Establishment and History
* Admission to the Indian Union (Establishment as a State): May 16, 1975, when the Indian Parliament passed the 36th Amendment to the Constitution, making it the 22nd state of India.
* Previous Status: It was a hereditary monarchy, the Kingdom of Sikkim (established in 1642), which became a protectorate of India in 1950 before its full merger as a state in 1975.
Borders
Sikkim is a landlocked state that shares its borders with:
| Direction | Neighboring Entity | Type |
|---|---|---|
| North and East | China (Tibet Autonomous Region) | Country |
| West | Nepal | Country |
| Southeast | Bhutan | Country |
| South | West Bengal | Indian State |
Sikkim is unique in that it is the only Indian state to border just one other Indian state (West Bengal) and three international countries.
Population, Languages, and Religion (Based on Census 2011)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Population | Approximately 6.11 Lakhs (610,577) |
| Official Languages | Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia), Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang |
| Prominent Languages Spoken | Nepali (most widely spoken), Bhutia, Lepcha, Hindi, English |
| Major Religions | Hinduism (57.76%), Buddhism (27.39%), Christianity (9.91%) |
List of Chief Ministers (CMs) with Dates
| S. No. | Chief Minister Name | Party | Date Joined | Date Left |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kazi Lhendup Dorjee | INC/Sikkim National Congress | May 16, 1975 | August 18, 1979 |
| 2 | Nar Bahadur Bhandari | Sikkim Janata Parishad (later INC) | October 18, 1979 | May 11, 1984 |
| 3 | Bhim Bahadur Gurung | Indian National Congress (INC) | May 11, 1984 | May 25, 1984 |
| 4 | Nar Bahadur Bhandari | Sikkim Sangram Parishad (SSP) | March 8, 1985 | June 17, 1994 |
| 5 | Sanchaman Limboo | Sikkim Sangram Parishad (SSP) | June 17, 1994 | December 12, 1994 |
| 6 | Pawan Kumar Chamling | Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) | December 12, 1994 | May 27, 2019 |
| 7 | Prem Singh Tamang (P.S. Golay) | Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) | May 27, 2019 | Incumbent |
Note: Pawan Kumar Chamling is one of India's longest-serving Chief Ministers, holding the office for over 24 years.
President's Rule
President's Rule (imposition of direct rule by the Central Government) has been imposed Twice in Sikkim since its statehood:
* First Instance: August 18, 1979, to October 18, 1979.
* Second Instance: May 25, 1984, to March 8, 1985.
Famous Places and Products
Sikkim is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty, mountains, and being India's first fully organic state.
| Category | Famous Places (For Worldwide/Indian Tourism) | Products (Famous in India/Worldwide) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural/Scenic | Mount Kanchenjunga (World's 3rd highest peak), Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake), Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers), Teesta River. | Large Cardamom (Sikkim is a leading producer in India), Organic Produce (ginger, turmeric, oranges, and specialty teas), Sikkimese Tea (e.g., Temi Tea). |
| Cultural/Historical | Gangtok (Capital City and main hub), Nathula Pass (Historic trade route connecting India and Tibet), Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Yuksom (first capital of Sikkim). | Handicrafts (Thangkas - traditional Buddhist cloth paintings, intricate wooden objects), Hand-woven Carpets, Choktse (Artistic folding wooden tables), Traditional Sikkimese Dresses. |
| Unique Distinction | MG Marg, Gangtok (India's first spit and litter-free zone). | Himalayan Medicinal Herbs. |
