Tamil Nadu, located in the extreme south of India, is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and south, and by Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh to the west and north. The state capital is Chennai (formerly Madras). Tamil Nadu is known for its rich Dravidian culture and language, strong agricultural base, and significant industrial activity.
Geography and Landforms of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu features a diverse topography. The state has flat coastal plains along the eastern coast, with fertile regions like the Kaveri River delta. To the west, the Western Ghats rise with peaks such as Anai Peak, the highest in peninsular India. The state is also home to the lower Eastern Ghats and a variety of soil types, including alluvial, clay, loam, sand, and red laterites.
Area of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, located in the southern part of India, spans approximately 50,216 square miles (130,058 square kilometers). The state features a diverse landscape, including the flat eastern plains, fertile Kaveri River delta, and the Western Ghats with peaks over 8,000 feet. The terrain ranges from coastal areas and arid flatlands in the south to hilly regions in the north and west.
Climate of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 100°F (21°C to 38°C). The state receives annual rainfall between 25 and 75 inches (630 to 1,900 mm), primarily from the northeast and southwest monsoons. The western mountains receive the most rain, while the southeastern regions get less.
Population and Demographics of Tamil Nadu State
Tamil Nadu’s population is predominantly Tamil-speaking, with Tamil as the official language. The state also has communities speaking Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Urdu. Hinduism is the major religion, with significant populations of Christians and Muslims. The state is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and traditions.
Economy of Tamil Nadu
Agriculture is crucial in Tamil Nadu, with significant production of rice, millet, peanuts, and pulses. The state is a leading fish producer and has an active forestry sector. Tamil Nadu’s economy is also driven by manufacturing, with industries such as automobile production, textiles, and electronics. The state is a leader in wind power generation and has a strong information technology sector.
Tamil Nadu’s Government and Administration
Tamil Nadu’s Administration is divided into 38 districts which are grouped into 5 divisions. The state government operates under the framework of the Indian Constitution. Tamil Nadu’s executive branch is led by the governor and the Chief Minister, while the judiciary is overseen by the High Court in Chennai. The state is administratively divided into districts, with local governance managed by panchayats and municipal bodies.
Health and Education of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu provides a range of healthcare services through public and private institutions, including traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Siddha. The state has numerous educational institutions, including prominent universities like the University of Madras and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.