|
Area: |
22,429 sq. km |
|
Capital: |
Shillong |
|
Districts: |
7 |
|
Language: |
Khasi, Garo |
|
Population: |
1,760,626 |
|
Literacy: |
48.26 % |
Literally the abode of clouds, Meghalaya is a state which is home to tribes such as the Khasis, Jaintias and the Garos. Shillong, its capital, is set in a high plateau and is often called the Scotland of India.
The majority of the population depends on agriculture for its livelihood
but the potential for expansion is limited. Jhumming or
shifting cultivation is a great problem. The state is industrially under
developed and only beginning to initiate the process. A cement factory has been
set up at Cherrapunji – once the wettest spot on earth.
Besides the food crops rice and maize, Meghalaya is known for its
luscious oranges, pears, plums, peaches, pineapple and jackfruit. Cash crops
traditionally cultivated are potatoes, turmeric, ginger, mustard, black pepper,
areca nut, tapioca, betelvine, jute and mesta. Cashew, coffee and oilseeds are
becoming increasingly important.
Mawsenram in Meghalaya has the distinction of being the wettest place
on the earth with an annual rainfall of 11,873 mm.
70.3 percent of the area of the state is under forest cover. The state
is rich in bamboo, reeds, cane, medicinal herbs and shrubs. A large number of
orchids grow naturally Meghalaya has the highest concentration of elephants per
square kilometre with has a population of 2872 elephants.
Unium Lake near Shillong and Kyallang Rock near Cherrapunji are places of tourist interest. Meghalaya is rich in wild life - there are elephants, tigers, bears, wild boars, leopards, slow loris, flying squirrels, golden langurs and giant squirrels. There are many varieties of pheasants, quails, and geese. The state has two national parks – the Nokrek and the Balapkram, and two wild life sanctuaries- Nongkhyllem and Siju.