Sikkim (Sik)

(Hin): सिक्किम sikkim

‘New Palace’

From Lim: su, ‘new’; and Lim: khyim, ‘palace’.

A local legend says that Sikkim’s first ruler built a palace and asked his Limbu speaking wife to name it – at least her rather banal response sounds a bit more exotic in another language.

This multi-ethnic state has a lot to boast about: 4 countries on its borders (Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India/West Bengal); 12 official languages [English, Nepali, Sikkimese, Lepcha, Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Mukhia, Newari, Rai, Sherpa and Tamang]; 3 major religions [Hinduism (58%), (Tibetan) Buddhism (27%) and Christianity (10%); nearly 700 species of butterfly; 227 high-altitude lakes; 80 glaciers; and being the first 100% organic state in the world.

States of the North East Region (NER) and their capitals.