Census highlights of Meghalaya

    Meghalaya: Tucked away in the northeast, Meghalaya unveils mist-laden hills and a kaleidoscope of indigenous cultures. Its demographic mosaic shapes national census records, shedding light on socio-economic trends and cultural richness.
  • The population of Meghalaya state is 29.67 Lakh, with a male population of 14.92 Lakh and a female population of 14.75 Lakh.
  • The state has a literacy rate of 74.43%, which is higher than the national literacy rate of 74.04%.

Population of Meghalaya in 2024

  1. The estimated population of Meghalaya state in 2024 is 37.00 Lakh.
  2. This is an increase of 24.72% from the 2011 census population of 29.67 Lakh.
  3. The growth rate is higher than the national average of 17.26%.
The above population is an educated estimation based on many things including population growth rate of Meghalaya. It can vary from sources to sources.

Population

As per the provisional reports of the 2011 census, Meghalaya's population is 29,66,889. Out of the total population, 79.93% live in rural or village areas, while 20.07% live in urban or city areas.

Rural and Urban Population of Meghalaya

Rural
79.93% 23.71 Lakh
Urban
20.07% 5.95 Lakh

Map of Meghalaya - Population, Literacy, Religion and more

Population of Meghalaya is 29.67 Lakh.

Names

Outline

  • Tap on any district for its info of selected parameter
  • * Districts with data as "NA" were created after the last census.

    • Full map of India
    What portion of India's population lives in Meghalaya?
    Meghalaya state accounts for approximately 0.25% of India's total population. India's population is 121.09 Crore as of the latest available data in 2011.

    Top most populated states in India

    1
    Uttar Pradesh
    19.98 Crore
    2
    Maharashtra
    11.24 Crore
    3
    Bihar
    10.41 Crore
    4
    West Bengal
    9.13 Crore
    5
    Andhra Pradesh
    8.46 Crore
    What is Meghalaya's population rank in India?
    In India, Meghalaya state is the 23rd most populous district followed by Manipur and Nagaland
    How many districts are there in Meghalaya as of 2023?
    As of 2023, there are 13 districts in Meghalaya.
    East Garo Hills East Khasi Hills Ri Bhoi South Garo Hills West Garo Hills West Khasi Hills Jaintia Hills
    Districts created after the last census(2011):
    East Jaintia Hills, Mairang, North Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills,
      What are the 3 most populated districts in Meghalaya?
      1. East Khasi Hills: With a population of over 8.26 Lakh, East Khasi Hills is the most populated district in Meghalaya ranking 1st/7 in the state and 471st in the India.
      2. West Garo Hills: With a population of over 6.43 Lakh, West Garo Hills is the second most populated district in Meghalaya ranking 2nd/7 in the state and 506th in the India.
      3. Jaintia Hills: With a population of over 3.95 Lakh, Jaintia Hills is the third most populated district in Meghalaya ranking 3rd/7 in the state and 551st in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      What are the 3 least populated districts in Meghalaya?
      1. South Garo Hills: With a population of over 1.42 Lakh, South Garo Hills is the least populated district in Meghalaya ranking 7/7 in the state and 594th in the India.
      2. Ri Bhoi: With a population of over 2.59 Lakh, Ri Bhoi is the second least populated district in Meghalaya ranking 6/7 in the state and 572nd in the India.
      3. East Garo Hills: With a population of over 3.18 Lakh, East Garo Hills is the third least populated district in Meghalaya ranking 5/7 in the state and 561st in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts

      Meghalaya's Population summary

      Population Total Male Female
      Total 29.67 L 14.92 L 14.75 L
      Rural 23.71 L 11.94 L 11.77 L
      Urban 5.95 L 2.98 L 2.98 L

      Sex ratio

      Sex ratio of Meghalaya

      The total sex ratio of Meghalaya is 989/1000; this is higher than the sex ratio of India.
      Rural and Urban sex ratio of Meghalaya is 986/1000 and 1001/1000 respectively.

      Different sex ratios of Meghalaya
      India's sex ratio (943)
      Sex ratio ranking of Meghalaya

      1

      ST

      1013/1000

      2

      Urban

      1001/1000

      3

      Total

      989/1000

      4

      Rural

      986/1000

      5

      Children

      970/1000

      6

      SC

      895/1000

      7

      Non SC/ST

      849/1000

      *If the sex ratio within a particular category is 0/1000, it indicates that the population count for that specific parameter is 0.
      What is sex ratio?
      Sex ratio in India refers to the number of females per 1000 males in the population. It is an important demographic indicator that reflects the balance between the male and female population in a society.
      What is male and female population of Meghalaya?
      The population of Meghalaya is approximately 29.67 Lakh out of which, the male population is around 14.92 Lakh, while the female population is approximately 14.75 Lakh. The sex ratio of Meghalaya is 989 females per 1000 males, which is higher than the national sex ratio of 943 females per 1000 males.

      Highest sex ratios in India

      Rank
      District
      Sex Ratio
      What is Meghalaya's sex ratio rank in India?
      With a sex ratio of 993/1000, Meghalaya ranks 6th in India followed by Manipur and Odisha, according to the provisional data from the 2011 Indian Census.
      What are the 3 states in India with the lowest sex ratio?
      1. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: With a sex ratio of 706, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu has the lowest sex ratio in India.
      2. Ladakh: With a sex ratio of 750, Ladakh has the second lowest sex ratio in India.
      3. Chandigarh: With a sex ratio of 818, Chandigarhhas the third lowest sex ratio in India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      What are the top 3 districts by sex ratio in Meghalaya?
      1. Jaintia Hills: With a sex ratio of 1,013, Jaintia Hills ranks 1st/7 in Meghalaya and 64th in the India.
      2. East Khasi Hills: With a sex ratio of 1,011, East Khasi Hills ranks 2nd/7 in Meghalaya and 68th in the India.
      3. West Garo Hills: With a sex ratio of 984, West Garo Hills ranks 3rd/7 in Meghalaya and 155th in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      Which districts have lowest sex ratio in Meghalaya?
      1. South Garo Hills: With a sex ratio of 945, South Garo Hills ranks 7th/7 in Meghalaya and 336th in the India.
      2. Ri Bhoi: With a sex ratio of 953, Ri Bhoi ranks 6th/7 in Meghalaya and 290th in the India.
      3. East Garo Hills: With a sex ratio of 972, East Garo Hills ranks 5th/7 in Meghalaya and 206th in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      What does low sex ratio denotes?
      A low sex ratio denotes an imbalanced proportion of males to females in a given population. It is an indicator of gender inequality, which can have serious consequences for the social, economic, and political well-being of a society. Here are some of the implications of a low sex ratio:
      1. Discrimination against females: A low sex ratio is often the result of discrimination against girls and women, including female foeticide, infanticide, and neglect of the girl child. It signifies that females are not valued or given equal opportunities in society.
      2. Social unrest: A large number of unmarried men due to a low sex ratio can lead to social unrest and an increase in crime, violence, and other societal issues. It can also lead to a rise in prostitution, human trafficking, and other social evils.
      3. Economic impact: A low sex ratio can negatively impact economic growth. It can lead to a shortage of skilled labor, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs due to an aging population.
      4. Demographic imbalance: A low sex ratio can cause a demographic imbalance, with an over-representation of males in the population. This can lead to a shortage of females for marriage, which can further perpetuate the cycle of gender discrimination.
      In conclusion, a low sex ratio denotes a society's deep-rooted gender inequality and can have serious implications for its social, economic, and political development. It is important to take measures to address the issue of gender discrimination and promote gender equality to ensure a balanced sex ratio for a better future.
      Why balanced sex ratio is impotant?
      A balanced sex ratio is an essential indicator of a healthy society, and it reflects the proportion of males and females in a given population. Here are some reasons why a balanced sex ratio is important:
      1. Gender equality: A balanced sex ratio signifies equal representation of both males and females in society. It ensures equal rights, opportunities, and social status for both genders and eliminates discrimination against girls and women.
      2. Social stability: A skewed sex ratio can lead to social issues, such as an increase in crime, violence, and instability. A balanced sex ratio helps to create a stable and harmonious social environment, where both men and women have an equal say in societal decisions.
      3. Economic growth: A balanced sex ratio can contribute to the economic growth of a society. It promotes the education and employment of women, which in turn leads to higher productivity and income growth, benefiting the overall economy.
      4. Demographic balance: A balanced sex ratio is essential for the overall demographic balance of a society. It ensures that there are enough individuals to support the needs of the society and reduces the pressure on resources.
      In conclusion, a balanced sex ratio is critical for the overall development and progress of a society. It promotes gender equality, social stability, economic growth, and demographic balance. Hence, it is essential to take measures to eliminate gender discrimination and ensure a balanced sex ratio for a better future.

      Literacy Rate

      Literacy of Meghalaya

    • The total literacy rate of Meghalaya is 74.43%, while the total male and female literacy rate is 75.95% and 72.89% respectively.
    • The rural literacy rate of Meghalaya is 69.92%, while the rural male and female literacy rate is 71.46% and 68.37% respectively.
    • The urban literacy rate of Meghalaya is 90.79%, while the urban male and female literacy rate is 92.46% and 89.14% respectively.
    • Meghalaya's literacy rate is higher than the literacy rate of India.

      • Total, Rural and Urban literacy rate of Meghalaya
      India's literacy (74.04%)
      Total literacy across areas
      Total: 74.43% Rural: 69.92% Urban: 90.79%
      Male literacy
      Total: 75.95% Rural: 71.46% Urban: 92.46%
      Female literacy
      Total: 72.89% Rural: 68.37% Urban: 89.14%
      What is Literacy rate?
    • The literacy rate in India refers to the percentage of the population aged 7 years and above who can read and write with understanding.
    • As of the 2011 Census of India, the literacy rate in India was 74.04%. It's worth noting that this figure varies widely by state and gender, with some states having literacy rates over 90% while others have rates below 60%.
    • Additionally, the literacy rate in India is constantly increasing due to various government initiatives and educational programs aimed at improving access to education for all.
      • Why literacy rate is important?
      Literacy rate is a crucial factor for the educational and socio-economic development of a country. It indicates the percentage of people in a population who can read and write with understanding. Here are some reasons why literacy rate is important:
      1. Empowerment: Literacy empowers individuals by providing them with knowledge and skills, allowing them to make informed decisions and participate in the democratic process.
      2. Economic growth: Literacy is a key driver of economic growth and development. It provides individuals with the necessary skills to secure better employment opportunities, which in turn contributes to the country's economic growth.
      3. Improved health outcomes: Literacy is linked to better health outcomes, as literate individuals are more likely to seek out and understand health-related information, leading to healthier lifestyles and improved healthcare decisions.
      4. Social development: Literacy promotes social development by improving communication, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
      5. Reduction of poverty: Literacy plays a vital role in reducing poverty, as it enables individuals to participate in economic activities and access basic services such as healthcare and education.
      What is Meghalaya's literacy rate rank in India?
      With a literacy rate of 74.43%, Meghalaya ranks at 23rd position in India.

      Top literacy rates in India

      Rank
      District
      Literacy
      What are the 3 most literate districts in Meghalaya?
      1. East Khasi Hills: With a sex ratio of 84.15%, East Khasi Hills ranks 1st/7 in Meghalaya and 78th in the India.
      2. West Khasi Hills: With a sex ratio of 77.87%, West Khasi Hills ranks 2nd/7 in Meghalaya and 194th in the India.
      3. Ri Bhoi: With a sex ratio of 75.67%, Ri Bhoi ranks 3rd/7 in Meghalaya and 237th in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      Which are the 3 least literate states in India?
      As per the 2011 Census of India, the 3 least literate states in India are:
      1. Bihar: With a literacy rate of 61.8%, Bihar is the least literate state in India.
      2. Arunachal Pradesh: With a literacy rate of 65.38%, Arunachal Pradesh is the second least literate state in India.
      3. Rajasthan: With a literacy rate of 66.11%, Rajasthan is the third least literate state in India.
      Which districts have lowest literacy rate in Meghalaya?
      1. Jaintia Hills: With a literacy rate of 61.64%, Jaintia Hills ranks 7th/7 in Meghalaya and 530th in the India.
      2. West Garo Hills: With a literacy rate of 67.58%, West Garo Hills ranks 6th/7 in Meghalaya and 425th in the India.
      3. South Garo Hills: With a literacy rate of 71.72%, South Garo Hills ranks 5th/7 in Meghalaya and 323rd in the India.
      *Country rank is out of 632 districts
      What does low literacy rate denotes?
      A low literacy rate denotes that a small percentage of the population in a given area, usually a country or a region, can read and write with understanding. A low literacy rate has several implications for the educational and socio-economic development of a society. Here are some implications of a low literacy rate:
    • Limited educational opportunities: A low literacy rate means that a significant proportion of the population does not have access to quality education. This can limit their personal and professional development and hinder their ability to contribute to the overall development of the country.
    • Economic challenges: A low literacy rate can lead to a lack of skilled workers and limit economic growth and development. It may also result in limited employment opportunities, leading to high unemployment rates and poverty.
    • Health challenges: A low literacy rate is linked to poor health outcomes, as people who are unable to read and write may struggle to access important health-related information, leading to poor health decisions and outcomes.
    • Social challenges: A low literacy rate can lead to communication and social interaction challenges, which can negatively affect the quality of life for individuals and the overall social development of the country.
    • Increased poverty: A low literacy rate is linked to higher poverty rates, as people who are unable to read and write may have limited access to employment opportunities and basic services such as healthcare and education.
      • Which are the 3 most literate districts in India?
        As per the 2011 Census of India, the 3 most literate districts in India are:
      • Serchhip : With a literacy rate of 97.91%, Serchhip, located in Mizoram is the most literate district in India.
      • Aizawl : With a literacy rate of 97.89%, Aizawl, located in Mizoram is the second most literate district in India.
      • Mahe : With a literacy rate of 97.87%, Mahe, located in Puducherry is the third most literate district in India.

      Religion and WPR

      Religious information of Meghalaya

      • As per the 2011 Census, the majority of the population in Meghalaya state follows Christianity, accounting for around 74.59% of the total population.
      • Hinduism is the second-largest religion in the state, with around 11.53% followers.
      • Islam is the third-largest religion with around 4.4% followers.
      • Other religious communities in Meghalaya include Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism accounting for a small portion of population.
      Religion graph

      *Religions with population percentage around 1-2% are included in the above graph.

      Hindu 11.53% Muslim 4.4%
      Sikh 0.1% Christian 74.59%
      Buddhism 0.33% Jainism 0.02%
      Others 8.71% NA 0.32%

      Worker Population Ratio of Meghalaya

      The worker population ratio of Meghalaya stands at 39.96%, which means that 39.96% of the state's population is part of the workforce.
      This ratio is a key indicator of the state's economic health, as it reflects the level of labor force participation and employment opportunities available to the population.

      What does high working population ratio denotes?
      1. The working population ratio (WPR) is a measure of the proportion of the working-age population that is employed.
      2. A high WPR generally indicates a strong and healthy economy, while a low WPR can be a sign of economic weakness.
      3. A high WPR can lead to increased economic growth, higher levels of productivity, and increased tax revenue for the government.
      4. A high WPR can help to reduce poverty and inequality by providing more opportunities for individuals to earn a living and support themselves and their families.
      5. A low WPR can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including higher levels of poverty, social unrest, and reduced economic growth.
      6. The WPR is typically calculated by dividing the number of employed individuals in a population by the total working-age population.
      7. A high WPR can be achieved through various means, including creating more job opportunities, improving education and training programs, and promoting entrepreneurship.
      8. A high WPR can also help to attract foreign investment and improve a country's international competitiveness.
      9. A high WPR is not the only indicator of a strong economy, and other factors such as income inequality, inflation, and public debt should also be considered when assessing economic performance.
      Overall, a high working population ratio is an important economic indicator that reflects the level of economic activity and productivity within a country or region.
      How does low working population ratio impact?
      1. The working population ratio (WPR) is a measure of the proportion of the working-age population that is employed.
      2. A low WPR can be a sign of economic weakness, indicating that there are not enough job opportunities available to support the working-age population.
      3. A low WPR can lead to higher levels of poverty, social unrest, and reduced economic growth.
      4. A low WPR can also lead to a decrease in tax revenue for the government, which can further hinder economic development.
      5. A low WPR can be caused by various factors, including a lack of investment in job creation, low levels of education and training, and demographic changes such as an aging population.
      6. Addressing a low WPR requires a multi-faceted approach, including creating more job opportunities, improving education and training programs, and promoting entrepreneurship.
      7. A low WPR may also require policy interventions such as tax incentives for businesses that create jobs or subsidies for industries that are experiencing growth.
      8. A low WPR can be particularly challenging in rural areas or regions with limited economic opportunities, and may require targeted efforts to attract investment and create new industries.
      9. A low WPR can negatively impact the social fabric of a society, leading to increased crime rates, drug abuse, and other social problems.
      Overall, a low working population ratio is an important economic indicator that reflects the level of economic activity and productivity within a country or region. Addressing a low WPR requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the various factors that contribute to low employment rates.

      2024: New Districts in Meghalaya

      As of the year 2024, Meghalaya has 12 districts, marking a notable increase from the 7 recorded in the previous census of 2011.
      Districts added after last census: North Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East West Khasi Hills
      District Formed Derived from
      North Garo Hills 2012 --
      South West Garo Hills 2012 --
      West Jaintia Hills 2012 --
      East Jaintia Hills 2012 --
      South West Khasi Hills 2012 --
      East West Khasi Hills 2021 --

      List of all States and Union territories of India

      Andhra Pradesh

      Arunachal Pradesh

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      Chhattisgarh

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