Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated in the lower Himalayas, located at {{coor d|27.2|N|88.4|E|}}. Known for its clean surroundings and temperate climate, this hill station of about fifty thousand people is the centre of Sikkim's tourist industry.

Demographics

Ethnic Nepalis, who settled in the region during British rule, comprise the majority of Gangtok's fifty thousand residents. Lepchas, native to the land, and Bhutias also constitute a sizable portion of the populace. Additionally, a large number of Tibetans have immigrated to the town in recent years. Immigrant resident communities not native to the region include the Marwaris, who own most of the shops; the Biharis, who are employed in mostly blue collar jobs and the Bengalis.

Related Topics:
Nepali - Lepcha - Bhutia - Tibetans - Marwari - Bihari - Blue collar - Bengali

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Hinduism and Buddhism are the two largest religions in Gangtok. Gangtok also has a sizable Christian population, most of which is of Lepcha origin, who converted after British missionaries started preaching here in the late 19th century. The town has remained secular, having never witnessed any sort of inter-religious strife in its history. A mosque in downtown Gangtok also serves the small Muslim minority.

Related Topics:
Hinduism - Buddhism - Christian - British - 19th century - Mosque - Muslim

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Nepali is the most widely spoken language in Gangtok. English and Hindi are also widely spoken and understood in most of Sikkim, particularly in Gangtok. Other languages spoken in Gangtok include Bhutia (Sikkimese), Tibetan and Lepcha.

Related Topics:
Nepali - English - Hindi

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