According to the last official 2011 Census of India, the population of Shimla city was roughly 169,578, making it the most populous city in Himachal Pradesh, though current estimates suggest the population now exceeds 200,000.
* **Demographics:** The city has a relatively balanced gender ratio, though it slightly leans male due to migrant workers and government employees from other areas. * **Education & Income:** Shimla boasts a very high literacy rate of over 93%, significantly higher than the national average. Income levels are generally supported by stable government jobs and a lucrative tourism industry. * **Religion:** Hinduism is the predominant religion (over 93%), with minority communities practicing Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. * **Languages:** Hindi is the official and most widely spoken language. English is highly prevalent, especially in official, educational, and tourism contexts. Various Pahari dialects, as well as Punjabi, are also commonly spoken.
