Kerala at a Glance

Kerala

Kerala is on the southernmost tip of India. It stretches along the coast of the Arabian Sea and is separated from the rest of the sub continent by the steep Western Ghats. The state lies between 80 18 ' and 120 48 ' north latitude and 740 52' and 770 22' east longitude.

Kerala enjoys unique geographical features with the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty-four rivers, 34 lakes, canals, ponds, paddy fields that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil streches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantations and paddy fields, ayurvedic health holidays enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments, exotic cuisine, all of which makes Kerala a unique experience.

For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Almost all the districts are excellent tourist destinations.

Names of Districts

Major Cities

Literacy

Literacy Rate	90.92 per cent.
Male Literacy Rate	94.20 per cent
Female Literacy Rate	87.86 per cent

Educational Infrastructure

Lower Primary Schools (First - Fourth classes)	6712
Upper Primary Schools (Fifth - Seventh classes)	2951
High Schools (Eighth - Tenth classes)	2608
Total number of Schools	12271

Higher Education

Higher Education Universities	7
Arts and Science Colleges	286

Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI)

Kerala has had a commendable record in terms of the Physical Quality of Life Index. Indicators of PQLI like infant mortality (11%), female literacy (87.86%), and life expectancy at birth for males (68.23) and females (73.62), are well above all India levels. The major reason for this achievement is Kerala's focus on the service sector. About 37% of the total annual expenditure of the State is earmarked for health and education. Another reason for this is the existence of a larger network of hospital infrastructure under the Directorate of Health Services with 933 primary health centres and 5094 sub centres

Health Care Infrastructure

Immunisation has been near total in the year 2002 - 03.
T.T for Pregnant Women	86.1%
T.T for 5 year old	89.2%
T.T for 10 year old	98.1%
T.T for 16 year old	95%
DPT	95.8%
BCG	103%
Polio	95.3%
Anti-measles	90.6%
Rate of Diseases per 1000 People
Leprosy	0.66
Malaria	0.36
Filaria	1.28
Tuberculosis	0.70

Transport

Air : There are three international airports in the state. They are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Nedumbassery (Kochi) operates international flights and domestic flights.

Road and Rail : The state is well connected by rail and road.

Seaports : Major : Kochi

Minor : Beypore (Kozhikode), Alappuzha, Kollam

Major Beaches  : Kovalam, Varkala, Fort Kochi, Kappad and Bekal

Major Wild Life Sanctuaries : Thekkady (Periyar), Parambikkulam, Wayanad, Silent Valley, Aralm, Peechi-Vazhani, Chimani, Shenduruny, Idukki, Chinnar, Peppara, Neyyar.

Bird Sanctuary : Thattekad, Kumarakom

Major Hill Stations : Ponmudi, Peerumade, Thekkady, Munnar and Wayanad

Farm / Cash Crops : Rubber, Coffee, Tea, Spices, Pepper, Cashew, Coconut, Arecanut and rice

Exports : Marine, Coir, Handicrafts, Spices, Food and other Products

Major Industries : Tourism, Information Technology, Fertilizer, Oil Refining and Power Generation, Ship Buildings, Machine Tools, Electronics, Cables, Rubber.