India is a vast and diverse country, home to 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Each state varies in size, population, culture, and geography. Some states are massive, covering lakhs of square kilometers, while others are small but rich in history and significance. When we talk about size, we often wonder which is the smallest state in India? This question can be answered in two ways: the smallest state in India by area and the smallest state in India by population.
The smallest state in India area-wise is Goa, a coastal paradise known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich Portuguese heritage. Despite being the smallest state in India by area, Goa is a major tourism hub, attracting millions of visitors every year. It is also one of the most developed states in terms of infrastructure and education.
On the other hand, if we consider population, the smallest state in India by population is Sikkim. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Sikkim is a scenic state surrounded by the Himalayas. Although it is the smallest state in India by population, it plays a crucial role in India’s biodiversity and tourism industry. The state is home to Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, making it a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers.
To better understand the size variations in India, we will also compare the biggest and smallest state in India. While Goa is the smallest, Rajasthan is the largest state in India, covering a vast desert landscape. This contrast highlights India’s geographical diversity.
In this article, we will explore the area-wise smallest state in India, the smallest state in India by population, and list the top 10 smallest states in India. We will also look at the 2nd smallest state in India and examine why some states are small while others are large. Additionally, we will discuss the smallest Union Territory of India and how it compares to the states.
When we consider the smallest state in India area-wise, we are referring to its geographical size. The smallest state in India by area is Goa.
| Feature | Details |
| Total Area | 3,702 sq km |
| Capital | Panaji |
| Largest City | Vasco da Gama |
| Official Language | Konkani |
| Statehood | May 30, 1987 |
Goa is located on the western coast of India. It is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and Portuguese heritage. Despite being the area-wise smallest state in India, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
The smallest state in India by population is Sikkim.
| Feature | Details |
| Total Population (2011 Census) | Around 6.1 lakh (610,000 people) |
| Capital | Gangtok |
| Largest City | Gangtok |
| Official Languages | Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, English |
| Statehood | May 16, 1975 |
Sikkim is located in northeastern India. It shares borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet (China). It is known for its mountains, including Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.
To understand the smallest state in India, let's compare it with the largest state in India.
| Comparison | Smallest State (Goa) | Largest State (Rajasthan) |
| Area | 3,702 sq km | 342,239 sq km |
| Capital | Panaji | Jaipur |
| Population (2011 Census) | Around 1.5 million | Around 68 million |
| Main Attraction | Beaches, nightlife | Forts, deserts |
From this comparison, we can see that Goa is the smallest state in India by area, while Rajasthan is the largest.
Here is a list of the top 10 smallest states in India by area:
| Rank | State | Area (sq km) |
| 1 | Goa | 3,702 |
| 2 | Sikkim | 7,096 |
| 3 | Tripura | 10,491 |
| 4 | Nagaland | 16,579 |
| 5 | Manipur | 22,327 |
| 6 | Mizoram | 21,081 |
| 7 | Meghalaya | 22,429 |
| 8 | Arunachal Pradesh | 83,743 |
| 9 | Haryana | 44,212 |
| 10 | Punjab | 50,362 |
Goa remains the smallest state in India area-wise, followed by Sikkim.
After Goa, the 2nd smallest state in India by area is Sikkim.
| Rank | State | Area (sq km) |
| 1 | Goa | 3,702 |
| 2 | Sikkim | 7,096 |
While Goa is known for its beaches, Sikkim is famous for its mountains and natural beauty.
Goa was a Portuguese colony for more than 450 years before it became part of India in 1961. Initially, it was a Union Territory along with Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987, Goa was given full statehood, making it the smallest state in India by area.
Sikkim has a cold climate, mountainous terrain, and limited flat land for farming or large cities. These factors contribute to its low population, making it the smallest state in India by population.
While we have discussed the smallest state in India, let's also look at the smallest Union Territory in India.
| Union Territory | Area (sq km) | Population (2011 Census) |
| Lakshadweep | 32 | Around 64,473 |
Lakshadweep is an island group in the Arabian Sea and is the smallest Union Territory in India by both area and population.
The smallest state in India by area is Goa. It covers an area of 3,702 square kilometers, making it the area-wise smallest state in India. Despite its small size, Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, known for its beaches, nightlife, and Portuguese heritage.
The smallest state in India by population is Sikkim. According to the 2011 Census, Sikkim has a population of around 6.1 lakh (610,000 people), making it the least populated state in the country. Sikkim is famous for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and the Kanchenjunga peak.
The 2nd smallest state in India by area is Sikkim, with a land area of 7,096 square kilometers. While Goa remains the smallest state in India area-wise, Sikkim follows as the second smallest.
The smallest state in India, Goa (3,702 sq km), is much smaller compared to the largest state in India, Rajasthan (342,239 sq km). Rajasthan is nearly 100 times bigger than Goa. While Goa is known for its beaches and tourism, Rajasthan is famous for its deserts, forts, and heritage sites.
The smallest Union Territory of India by area is Lakshadweep, covering only 32 square kilometers. It is an island group in the Arabian Sea and has the smallest population among all Union Territories, with around 64,473 people (2011 Census).