Chennai

Chennai (சென்னை in Tamil), formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is India's fourth largest city. It is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. With an estimated population of 7.45 million (2005), the 367-year-old city is the 41st largest metropolitan area in the world.

Demographics

Residents of Chennai are called Chennaiites or Madrasis; the latter often being used to refer to South Indians in general. As of 2000, Chennai city had a population of 4.2 million, while the total metropolitan population was 6.7 million. The estimated metropolitan population in 2005 is 7.45 million.{{inote|pop}}

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As of 2000 - 2005

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The population density in the city is 24,418 per km² while the overall population density is 6,351 per km². The sex ratio is 948 females for every 1000 males, slightly higher than the national average of 934.{{inote|http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/in.html CIA World Factbook|sr}} The average literacy rate is 80.14%{{inote|http://www.tn.gov.in/schooleducation/statistics/table7and8.htm|literacy}}, much higher than the national average of 59.5%. Twenty-five percent of the city's population is classified as living in slum conditions.{{inote|http://www.tn.gov.in/economy/eco-oct2001-12.htm|slum}}

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Population density - Sex ratio

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The main problem Chennai faces is overpopulation and resulting water scarcity. Residential skyscrapers are generally not favoured, leading to urban sprawl, with consequent increase in commuting time and ownership of private vehicles. High land prices and the lack of space has pushed many of the lower strata of society into residing in slums, which have poor sanitation and lack clean water.

Related Topics:
Overpopulation - Urban sprawl

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The majority of residents in Chennai are native Tamilians and speak Tamil. English is widely spoken, and is used almost exclusively in business, education and other white collar professions. Tamil spoken in Chennai uses English words liberally, so much so that it is often called Madras bashai (Tamil for "Madras language"). There is also a sizeable Telugu speaking minority in the city. Other languages spoken include Malayalam, and Urdu. A regional hub since British times, Chennai has a large number of Marwari traders. Other prominent communities are the Anglo Indian, Bengali, Punjabi and people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Chennai also has a growing expatriate population who work in the industries and IT centres.

Related Topics:
Tamilians - Tamil - English - White collar - English - Madras bashai - Telugu - Malayalam - Urdu - Marwari - Anglo Indian - Bengali - Punjabi - Uttar Pradesh - Bihar - IT

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