80 Facts About Nagaland

Here is a list of 80 fascinating facts about Nagaland, an incredibly diverse and culturally rich state in Northeast India:

Nagaland is located in northeastern India, sharing borders with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Myanmar.
The state was formed on December 1, 1963, making it the 16th state of India.
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland.
The largest city in the state is Dimapur.
The state covers an area of about 16,579 sq km, making it one of the smallest states in India.
Nagaland is largely mountainous, with the Naga Hills dominating the terrain.
The highest peak is Mount Saramati at 3,826 meters, located near the border with Myanmar.
Nagaland is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
It has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate, with heavy rainfall during June–September.
Rivers like the Dikhu, Doyang, and Tizu flow through Nagaland.

The people of Nagaland are known as Nagas.
There are 17 officially recognized tribes, each with distinct languages and traditions.
Major tribes include Ao, Angami, Sema, Lotha, Chakhesang, and Konyak.
Each tribe has its own language, customs, festivals, and traditional attire.
English is the official language and is widely spoken.
The population is predominantly Christian, especially Baptist.
Nagaland has one of the highest Christian population percentages in India.
The Nagas traditionally practiced headhunting, a custom that ended in the 20th century.
The literacy rate of Nagaland is around 80% (as per recent estimates).
The traditional morung (youth dormitory) system was a key institution in Naga society.
Marriage and family customs differ significantly among tribes.
Women play an important role in society but face challenges in political representation.
Traditional clothing includes shawls with tribal motifs—each design signifies status.
Nagaland State Women Commission works for women’s rights and empowerment.
Villages are usually self-governed and are the basic unit of administration.

Nagaland is often called the “Land of Festivals”.
Each tribe celebrates its own harvest and seasonal festivals.
The most famous is the Hornbill Festival, held in December.
The Hornbill Festival is celebrated at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima.
It showcases traditional music, dance, food, art, and indigenous games.
The Sekrenyi Festival is celebrated by the Angami tribe.
Moatsu Mong is a spring festival of the Ao tribe.
The Tokhü Emong festival is celebrated by the Lotha tribe.
Tribal dances often mimic activities like hunting, war, or farming.
Traditional Naga instruments include the log drum, bamboo flutes, and mouth organs.
Weaving is a traditional art, and Naga shawls are highly valued.
Bead jewelry and headgear with feathers and boar tusks are traditional accessories.
The Naga cuisine is spicy, often featuring bamboo shoots, fermented fish, and smoked meats.
Popular dishes include Axone (fermented soybean) and pork with bamboo shoot.
The Naga chili (Bhut Jolokia) is one of the hottest chilies in the world.

Nagas were known for their fierce independence and warrior spirit.
They were never completely ruled by the British, although some areas were administered.
The Naga Club was formed in 1918, representing early Naga political identity.
The Naga National Council (NNC) was formed in the 1940s, demanding independence.
A long insurgency followed, seeking sovereignty from India.
The 1963 formation of the state was part of efforts to end the conflict.
The NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagaland) split into factions and continues to negotiate with the Indian government.
The Framework Agreement was signed in 2015 between the Indian government and NSCN (IM).
The Naga peace talks are ongoing and central to politics in the region.
Assembly elections are held every 5 years.
Nagaland sends 1 member to the Lok Sabha and 1 to the Rajya Sabha.
The state has a unicameral legislature with 60 assembly constituencies.
Tribal identity plays a significant role in state politics.
The state is governed under Article 371A, which gives special rights over land and customary laws.
Nagaland enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the Indian Constitution.

Dzukou Valley, located on the Nagaland-Manipur border, is known for its valley of flowers.
Mount Japfu, near Kohima, is known for its giant rhododendrons.
Kohima War Cemetery commemorates soldiers from World War II.
Khonoma Village is India’s first green village, known for eco-tourism.
Mokokchung is considered the cultural capital of the Ao tribe.
Mon District is known for Konyak warriors and tattooed elders.
The Longwa village in Mon straddles the India–Myanmar border.
Touphema Village offers ethnic homestays and cultural tours.
Intanki National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in the state.
Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary is near Kohima and home to rich biodiversity.
Tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Nagaland.
Nagaland is part of the North East Industrial Corridor being developed for eco-tourism.
The state is connected by air through Dimapur Airport.
Nagaland is known for its offbeat adventure tourism and trekking routes.
The Nagaland State Museum in Kohima displays tribal artifacts and heritage.

Nagaland is one of India’s least populated states.
The Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency promotes bamboo as an eco-resource.
The state has a high youth population and is focusing on skill development.
Nagaland has seen growth in Christian music, local bands, and gospel choirs.
The state promotes sports like football, wrestling, and archery.
Nagaland is pushing digital literacy and e-governance initiatives.
Mobile and internet penetration is growing rapidly, especially in Dimapur and Kohima.
Traditional village councils hold great power in rural governance.
Hornbill International Rock Contest is a major youth attraction.
Nagaland reflects unity in diversity, with its tribes living in peaceful coexistence despite different traditions and dialects.