Southern India
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of India's most industrialized and culturally rich states, famous for ancient Dravidian temples, classical Tamil language, Bharatanatyam dance, strong automobile industry, and beautiful coastal regions. Chennai is the capital and major economic hub.
78M
People
130,058 km²
Area
38
Districts
39
LS Seats
Formed: 26 Jan 1950
Capital: Chennai
Language: Tamil
Basic Information
State Name: Tamil Nadu
Capital: Chennai
Formation Year: 26 January 1950
Official Language: Tamil
Geography & Climate
Area: 130,058 sq km
Major Rivers: Kaveri, Vaigai & Palar
Coastline: Long Bay of Bengal coastline
Climate: Tropical wet & dry climate
Political Parties
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
All India Anna DMK (AIADMK)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Indian National Congress (INC)
Administration
Chief Minister: M. K. Stalin
Governor: R. N. Ravi
Legislative Assembly: 234 Seats
Demographics
Population: ~78 million
Literacy: ~80.1%
Major Cities: Chennai, Coimbatore & Madurai
Urbanization: Highly urbanized state
Economy
Main Sectors: Automobile, IT & Manufacturing
Special Recognition: Detroit of India (Chennai)
Main Crops: Rice, sugarcane & cotton
State Symbols
Animal: Nilgiri Tahr
Bird: Emerald Dove
Tree: Palmyra Palm
Flower: Glory Lily
Foods
Popular Foods: Dosa, Idli & Sambar
Traditional Cuisine: Chettinad dishes
Sweets: Pongal & Mysore Pak
Tourism & Heritage
Famous Temples: Meenakshi Temple & Brihadeeswara Temple
Hill Stations: Ooty & Kodaikanal
UNESCO Sites: Great Living Chola Temples
Beach Tourism: Marina Beach & Rameswaram
Transportation
Major Airports: Chennai, Coimbatore & Madurai
Railways: Dense southern railway network
Ports: Chennai & Tuticorin ports
Culture
Dance: Bharatanatyam
Music: Carnatic classical music
Festivals: Pongal & Tamil New Year
Education
Major Institutes: IIT Madras & Anna University
Research: Strong engineering & medical education
Higher Education: One of India's top education hubs
Interesting Facts
Tamil is one of the world's oldest living classical languages.
Chennai is called the "Detroit of India".
Marina Beach is among the world's longest urban beaches.
Tamil Nadu has some of India's most famous ancient temples.