People of Chandigarh

Chandigarh, the Union Territory that serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, is known for its modern architecture and urban planning. As of the 2011 Census, Chandigarh had a population of approximately 1.05 million, with a density of around 9,252 persons per square kilometer, reflecting its highly urbanized nature.

Chandigarh, designed by the famed architect Le Corbusier, holds the distinction of being one of India's earliest planned cities. Established in 1950, it serves as a union territory and effectively functions as the capital for two neighboring states, Punjab and Haryana. According to the 2011 Census, Chandigarh had a population of approximately 1.05 million inhabitants. The city exhibits a high population density of around 9,252 individuals per square kilometer, which underscores its urban character compared to the national average. Population growth in Chandigarh has been relatively modest, with a growth rate of 8.64% between 2001 and 2011. This subtle increase can be attributed to various factors, including internal migration and the city’s role as a center for opportunities in education and governance. The majority of Chandigarh's population is urban, with rural areas being significantly limited, indicative of the extensive urban infrastructure and amenities available. In terms of linguistic diversity, Chandigarh is a melting pot where Hindi, Punjabi, and English serve as the primary languages. English is predominantly spoken in educational institutions and for official communication, while Hindi and Punjabi dominate daily interactions among residents. This linguistic amalgamation reflects the multicultural makeup of the city, which is complemented by its varying demographic groups. Chandigarh boasts a commendable literacy rate of 86.77% as of the 2011 Census. This is considerably higher than the national average, emphasizing the importance of educational initiatives and institutions in the region that cater to a range of academic pursuits. Additionally, Chandigarh sees a significant influx of migrants, attracted by job opportunities, educational institutions, and high quality of life.

  • Population of approximately 1.05 million (2011 Census)
  • Population density of around 9,252 persons per square kilometer
  • Growth rate of 8.64% from 2001 to 2011
  • High literacy rate of 86.77% (2011 Census)
  • Languages spoken include Hindi, Punjabi, and English
  • Diverse urban population with a significant influx of migration

Key facts

Population Size
1.05 million
Source: Census of India · 2011
Population Density
9,252 persons per sq. km
Source: Census of India · 2011
Literacy Rate
86.77%
Source: Census of India · 2011
Population Growth Rate
8.64%
Source: Census of India · 2001-2011

Imported from the original Indias.com People page. Fact sources are named on each card.