards lake, Lady Hydari park, Polo ground, Mini zoo, Elephant falls and Shillong peak, overlooking the city and the golf course, one of the best in the country.