south India
Kerala
Kerala is a narrow coastal state in south-western India shaped by the Arabian Sea, the Western Ghats, monsoon rainfall, maritime trade, social reform, and a widely discussed human development experience.
Capital
Thiruvananthapuram
Population
3.34 Cr
Census of India 2011
Area
38,863 sq km
Census of India 2011
Literacy
94%
Census of India 2011
Districts
14
State Profile
Kerala overview
Kerala is a compact but highly distinctive state on India south-western coast, where mountains, backwaters, coastal settlements, trade history, social reform, migration, and public services together shape its identity.
Capital
Thiruvananthapuram
Region
south
Population
3.34 Cr
Census of India 2011
Area
38,863 sq km
Census of India 2011
Snapshot
Quick facts
Core facts useful for prelims, maps, and state comparison.
- Capital
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Largest city
- Kochi
- Region
- south
- Population
- 3.34 CrCensus of India 2011
- Area
- 38,863 sq kmCensus of India 2011
- Languages
- Malayalam, English
Snapshot
Economy snapshot
A quick view of source-backed output, income, growth, and major sectors.
- Industries
- Tourism, Remittances, Spices, Rubber
UPSC Focus
Why it matters
Important UPSC-relevant themes connected with this state.
- It is a strong case study for literacy, health, decentralisation, migration, remittances, and human development.
- Its geography connects the Western Ghats, monsoon systems, biodiversity hotspots, coastal erosion, and disaster management.
- Its history illustrates Indian Ocean trade, colonial competition, social reform, linguistic reorganisation, and regional identity.
UPSC Focus
Identity markers
Cultural, historical, geographical, or economic identifiers.
- Malayalam-speaking state formed on 1 November 1956.
- Narrow west coast location between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.
- Known for backwaters, spices, rubber, coconut, fisheries, tourism, Ayurveda, and high literacy.
- Administrative capital at Thiruvananthapuram and High Court at Kochi.