The West Sikkim district of Sikkim had a population of about 1.36 lakh in 2011 and it is expected to grow steadily to reach a population of around 1.57 lakh by 2025. It has an area of 1,166 sq km and population density of 117 persons per sq km. The sex ratio is close to 943 females per 1000 males and the literacy rate is around 77.39 percent. The child sex ratio is 965 girls per 1000 boys. The major religion is Hindu with about 55.18 percent and Nepali‑related languages are the main languages spoken by the majority. The district population is about 3.85 percent urban and 96.15 percent rural, and rural villages together account for almost the entire population. There are a total of 28,023 households in the district.
Quick Overview of District Census 2021
| Item |
Value |
Remarks |
| Total area | 1,166 sq km | Overall district |
| Total population 2011 | 136,435 | Base count |
| Population density | 117 per sq km | Low density |
| Sex ratio | 943 females per 1000 males | Total district |
| Average literacy | 77.39% | Adults 7+ years |
| Urban proportion | 3.85% | Very small urban share |
| Rural proportion | 96.15% | Mostly village‑based |
| Households | 28,023 | Families in 2011 |
Population and Historical Census Data
| Census year |
Population |
Variation from previous |
| 1971 | 58,023 | Base |
| 1981 | 75,192 | +29.59% |
| 1991 | 98,159 | +30.55% |
| 2001 | 123,256 | +25.57% |
| 2011 | 136,435 | +10.69% |
Population Projections 2025 Onwards
| Year |
Estimated population |
Total growth from 2011 |
| 2025 | 156,656 | 14.82% |
| 2026 | 157,990 | 15.8% |
| 2027 | 159,101 | 16.61% |
| 2028 | 160,434 | 17.59% |
| 2029 | 161,767 | 18.57% |
| 2030 | 162,878 | 19.38% |
| 2031 | 163,989 | 20.2% |
| 2036 | 169,100 | 23.94% |
Sex Ratio and Child Population
| Category |
Sex ratio |
Child 0–6 (girls per 1000 boys) |
| Total | 943 | 965 |
| Urban | 937 | 967 |
| Rural | 943 | 964 |
| SC community | 905 | Not stated |
| ST community | 961 | Not stated |
Child Population 0–6 Years
| Group |
Count |
Share of total |
| Total child population | 15,706 | 11.51% |
| Male children | 7,996 | Not % |
| Female children | 7,710 | Not % |
| Urban child population | 539 | 10.27% of urban |
| Rural child population | 15,167 | 11.56% of rural |
Literacy and Education
| Category |
Average literacy % |
Male % |
Female % |
| All ages total | 77.39 | 83.53 | 70.86 |
| Urban | 89.34 | 93.47 | 84.91 |
| Rural | 76.90 | 83.12 | 70.29 |
Literacy by Major Religions
| Religion |
Average literacy % |
Male % |
Female % |
| Hindu | 77.23 | 83.27 | 70.68 |
| Buddhist | 76.83 | 83.15 | 70.30 |
| Christian | 78.45 | 84.02 | 72.84 |
| Other religions | 79.14 | 86.42 | 71.52 |
Religion and Caste Data
| Religion |
Percentage |
Population |
| Hindu | 55.18% | 75,286 |
| Buddhist | 26.67% | 36,390 |
| Christian | 9.53% | 13,002 |
| Other religions | 7.68% | 10,477 |
| Muslim | 0.71% | 965 |
| Not stated | 0.19% | 255 |
| Sikh | 0.03% | 40 |
| Jain | 0.01% | 20 |
| Caste |
Share of total |
Population |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 4.35% | 5,935 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 42.38% | 57,817 |
- ST people form nearly two‑fifths of total population
- ST sex ratio is better than overall district
- SC people are only about one‑tenth of ST population
- SC sex ratio is slightly lower than overall district
Urban and Rural Distribution
| Type |
Population |
Share in total |
| Total population | 136,435 | 100% |
| Urban | 5,248 | 3.85% |
| Rural | 131,187 | 96.15% |
- Almost all people live in rural villages
- Urban literacy is much higher than rural literacy
- Sex ratio is almost equal in both urban and rural
- Child share is slightly lower in urban areas
Area, Households and Settlements
| Item |
Value |
| Total area | 1,166 sq km |
| Population density | 117 per sq km |
| Households | 28,023 |
| Towns | 2 |
| Villages | 125 |
Sub‑districts and Administrative Units
| Unit type |
Number |
Notes |
| Sub‑districts (tahsils) | Not exactly stated | Main revenue blocks |
| Villages | 125 | Rural habitations |
| Towns | 2 | Smaller urban centres |
Workforce and Economic Profile
| Item |
Number |
Share in total |
| Total workers | 70,348 | 51.56% |
| Male workers | 40,772 | Not % |
| Female workers | 29,576 | Not % |
- About half of population is in working age
- Male workers are more than female workers
- Agriculture and small‑scale farming are main rural work
- Services, government jobs and small trade dominate limited urban work
City and Town Population Details
| Urban centre |
Population |
Male / Female |
| Two towns | 5,248 urban total | Split between two small towns |
| Urban males | 2,710 | Not share |
| Urban females | 2,538 | Not share |
Houseless and Marginal Households
| Item |
Number |
Share of total |
| Houseless families | 12 | Very small |
| Houseless persons | 49 | 0.036% |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: What was the population of West Sikkim in 2011
- Answer: About 1.36 lakh people lived in West Sikkim district in 2011.
- Question: Is West Sikkim more urban or rural
- Answer: About 96 percent people live in rural villages and only 4 percent in urban areas.