By Editor It was just recently that India surpassed China and became the most populated country in the world, with as many as 1.46 billion people living within its borders. That’s a big number right there, but looking at that, you might feel like every corner of India must be super crowded. Though that’s not the case, you see, some parts of the country are much more populated than the others. And today, we’re skipping the crowded parts and talking about only the Top 10 Population Wise Smallest States In India 2025. So, let’s get on with the list then.
1. Sikkim
Population: Around 6.10 lakh
For starters, Sikkim is the number one smallest state in India when it comes to population. This one has just a little more than 600,000 people and fewer people than many Indian cities. The state with an area of 7,096 square kilometers has a very low population density of only 86 people per square kilometer. There are about 330,000 males and 300,000 females, resulting in a sex ratio of 890 females per 1,000 males, which is a little lower than the national average. The population had increased by 12.89% between 2001 and 2011, and the prediction by the experts is that it will reach approximately 610,577 by 2025.
2. Mizoram
Population: Around 10.97 lakh
Next on the list, Mizoram has the second smallest population, going with just around 1.1 million. In spite of that, it’s still way less densely populated than most other states of India. Covering 21,081 sq km, it has a population density of 52 per sq km only, may we say Mizo are lucky for their big spaces!? And the nice thing is that 52% of the population lives in urban areas, which is significantly higher than the country’s average. The capital, Aizawl, is home to more than one-third of the state’s population.
3. Goa
Population: Around 14.58 lakh
Goa comes after that on our list, and do not be deceived by its minimal dimensions, it is the smallest state in India in terms of area, with 3,702 square kilometers, but comes in third place for the population. It is anticipated to have around 15.96 lakh people by the year 2025. There are 8.1 lakh males and 7.86 lakh females; the sex ratio is 973 women per 1,000 men, which is also higher than the national average. The population made an increase of 8.23% from 2001 to 2011, thus the growth had slowed down.
4. Arunachal Pradesh
Population: Around 14.59 lakh
Well, we can discuss the state of Arunachal Pradesh that is located in the fourth position. The state is very large, about 83,743 square kilometers, but it is the least densely populated state in India with only 17 people living per square km. That’s a lot of space. The population grew by 26.03% between 2001 and 2011, and it is forecast to reach 14 to 15 lakh by 2025. Christianity is the major religion with 30.26% of the people following it; after that comes Hinduism with 29.04%, then the native religions with 26.20%, and finally Buddhism with 11.77%.
5. Nagaland
Population: Around 19.78 lakh
Nagaland completes the list of the top five states with almost 2 million people. With 16,579 square kilometers, it is one of the least densely populated states in India. What is more, the population has changed a little between 2001 and 2011, going down from 1.99 million to 1.978 million, which is mainly due to improved counting methods. The capital district Kohima, is the most populous with 270,000 people, followed by Dimapur at 170,000, while Longleng is the smallest with only 50,593.
6. Manipur
Population: Around 28.55 lakh
Manipur, the “Jewel of India,” ranks as the sixth most populous state with an estimated population of 28.55 lakh by 2025. It has a population density of 128 people per square km from an area of 22,327 square km. The state has kept its population growth at 14.84% since 2011, which is quite moderate. Approximately 70.79% of the population resides in the rural areas as against 29.21% in the urban areas.
7. Meghalaya
Population: Around 30 lakh
Meghalaya, which is translated as “abode of clouds,” is the seventh most populous state with approximately 3 million people in 2025. It has been increasing steadily from 29.66 lakh in 2011. Around 79.93% of people reside in rural areas, whereas only 20.07% are in urban centers such as Shillong, with a population of about 1.82 lakh. Literacy stands at 74.43%, with males at 75.97% and females at 72.88%, which is somewhat or quite good.
8. Tripura
Population: Around 36.8 lakh
Tripura follows in the next slot and managed to secure the eighth position with approximately 36.8 lakh population by the year 2025. It is the third smallest state in India by area, with a measurement of 10,491 square kilometers, but nevertheless, it is not that densely populated. The major center of West Tripura is home to nearly 19.66 lakh people, the capital city, Agartala surrounding area is particularly vibrant.
9. Himachal Pradesh
Population: Around 68.65 lakh
Himachal Pradesh ranks 9th with a projected population of around 6.9 million people in 2025. With a mountainous area of 55,673 square kilometers, the state has a population density of 123 people per square kilometer. Here, literacy is a major achievement at 83.78%, particularly in the countryside, which is very good for a mountainous state.
10. Uttarakhand
Population: Around 1.01 crore
Uttarakhand completes the list with a population projection of around 10.1 million by 2025. The state has made a substantial rise of 17.5% since the 2011 census, when it had a population of 10.1 million. Spreading over 53,483 square kilometers, it has a population density of 189 people per square kilometer. Approximately 69.77% of the people reside in rural areas, and 30.23% live in urban localities such as Dehradun (660,000) and Haridwar.
Conclusion
There you have it. If you always wanted to move down to a state where it is super less crowded out there, then these are your best choices, as these are quite literally the smallest states population-wise in the country.