Nagaland is a state in the northeastern region of India. It is one of the smallest states in India. Nagaland became the 16th state of India on 1 December 1963. As per provisional reports of Census India, the population of Nagaland in 2011 was 1,978,502 (19.78 Lakh)
👉 Projected population of Nagaland in 2026 is 2,299,000 (23 Lakh)
Future Population Projection
| Year | Population | % Growth |
| 2011 | 1,979,000 | – |
| 2016 | 2,086,000 | 5.41% |
| 2021 | 2,192,000 | 5.08% |
| 2026 | 2,299,000 | 4.65% |
| 2031 | 2,386,000 | 4.01% |
| 2036 | 2,458,000 | 3.02% |
Census 2011-2021
Nagaland has a population growth rate during 2011-2021 of 13.71%. Its estimated population in 2021 is 21.98 lakh* an increase of around 2.13 lakh from 2011.
| Nagaland | Census 2011 |
| Total Population | 1,978,502 (19.78 Lakh ) |
| Male Population | 1,024,649 |
| Female Population | 953,853 |
| Total Area | 16,579 km2 |
| Area Rank | 26th |
| Population Density | 119/km2 |
| Population Rank | 25th |
| Average Literacy (%) | 79.6 % |
| Sex Ratio | 931 |
| Capital City | Kohima |
| Formation | 1 December 1963 |
Nagaland Historical Population
Nagaland’s population has grown significantly over the past century, though growth patterns have varied across decades. In 1901, the state had a population of just over 1.01 lakh, reflecting its remote tribal hill settlements. Population growth accelerated after independence due to improved administration, healthcare, and census coverage. The population peaked at about 19.9 lakh in 2001, but the 2011 Census recorded a slight decline of about 0.6%, bringing the population to 19.78 lakh.
| Year | Population | Decadal Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 101,550 | — |
| 1911 | 149,038 | +46.8% |
| 1921 | 158,801 | +6.6% |
| 1931 | 178,844 | +12.6% |
| 1941 | 189,641 | +6.0% |
| 1951 | 212,975 | +12.3% |
| 1961 | 369,200 | +73.4% |
| 1971 | 516,449 | +39.9% |
| 1981 | 774,930 | +50.0% |
| 1991 | 1,209,546 | +56.1% |
| 2001 | 1,990,036 | +64.5% |
| 2011 | 1,978,502 | −0.6% |
Source: Census of India
More Topics about Nagaland
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