West Bengal is a state located in the eastern part of India. Its capital is Kolkata, which is a major cultural and commercial center in India. The state shares its borders with Sikkim and Bhutan to the north, Bangladesh to the east, Bihar and Jharkhand to the west, and Odisha and the Bay of Bengal to the south. West Bengal was established on November 1, 1956, and is recognized as the 14th largest state in India. In this article, we will discuss about West Bengal’s geographic location, population, and Administrative division.
Geographic Location
West Bengal covers an area of 88,752 square kilometers (34,267 square miles), making it the 14th largest state in India by area. The state’s geographical extension ranges from 27°13’15” North latitude to 21°25’24” North latitude and from 85°48’20” East longitude to 89°53’04” East longitude.
Population Data (According to the 2011 Census)
As per the 2011 Census, West Bengal is significant in terms of population. The state’s total population is 91,276,115, with a clear division between rural and urban populations. About 68.13% of the population, or 62,183,113 people, live in rural areas, while 31.87%, or 29,093,002 people, reside in urban areas.
The sex ratio in West Bengal is 950 females per 1,000 males, reflecting the status of women in the state. The child sex ratio is 956. The literacy rate of the state stands at 76.26%, with male literacy at 81.69% and female literacy at 70.54%.
In terms of population density, West Bengal is densely populated, with 1,028 people per square kilometer. The most populous district is North 24 Parganas, while South 24 Parganas is the largest district by area.
| Demography as per Census-2011 | |
| Total population | 9,12,76,115 |
| Rural Population | 6,21,83, 113 |
| Urban Population | 2,90,93,002 |
| Rural population percentage | 68.13% |
| Urban Popuation Percentage | 31.87% |
| Population density | 1028 |
| Sex ratio | 950 per 1000 males |
| Child sex ratio | 956 |
| Literacy rate | 76.26% |
| Male literacy rate | 81.69% |
| Female literacy rate | 70.54% |
| Most populous district | North 24 parganas |
| Largest district | South 24 parganas |
West Bengal holds significant representation in the Indian Parliament with 42 Lok Sabha seats and 16 Rajya Sabha seats.
The High Court of West Bengal is the Calcutta High Court, one of the oldest and most important courts in India.
Administrative Division
West Bengal is divided into three main administrative divisions: Jalpaiguri Division, Bardhaman Division, and Presidency Division. These divisions are crucial for the smooth administrative functioning and effective local governance of the state. The state comprises a total of 23 districts, which fall under these administrative divisions.
Key Facts About West Bengal
- First Governor: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the first Governor of West Bengal.
- First Female Governor: Padmaja Naidu was the first female Governor of West Bengal.
- First Chief Minister: Prafulla Chandra Ghosh was the first Chief Minister of West Bengal.
- First Female Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee became the first female Chief Minister of West Bengal.
- First Chief Justice: Sir James Peacock was the first Chief Justice of the High Court of West Bengal.
- First University: The University of Calcutta is the first university in West Bengal and India, established in 1857.
State Symbols of West Bengal
West Bengal is renowned for its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and distinct state symbols.
State Animal: Fishing Cat, locally known as “Machbagha.” The Fishing Cat is classified as an endangered species by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) since 2008.
State Bird: White-throated Kingfisher.
State Tree: Satin (Shefali), also known as “Devil Tree.”
State Flower: Night Flowering Jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis), known for its medicinal properties. Its leaves are used as a potent medicine in homeopathic and Ayurvedic treatments.
West Bengal’s culture, art, and literature have made significant contributions to the development of India. The state is rich in literature, music, painting, and dance. The main language spoken is Bengali, and the state’s culture is deeply influenced by Bengali traditions. Durga Puja is the most significant and famous festival in West Bengal, celebrated with great enthusiasm.
