Within the strict municipal boundaries of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), the population is relatively small—recorded at approximately 142,004 during the 2011 census. However, it sits at the core of the National Capital Territory, which is home to an estimated 30 million people, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.
The population of New Delhi is highly cosmopolitan. The gender ratio has historically leaned male due to migratory work patterns, but has steadily improved. The ethnic composition is incredibly diverse, representing every state and union territory in India. Hinduism is the majority religion, with significant populations of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Jains. Hindi is the most widely spoken language, while English serves as a primary language for administration, business, and higher education. Punjabi and Urdu are also prominent. The area boasts a high literacy rate, significantly above the national average, driven by a predominantly professional and administrative workforce.
