User:Sushant gupta/Ebox/Archive 10

The population of Himachal in 2001 stood at 6,077,248 as per the provisional results of the Census of India 2001. The population of Himachal Pradesh includes estimated population of entire Kinnaur district, where the population enumeration of Census of India, 2001 could not be conducted due to natural calamity. In terms of population it holds the same position (twenty first) among States and Union territories as at the previous census. The population of the State rose by 17.53% between 1991-2001. The sex ratio (i.e., the number of females per thousand males) of population was recorded as 970, which has declined from 976 in the previous census. Total literacy of the State rose to 77.13% from 63.94% in 1991.

The tribal population of the state comprise of the Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis. The Gaddis are the traditional shepherds who migrate from the alpine pastures to the lower regions during the winters. The Kinnars are the inhabitants of the Kinnaur region and have traditionally practiced polyandry and polygamy. The Gujjars are nomads who rear buffalo herds. Himachal also has a sizeable population of Tibetans.

About 95% of the population of Himachal Pradesh consists of Hindus. There main communities are Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. Other religions are Sikhism and Buddhism. The Lahaulis of Lahaul and Spiti region are mainly Buddhists..

The major spoken languages include Hindi, Pahari, Punjabi, Mahasui (in upper Shimla region), Kulluyi, Lahauli, Kinnauri, Chambyali, Sirmauri, Bilaspuri, Dogri, Kangri and Mandyali. Pahari, Dogri, Kangri and Mandyali are the dialects originating from Punjabi.