Meghalaya Profile

Brief profile

Meghalaya emerged as a full-fledged State on 21 January 1972 within the Union of India. It is tucked in the North East of India, covering an area of 22,489 sq. km. The State lies within 25°1′ and 26°5′ North latitudes and 85°49′ and 92°52′ East longitudes. The temperature range is approximately 2°C to 36°C depending upon the altitude, ranging between 300 m and 2000 m above mean sea level. Meghalaya is amongst the highest rainfall areas in the world.

The economy of Meghalaya is basically agrarian and rural-based, with agriculture playing a predominant role. About 81% of the State’s population depends on agriculture and horticulture; employment and income generation also depend to a great extent on both.

Physical features

The total land area is about 22,42,900 hectares. Forest covers about 9,44,108 hectares. The whole State is a hilly region; the rivers are perennial with a large number of rapid streams and rivulets. Meghalaya comes within the Eastern Himalayas Region (Zone II).

Climate and rainfall

Meghalaya has a monsoon type of climate with wide variation depending upon altitude and physiography. While the Shillong plateau has a bracing climate verging towards the temperate type, the lower regions adjoining the Surma and Brahmaputra valleys have a tropical climate.