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.

Economy

Sikkim's mountainous terrain results in the lack of train or air links, limiting the area's potential for rapid industrial development. The government is the largest employer in the city, both directly and as contractors. The Sikkim Police also employs a large number of people to patrol the streets. The tourism industry provides employment to many people, with jobs ranging from drivers, shopkeepers to hoteliers. Gangtok receives around 200,000 tourists and earns Rs. 42 crores (9.7 million US $ annually. Its's economy does not have a manufacturing base, but cottage industries such as watch-making, country-made alcohol and handicrafts are present. Among the handicrafts are the handmade paper industry made from various vegetable fibers or cotton rags.

Related Topics:
Sikkim Police - Rs. - US $ - Cottage industries - Watch - Country-made alcohol

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The main market in Gangtok provides many of the state's rural residents a place to offer their produce during the harvest seasons.

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As Gangtok is a frontier state, the Indian army maintains a large presence in the vicinity. This leads to a large population of semi-permanent residents who bring money into the local economy. The government of Sikkim also earns a lot of revenue from the numerous Playwin lottery centres (through online gambling) in the city. With the proposed opening of the Nathula Pass by the Union government in October 2005, Gangtok would benefit as a result of trade between India and Tibet. The Nathula Pass, located about fifty kilometres from Gangtok, used to be the primary route of the wool, fur and spice trade with Tibet until 1962, when the border was closed.

Related Topics:
Indian army - Playwin - Online gambling - October 2005 - Wool - Fur - Spice - 1962

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