Mizoram, India is one of the Seven Sister States in Northeast India. The state is regarded as the territory of the Mizo community which consists of Lushei, Hmar, Lai, Paite, Gangte, Mara, and various other minor clans. The state of Mizoram, India has common boundaries with the Indian states of Assam, Tripura, and Manipur. The state shares international boundaries with Burma (Myanmar) and Bangladesh. It is the 23rd state of the country and achieved statehood on February 20, 1987.

Capital of Mizoram

The capital of the Indian state of Mizoram is Aizawl and it is also the biggest city of the state.

Area of Mizoram

The state covers a total area of 8,139.4 sq miles or 21,081 km2.

Population of Mizoram

According to the census performed in 2011, the population of the state is 1,091,014.

Weather of Mizoram

The state of Mizoram features a pleasant weather. The temperatures are comfortable during the summer months and they range between 68°F and 84°F or 20°C and 29°C. In the winter months, the weather is not so cold and the temperatures range between 52°F and 70°F or 11°C to 21°C. The climate of the state is mostly controlled by torrential rains and the area experiences a large volume of precipitation during the months of May to September. During the winter months, there is insignificant amount of precipitation. The mean amount of precipitation in Mizoram is 100 inches or 254 cm every year. In the city of Aizawl, the volume of precipitation is approximately 82 inches or 208 cm. In Lunglei, another significant place in the state, the amount of precipitation is around 138 inches or 350 cm.

Geography of Mizoram

The state is a territory of undulating mountains, basins, lakes, rivers, and water bodies. Mizoram is home to 21 important mountain ranges and there are summits of various altitudes all over the state. There are plains or flat areas in the state as well. The mean altitude of the mountains in the western portion of the territory is approximately 3,281 feet or 1,000 meters. These summits steadily escalate to elevations of 4,265 feet or 1,300 meters towards the east. Nevertheless, certain places have taller mountain ranges which can ascend to an elevation of more than 6,562 feet or 2,000 meters. Phawngpui Tlang is named as the Blue Mountain as well and it lies in the southeastern portion of the state. It is also the tallest summit in the state with an elevation of 7,251 feet or 2,210 meters.

Rivers in Mizoram
The name of the longest river in the state is Chhimtuipui and another name of this river is Kaladan. The source of this river is situated in the Chin State in Myanmar and the river flows across the Lawngtlai and Saiha districts in the southern end of the state. Subsequently, the stream reverts to the Rakhine province of Myanmar and ultimately pours into the Bay of Bengal close to Akyab, an important harbor in Sittwe, Myanmar. Despite the fact that various other torrents and rivers flow through the mountainous areas of the state, the most significant and helpful rivers in the state of Mizoram, India are as follows:
- Tut
- Tlawng
- Tuivawl
- Tuirial
These rivers run across the northern parts of the state and ultimately meet the Barak River, which is an important river in the Cachar District.

The Chhimtuipui River has its source in Myanmar and is a major stream in the southern part of the state. The river has four branches and it flows in an irregular fashion. The western section of the state is irrigated by the Khawthlang Tuipui River and its branches. Various major townships and communities such as Chittagong of Bangladesh are located at the opening of the stream. Prior to the achievement of freedom, other areas of India could only be reached via the river itineraries through Chittagong to the south and Cachar to the north. Later on, access was discontinued once there was division in the subcontinent and East Pakistan (present Bangladesh) was created.
Lakes in Mizoram
The largest lake of the state is the Palak Lake and it is located in the Saiha district of the state. The Saiha district forms an important part of the state of Mizoram, India. The Palak Lake encompasses an area of approximately 74 acres or 30 hectares. Another popular lake in the state is the Tamdil Lake which is a natural lake. It lies at a distance of approximately 53 miles or 85 km from Aizawl.

Unfortunately, the state of Mizoram is a highly earthquake prone area and it falls under zone 5. Minerals found in the area include the following:
- Arenaceous and argillaceous sandstones
- Siltstones
- Shale
- Greywacke
- Mudstones
Petroleum and gas exploration operations are going on in the state relentlessly.

Mizoram Demographics

Most of the people of the state belong to the various clans and communities who are ethnically or linguistically associated with each other. These clans and tribes are jointly named as Mizos where Mi stands for People and Zo stands for Hill. Other than Mizoram, these people inhabit places in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and other northeastern states of India. The Mizo tribes comprise Lushei, Hmar, Lai, Paite, and Mara. The Hmar people are again subdivided into clans like Lungtau, Thiek, Khawbung, Darngawn, and Zote.

Popular cultural festivals in Mizoram

The popular cultural festivals in Mizoram, India are as follows:

Mim Kut

Pawl Kut
The Pawl Kut festival refers to a straw harvesting festival since the word Pawl stands for straw. The festival is normally held in the month of December every year.
Chapchar Kut
The Chapchar Kut is one more important festival which is observed in the month of March, following the conclusion of their most difficult job of Jhum maneuver, that is, forest-cleaning (removal of the leftovers of burning).
Popular dance forms in Mizoram
The popular dance forms in the state are as follows:
- Cheraw - The most vibrant and unique dance of the state
- Chheih Lam
- Khuallam

Languages used in Mizoram

The official language of the state is Mizo. However, English, due to its significance in academics and government functions, is predominantly used. The Mizo language is blended with other languages such as the Lai, Mara, and Hmar.

Major religions in Mizoram

Most of the people of the state belong to the Christian community. There are many churches in the state and some of the important churches are as follows:

Baptist Church of Mizoram
Mizoram Presbyterian Church
The Salvation Army
United Pentecostal Church
Kohhran Thianghlim
The Seventh-day Adventist Church
Lairam Jesus Christ Baptist Church(LIKBK)
Roman Catholic
Independent Church of India (ICI)
Evangelical Church of Maraland
Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI)

A small section of the people follows Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

Governor of Mizoram

At present, the Governor of the state is His Excellency Vakkom Purushothaman.

Chief Minister of Mizoram

Currently, the Chief Minister of the state is Pu Lalthanhawla. He represents the Indian National Congress (INC).

Economy of Mizoram

Small-scale industries and cottage industries form the backbone of the economy of the state. The Industry Department of the Government dynamically supports the following:

Mizoram Khadi and Village Industry Board (MKVIB)
Zoram Industrial Development Corporation (ZIDCO)
Mizoram Food and Allied Industries Corporation Limited (MIFCO)
Zoram Handloom and Handicraft Corporation Limited (ZOHANCO)
Zoram Electronics Development Corporation (ZENICS)

Major industries in the state include agriculture, bamboo industry, food processing, handicrafts, and tourism. The Lengpui Airport, located close to Aizawl, facilitates in the growth of the tourism industry of the state.

Last Updated on 04 November 2011

About Mizoram