Population

West Bengal is considered to be the twelfth largest state in India. It lies in the eastern part of the country. The population of the state, according to the census report of 2001 is 8,02,21,171. Out of the total population, seventy percent belongs to the rural area. The population of West Bengal is heterogeneous though Bengalis cover the majority of the population.

The total area of the state is 88,752 sq km. It has a division of nineteen districts with Kolkata as the capital city. From the point of view of total population, West Bengal has achieved a fourth position among the other states of India. According to the census of 2001, it is seen that there has been a steady rise of 17.84 per cent in the total population from the previous census report.

The density of population in West Bengal is 904. Out of the total population of the state, the ratio between males and females of the state is 934. As per the census report of 2001, there has also been a rise in the sex ratio that was only 917 in 1991 census. It has been also found out that the literacy rate among the total population of the state has increased to 69.22%, which was 57.7% in 1991.

The population of West Bengal is predominated by the Bengali population. But immigration from different states of India has enriched the population diversity of the state. The Bengalis are peace loving, simple people with fine aesthetic senses. The Bengali cuisines are also appreciated throughout India.