Meghalaya, literally meaning the ‘Abode of Cloud’, is a hilly state situated in the North Eastern region of India. The state is bounded on the North by Assam and on the South by Bangladesh.

It is the homeland of three indigenous hill tribes, namely the Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos.

The state is divided into three divisions, eleven districts and four Sub-divisions. The whole State is covered by 39 Community Development Blocks.

The state has three Autonomous district councils set up under the provisions of Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, namely the Khasi Hills Autonomous district Council, Garo Hills Autonomous District council and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council.

Shillong as its capital which is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.

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Geographical Extent

Meghalaya covers a geographical area of 22,429 km2 and lies between 24°58' to 26°07' North latitude and 89°48' to 92°51' East longitude.

The altitude of the Meghalayan Plateau ranges from 150 to 1961 meters above mean sea level, the Khasi Hills having the highest altitude, followed by Jaintia Hills in the East.

Garo Hills are basically plain with its highest peak, Nokrek Peak at an elevation of 1515 meters.

Population

The general population of the state is 29,66,889 as per the 2011 census. Out of which 14,75,057 are females and 14,91,832 are males.

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