Goa is the smallest state in India by area, at about 3,702 sq km. Sikkim is the smallest by population, with about 6.1 lakh people in the 2011 Census. Figures here are as of October 2026, and population numbers are from Census 2011, the latest completed census.
Smallest states in India by area
| Rank | State | Area (sq km, approx.) | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goa | 3,702 | Panaji |
| 2 | Sikkim | 7,096 | Gangtok |
| 3 | Tripura | 10,486 | Agartala |
| 4 | Nagaland | 16,579 | Kohima |
| 5 | Mizoram | 21,081 | Aizawl |
| 6 | Manipur | 22,327 | Imphal |
| 7 | Meghalaya | 22,429 | Shillong |
| 8 | Kerala | 38,863 | Thiruvananthapuram |
Area figures vary by a few sq km between sources. Tripura is quoted as 10,486 or 10,491 in different places.
Smallest states in India by population (Census 2011)
| Rank | State | Population (2011) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sikkim | 6,10,577 |
| 2 | Mizoram | 10,97,206 |
| 3 | Arunachal Pradesh | 13,83,727 |
| 4 | Goa | 14,58,545 |
| 5 | Nagaland | 19,78,502 |
| 6 | Manipur | 28,55,794 |
| 7 | Meghalaya | 29,66,889 |
| 8 | Tripura | 36,73,917 |
One of the sources we checked listed Arunachal Pradesh with the same number as Goa, which is a copy error. The Arunachal Pradesh figure above is the Census 2011 figure of 13,83,727.
Small in area is not the same as small in population
Arunachal Pradesh is the clearest example. It is the fourth-smallest state by population but one of the larger states by area (about 83,743 sq km), because it is mountainous and thinly populated. Goa works the other way. It is the smallest in area, but it ranks third in population among the smallest states because it is compact and urbanised.
Other small states worth knowing
After the eight states in the area table, the next smallest by area are Haryana (about 44,212 sq km) and Punjab (about 50,362 sq km). By population, Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya complete the bottom five to seven positions. Two states, Goa and Sikkim, appear near the top of both lists, which is why they are the most common exam answers.
Why are these states small?
The small north-eastern states grew out of the reorganisation of Assam in the 1960s and 1970s, when separate states were created for tribal communities and border regions. Goa was a Portuguese territory until 1961, and Sikkim was a kingdom until 1975. Their size reflects history and geography rather than any administrative plan.
Density: a different way to compare
If you want to compare how crowded a state is, population density is the better measure. Arunachal Pradesh has among the lowest densities in India, while Goa is far more crowded per sq km. Density figures come from Census 2011 and may change when new census data is published.
Quick facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Smallest state by area | Goa (about 3,702 sq km) |
| Smallest state by population | Sikkim (6,10,577 in 2011) |
| Second smallest by area | Sikkim |
| Second smallest by population | Mizoram |
| Data source | Census 2011 and state area figures; last checked October 2026 |
Goa at a glance
Goa became a state on 30 May 1987, after being a Union Territory following its liberation in 1961. It is known for beaches, churches and tourism, and has a high literacy rate. Despite its size, it is among the richest states in India by per capita income.
Sikkim at a glance
Sikkim joined India in 1975 and is home to Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. It is known for organic farming and was the first Indian state to be declared fully organic.
What about Union Territories?
Union Territories are not states, so they are left out of the tables. Several are even smaller: Lakshadweep (about 32 sq km) is the smallest UT by area, while Delhi (about 1,483 sq km) is also smaller than Goa.
Will these numbers change?
India started Census 2027 in 2026, with house-listing from April 2026 and population enumeration planned later (the government has announced February 2027 for the main count). Until the results are released, Census 2011 remains the latest official population data. The area ranking will not change, but the population ranking may shift slightly.
In short, if a question says “smallest state”, the safe answer is Goa by area and Sikkim by population. Always mention the basis (area or population) in your exam answer.
How to remember the lists
For area, remember “Goa, Sikkim, Tripura, Nagaland”. For population, remember “Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal, Goa”. Notice that Goa and Sikkim are in both lists, and that most of the smallest states are in the North-East.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is the smallest state in India by area?
Goa, with an area of about 3,702 sq km.
Which is the smallest state in India by population?
Sikkim, with 6,10,577 people according to Census 2011.
Which is the second smallest state by area?
Sikkim, with about 7,096 sq km.
Is Delhi the smallest state in India?
No. Delhi is a Union Territory and National Capital Territory, not a state. Goa is the smallest state.
When will population data be updated?
Census 2011 is still the latest published data. Census 2027 is under way, and results are awaited.
