Economy
This is a chart displaying the trend in the gross state domestic product of Sikkim at market prices, as estimated by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Figures are in millions of Indian rupees.[44]
| Year | Gross State Domestic Product |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 520 |
| 1985 | 1,220 |
| 1990 | 2,340 |
| 1995 | 5,200 |
| 2000 | 9,710 |
| 2003 | 23,786[45] |
Sikkim's gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $478 million in current prices.
Sikkim's economy is largely agrarian. The British introduced terraced farming of rice,[46] in addition to crops such as maize, millet, wheat, barley, oranges, tea and cardamom.[47] Sikkim has the highest production and largest cultivated area of cardamom in India.[48] Because of the hilly terrain, and lack of reliable transportation infrastructure, there are no large-scale industries. Breweries, distilleries, tanning and watchmaking are the main industries. These are located in the southern reaches of the state, primarily in the towns of Melli and Jorethang. The state has a high growth rate of 8.3%, which is the second highest in the country after Delhi.[49]
In recent years, the government of Sikkim has extensively promoted tourism. As a result, the state revenue has increased 14 times since the mid-1990s.[50]
A fledgling industry the state has recently invested in is gambling, including online gambling. A casino was opened in March 2009, the Casino Sikkim, and seven further casino licences are being considered by the state government.[51] The Playwin lottery has been a commercial success and operates all over the country.[52][53] In October 2009 the government of Sikkim announced plans to offer three online sports betting licences.[54] Among the minerals mined in Sikkim are copper, dolomite, talc, graphite, quartzite, coal, zinc and lead.[55]
The opening of the Nathula Pass on 6 July 2006 connecting Lhasa, Tibet to India is expected to give a boost to the local economy, though the financial benefits will be slow to arrive. The pass, closed since the 1962 Sino-Indian War, was an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road, which was essential to the wool, fur and spice trade.[23]
Transport
Air
Sikkim currently does not have any airports or railheads because of its rough terrain. However, the state's first airport is expected to be ready by 2011 in Pakyong, 30 km (19 mi) away from Gangtok. The airport will be capable of operating ATR aircraft.[56] Currently, the closest operational airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport, near the town of Siliguri in West Bengal. The airport is about 124 km away from Gangtok. A regular helicopter service run by the Sikkim Helicopter Service connects Gangtok to Bagdogra; the flight is thirty minutes long, operates only once a day, and can carry 4 people.[57] The Gangtok helipad is the only civilian helipad in the state.
Rail
The closest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri.[58]
The New Sikkim Railway Project has been launched to connect the town of Rangpo in Sikkim with Sevoke. The project is expected to be complete by 2015.[59][60]
In addition, the Ministry of Railways has recently proposed plans for railway lines linking Mirik to Ranipool.[61]
Road
National Highway 31A and National Highway 31 link Siliguri to Gangtok.[62] Sikkim National Transport runs bus and truck services. Privately-run bus, tourist taxi and jeep services operate throughout Sikkim, and also connect it to Siliguri. A branch of the highway fromMelli connects western Sikkim. Towns in southern and western Sikkim are connected to the hill stations of Kalimpong and Darjeeling in northern West Bengal.[63] The state is furthermore connected to China by Nathu La.
Demographics
Further information: Sikkimese people
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The majority of Sikkim's residents are of Nepali ethnic-national origin who arrived in the 19th century.[citation needed] The native Sikkimese consist of the Bhutias, who migrated from the Kham district of Tibet in the 14th century, and the Lepchas who are believed to have migrated from the Far East. Tibetans reside mostly in the northern and eastern reaches of the state. Migrant resident communities include the Biharis, Bengalis and Marwaris who own most of the shops in South Sikkim and Gangtok.[65]
Hinduism has been the major religion in the state since Nepalis take over Sikkim, followed byBuddhism and native religion practised by Native Sikkimese people. Sikkim has 75 monasteries, the oldest dating back to the 1700s.[66] The Christians are mostly Lepcha people who were converted by British missionaries since the late 19th century. Among other minorities are Muslims of Bihari ethnicity and Jains.[67] Though tensions between the Lepchas and the Nepalese escalated during the merger of Sikkim with India, there has never been any communal violence, unlike most other states.[68]
Nepali is the lingua franca of Sikkim. Bhutia and Lepcha are also common. English and Hindi are also spoken and understood in most of Sikkim. Other languages include Dzongkha, Groma, Gurung,Limbu, Magar, Majhi, Majhwar, Nepal Bhasa, Rai, Sikkimese, Sherpa, Sunuwar, Tamang, Thulung, Tibetan, and Yakha.[69]
Sikkim is India's least populous state. In 2011 it had 607,688 inhabitants, with 321,661 males and 286,027 females.[70] It is also one of the least densely populated states with only 86 persons per square kilometre. Its growth rate is 12.36% (2001–2011). The sex ratio is 889 females per 1000 males. With 50,000 inhabitants, Gangtok is the state's only significant town. The urban population in Sikkim is 11.06%.[35] The per capita income stands at 
11,356, which is one of the highest in the country.[71]
11,356, which is one of the highest in the country.[71]Culture
See also: Music of Sikkim
The Sikkimese celebrate all major Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Dussera. Nepali festivals like Tihar and Bhimsen Puja are common.[72] Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu are Buddhist festivals. During the Losar (Tibetan New Year) most offices and educational institutions are closed for a week.[73] Muslims celebrate Id-ul-fitr and Muharram.[74] Christmas has also been promoted in Gangtok to attract tourists during the off-season.[75]
Western rock music and Hindi songs have gained wide acceptance among the Sikkimese. Indigenous Nepali rock and Lepcha music are also popular.[76] Common sports in Sikkim areFootball and cricket. Hang gliding and river rafting have also been introduced in order to promote tourism.[77]
Noodle-based dishes such as the thukpa, chowmein, thanthuk, fakthu, gyathuk and wontonare common in Sikkim. Momos, steamed dumplings filled with vegetable, buff (buffalo meat) or pork and served with a soup, are a popular snack.[78] Beer, whiskey, rum and brandy are widely consumed.[79] Sikkim has the third highest per capita alcoholism rate amongst all Indian states, behind Punjab and Haryana.[80]
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