Northeast IndiaStateML

Meghalaya

Capital: Shillong

#23

Area Rank

#23

Pop. Rank

74.4%

Literacy

12

Districts

๐Ÿ“‹Basic Information

CapitalShillong
Largest CityShillong
Formation21 January 1972
Population29.6 lakh (2011)
Area22,429 sq km
LanguagesKhasi, Garo, English
Literacy Rate74.4%
Districts12
Major RiversUmngot, Kopili

๐Ÿ†Key GK Facts

  • 1."Abode of Clouds" โ€” one of the wettest regions on Earth
  • 2.Mawsynram receives highest average rainfall in the world (~11,872 mm/year)
  • 3.Cherrapunji (Sohra) is second wettest โ€” holds world record for single-month/year rainfall
  • 4.Khasi and Jaintia tribes follow matrilineal system (property passes through mother)
  • 5.Living root bridges (Cherrapunji) โ€” bridges grown from rubber tree roots
  • 6.Carved out of Assam on 21 January 1972

โญFamous For

Wettest place on earth (Mawsynram)Living root bridgesCherrapunjiMatrilineal society (Khasi tribe)Dawki river (crystal water)

๐ŸฏWildlife & National Parks

  • ๐ŸŒฟNokrek NP (Red Panda, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)
  • ๐ŸŒฟBalpakram NP
  • ๐ŸŒฟSiju Wildlife Sanctuary

Tips

  • โ†’Mawsynram > Cherrapunji โ€” both near Shillong, Meghalaya; Mawsynram has higher annual avg
  • โ†’Matrilineal society: Khasi, Garo, Jaintia tribes โ€” property/surname through mother
  • โ†’21 January 1972: Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur all became states on the same day

๐Ÿง  Quick Quiz

What is the capital of Meghalaya?

When was Meghalaya officially formed?