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This stadium will also host Qualifier 2 on June 1. However, Qualifier 1 and Eliminator will be hosted by the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, on May 29 and 30, respectively.
India's population distribution varies dramatically across its 28 states and 8 union territories. While states like Uttar Pradesh house nearly 200 million residents, some regions maintain populations smaller than many individual cities. This disparity creates fascinating demographic patterns that reflect India's diverse geography, from remote island chains to mountainous frontiers and specialized administrative zones.
The least populated regions typically share certain characteristics: geographical isolation, challenging terrain, protected environmental status, or specialized administrative functions. These factors contribute to their unique position in India's demographic landscape and often grant them distinct advantages in terms of natural beauty, cultural preservation, and quality of life.
With just 64,000 residents, Lakshadweep stands as India's least populated territory. This tropical archipelago in the Arabian Sea consists of 36 islands covering a mere 32.62 square kilometers, making it not only the least populated but also among the smallest territories by area in India.
Despite its small population, Lakshadweep boasts remarkable demographic statistics. The territory recorded one of India's highest sex ratios at birth according to the National Family Health Survey, and its literacy rate of 92.28% ranks second highest among all Indian territories. The population density remains high at 1,976 people per square kilometer due to the limited land area.
The cultural landscape of Lakshadweep is primarily shaped by Islam, which is practiced by 96.58% of residents, with Hinduism (2.77%) and Christianity (0.49%) forming smaller religious communities. Most islanders are descendants of migrants from Kerala's Malabar Coast, sharing cultural and ethnic similarities with the Mappila community, though the southernmost island of Minicoy features the Mahl people, who also inhabit the neighboring Maldives.
Daman and Diu ranks as India's second least populated territory with approximately 2.43 lakh (243,000) residents. This former Portuguese colony maintains a unique cultural identity blending Indian and European influences. Despite its small population, the territory has the highest population density in this list at 2,191 people per square kilometer, reflecting its limited 111 square kilometer area.
The territory consists of two distinct districts separated by hundreds of kilometers along India's western coast, creating administrative challenges despite the small population. Both districts have developed significant tourism industries centered on their beaches, historical architecture, and distinctive Portuguese colonial heritage.
With approximately 3.44 lakh (344,000) inhabitants, Dadra and Nagar Haveli ranks third on our list of least populated regions. This union territory has undergone significant industrial development in recent decades, transforming from a primarily tribal region to an emerging manufacturing center.
Despite modernization, the territory maintains a population density of 700 people per square kilometer, substantially lower than its coastal neighbors. The region's tribal heritage remains evident in its cultural practices, with significant portions of the population belonging to indigenous communities with distinct traditions and languages that contrast with surrounding Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands constitute one of India's most geographically isolated territories, housing approximately 3.81 lakh (381,000) residents across its 572 islands. Despite their substantial combined area, these islands maintain a remarkably low population density of just 46 people per square kilometer.
This remote union territory is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unique indigenous populations, some of whom maintain limited contact with outside society. The islands' strategic location in the Bay of Bengal grants them significant importance despite their small population, serving as a crucial maritime and military outpost connecting India to Southeast Asia.
Sikkim, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is India's least populated full-fledged state, with approximately 6.11 lakh (611,000) inhabitants according to the 2011 census. Bordered by Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and West Bengal, this mountainous state covers 7,096 square kilometers but maintains a sparse population density of 86 people per square kilometer.
Known as the "Valley of Rice," Sikkim joined the Indian Union relatively recently, transitioning from an independent kingdom to statehood in 1975. The capital city of Gangtok serves as both the administrative and cultural center, while the state's dramatic elevation changes create remarkable ecological diversity within a relatively small area.
Sikkim boasts impressive development indicators, including high literacy rates and the highest per capita GDP among Indian states at ₹587,743 (US$7,000). The state's cultural landscape reflects its geographic position at the crossroads of multiple Himalayan cultures and religions.
With approximately 10.55 lakh (1.05 million) residents, Chandigarh represents a unique entry on this list as a planned city serving as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana states. Despite its relatively small population compared to major Indian cities, Chandigarh maintains the second-highest population density among these territories at 9,258 people per square kilometer.
As one of the earliest planned cities in post-independence India, Chandigarh offers a striking contrast to the organic development pattern of most Indian urban centers. The city's modernist architecture and grid-based layout reflect the vision of renowned architect Le Corbusier, making it a distinct administrative enclave with a population smaller than many of India's larger cities.
Mizoram houses approximately 10.97 lakh (1.097 million) residents according to the 2011 census, making it the seventh least populated state in India. This northeastern state covers 21,087 square kilometers with an impressive 91% forest cover, earning it recognition as India's most heavily forested state.
The state maintains a low population density of 52 people per square kilometer, reflecting its challenging topography and dense forests. Mizoram's history includes early civilizations dating back to approximately 600 BC, with significant archaeological evidence found in the Vangchhia region.
Mizoram achieved full statehood relatively recently, becoming India's 23rd state on February 20, 1987, following significant political changes including the Mizoram Peace Accord. The state's population represents diverse Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups with rich cultural traditions that distinguish it from other Indian regions.
Puducherry houses approximately 12.48 lakh (1.248 million) residents across its non-contiguous districts. This former French colony maintains a unique cultural identity blending South Indian and French influences in its architecture, cuisine, and administrative practices.
Despite its modest population, Puducherry maintains a high population density of 2,547 people per square kilometer, reflecting its limited geographical area. The territory consists of four separate districts scattered along India's eastern and western coasts, creating a distinct administrative challenge despite its relatively small population.
With approximately 13.84 lakh (1.384 million) inhabitants according to the 2011 census, Arunachal Pradesh ranks as India's ninth least populated state. This northeastern state covers an impressive 83,743 square kilometers, resulting in India's lowest population density at just 17 people per square kilometer.
Known as the "Land of Rising Sun," Arunachal Pradesh shares international borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, granting it strategic importance despite its small population. The state achieved full recognition relatively recently, transitioning from the North-East Frontier Agency to statehood on February 20, 1987.
The capital city of Itanagar serves as both the administrative and cultural center of this diverse state, which encompasses numerous indigenous tribal groups with distinct languages, traditions, and cultural practices. The challenging mountainous terrain and remote location have historically limited population growth while preserving unique cultural identities.
Completing our list is Goa, with approximately 14.59 lakh (1.459 million) residents. Despite being India's smallest state by area at just 3,702 square kilometers, Goa maintains a moderate population density of 394 people per square kilometer.
Goa represents an intriguing demographic case study as one of India's most economically developed and tourist-friendly regions despite its small population. Its unique history as a Portuguese colony until 1961 has created a distinctive cultural landscape that differs significantly from neighboring Maharashtra and Karnataka.
India's least populated states and territories demonstrate remarkable diversity in geography, culture, and development patterns despite their small populations. From tropical islands like Lakshadweep to Himalayan frontiers like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, these regions preserve unique ecological and cultural landscapes that contrast with India's more densely populated areas.
These regions face distinct challenges related to accessibility, economic development, and service delivery due to their small populations, geographic isolation, or challenging terrain. However, many have leveraged their unique characteristics to develop specialized economies centered on tourism, natural resources, or strategic positioning.
Understanding these demographic outliers provides valuable insights into India's remarkable diversity and the various factors that influence population distribution across the subcontinent. While they may house only a small fraction of India's total population, these ten states and territories represent significant aspects of the nation's cultural, ecological, and administrative landscape.
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