Demography & Topography
| Total Population of the District | 2,50,582 |
|---|---|
| Population Density (in population per sq. km.) | 96.3 |
| Decimal Population Growth Rate from 1991to 2001(in %) | 32.79 |
| Sex Ration (female population per 1000 males) | 966 |
As is evident from the name, the district of East Garo Hils is a hilly terrain. The hills are highly dissected and one major formation is the Arbella Range, which is cuts through the south-central part of the district. The range consists of peaks with an average height of 700 metres above sea level. Another important physiographic feature is the Simsang Valley which runs through the southern part of the district. The River Simsang is the longest river in Garo Hills, which originates in West Garo Hills and flows through East Garo Hills and thence to South Garo Hills. The topography of the rest of the district is of undulating low hills, with altitude ranging from 150 to 600 netres above sea level, with plain fringes in the northern areas neighbouring Assam. Besides the Simsang (Someshwari), the district is also drained by the rivers Manda (Dudhnoi), Ildek, Didram & Damring (Krishnoi). Other than the Simsang which drains southeastwards, the others all runs north or northwest towards the Brahmaputra.
The population of East Garo Hills district consists of two major groups - tribal & non-tribal. The tribal population of the district amounts to 96.54 % of the total population. The majority of the tribal population are the Garos, while the other indigenous inhabitants are the Hajongs, Rabhas, Koches, Rajbansis, Kacharis and Dalus. The small non-tribal population, including the Scheduled Castes is mostly concentrated in the urban settlements of Williamnagar and Resubelpara and the northern plain fringes of the district. The distribution of population in the district is uneven and is mostly governed by topography. The population of the district is mainly concentrated on the northern fringe plain area. Since the economy of the district is primarily agricultural, the topography and soil type have a great influence on the population distribution. Also the uneven topography which also influences factors such as accessibility to the areas, causes the low density of population in the interiors of the district.