Kerala had a population of **33,406,061** in the **2011 Census of India**, making it one of India's more densely populated states. Because Kerala has high out-migration and an aging trend relative to many Indian states, census-era figures need context when used today.
## Demographic profile - **Population density:** About **859 people per sq km** in 2011. - **Urbanization:** Kerala has a distinctive settlement pattern with closely spaced towns and villages; conventional urban-rural distinctions can be less clear than in many states. - **Growth:** Population growth has slowed compared with earlier decades. - **Age structure:** Kerala is known for lower fertility and an older age profile than many other Indian states. - **Sex ratio:** Historically among the more favorable in India for women.
## Social composition Kerala is religiously and culturally diverse. The largest communities are: - **Hindus** - **Muslims** - **Christians**
There are also smaller Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, and other communities, along with historically significant Jewish heritage. Social structure has also been shaped by caste, reform movements, and educational mobility.
## Languages - **Malayalam** is the principal language across the state. - **English** is widely used in education, administration, business, and healthcare. - Minority and migrant communities also use **Tamil, Kannada, Tulu, Hindi, Bengali**, and other languages in specific localities.
## Education and human development Kerala is widely recognized for: - High literacy by Indian standards - Strong school enrollment - Broad access to primary healthcare - Significant educational attainment among women
## Employment and migration The labor market is heavily influenced by: - Service-sector employment - Overseas migration, especially to Gulf countries - Remittance-supported households - Public-sector employment and education-linked occupations - Construction, retail, transport, healthcare, and tourism
## Income and inequality Kerala has relatively strong social indicators, but not all residents benefit equally. Regional disparities, unemployment among educated youth, and differences between remittance-receiving and non-remittance households remain important issues.
For updated age, income, and employment percentages, official recent statewide figures vary across surveys and should be checked against current government statistical releases.
