Bengaluru is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, with a metropolitan population estimated at over 13.6 million as of 2023. This explosive growth—up from roughly 5.1 million in 2001—is largely driven by internal migration, drawing professionals, students, and laborers from across India.
The city is incredibly cosmopolitan. While Kannadigas are the native population and Kannada is the official language, Bengaluru is home to large communities of Tamilians, Telugus, Malayalis, and North Indians. English is widely spoken and serves as the lingua franca in the business and tech sectors.
Religiously, the city is predominantly Hindu (around 79%), with significant Muslim (14%) and Christian (6%) minorities, alongside Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The population is characterized by a highly educated and relatively young demographic, boasting one of the highest concentrations of engineers and IT professionals globally. Income levels vary drastically, reflecting a sharp divide between the highly compensated tech workforce and the service/labor sectors.