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Sikkim is the least populous state in India and has a diverse population of many religions & communities. At the census 2011, out of the 6.10 Lacs population, around 3.52 lakhs (57.76%) have returned themselves as followers of the Hindu religion, 1.67 lakhs (27.39%) as Buddhists and 60.5 thousand (9.91%) as Christians. In addition, 0.30% Stated No religion & 4.65% are other religions.
also read about Population of Sikkim
Religion-wise Population in Sikkim
| # | Religion | Population 2011 |
| 1 | Hindu | 352,662 |
| 2 | Buddhist | 167,216 |
| 3 | Christian | 60,522 |
| 4 | Other religions and persuasions | 16,300 |
| 5 | Muslim | 9,867 |
| 6 | Sikh | 1,868 |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 1,828 |
| 8 | Jain | 314 |
| Total | 610,577 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion-wise Population Percentage in Sikkim
| # | Religion | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 57.76% |
| 2 | Buddhist | 27.39% |
| 3 | Christian | 9.91% |
| 4 | Other religions and persuasions | 2.67% |
| 5 | Muslim | 1.62% |
| 6 | Sikh | 0.31% |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 0.30% |
| 8 | Jain | 0.05% |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Sikkim - Rural Population
| # | Religion | Rural Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 258,280 | 56.52% |
| 2 | Buddhist | 130,174 | 28.48% |
| 3 | Christian | 45,678 | 10.00% |
| 4 | Other religions and persuasions | 15,765 | 3.45% |
| 5 | Muslim | 3,658 | 0.80% |
| 6 | Sikh | 1,672 | 0.37% |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 1,633 | 0.36% |
| 8 | Jain | 139 | 0.03% |
| Total | 456,999 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Sikkim - Urban Population
| # | Religion | Urban Pop. 2011 | Percentage |
| 1 | Hindu | 94,382 | 61.46% |
| 2 | Buddhist | 37,042 | 24.12% |
| 3 | Christian | 14,844 | 9.67% |
| 4 | Muslim | 6,209 | 4.04% |
| 5 | Other religions and persuasions | 535 | 0.35% |
| 6 | Sikh | 196 | 0.13% |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 195 | 0.13% |
| 8 | Jain | 175 | 0.11% |
| Total | 153,578 |
Source: Census 2011
Sikkim Caste-wise Population
Sikkim has a diverse ethnic composition made up mainly of Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali communities. The Lepchas are considered the indigenous inhabitants of the state, while the Bhutias, of Tibetan origin, migrated to the region centuries ago and played an important role in Sikkim’s early history and monarchy. The Nepali community, which today forms the largest share of the population, consists of several caste and ethnic groups such as Chettri, Bahun, Gurung, Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Mangar, and Newar. Among the tribal communities, Lepcha, Bhutia, Limbu, Tamang, and Sherpa are recognized as Scheduled Tribes in the state. Sikkim’s population reflects a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian traditions, contributing to its unique cultural and social diversity.
| Caste | Population (%) |
| OBC* | 41% |
| Dalits (SCs) | 4.63% |
| Tribals (STs) | 33.8% |
| General | 20% |
*Govt has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census 2011. So OBC Percentage is not accurate & based on various estimates.
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