According to the 2011 Census of India, the city proper of Pondicherry had a population of 244,377, while the greater urban agglomeration housed approximately 657,209 residents.
* **Demographics**: The population is predominantly Tamil-speaking, with significant communities of Telugu, Malayalam, and French speakers (including French citizens of Indian origin). * **Religions**: Hinduism is the majority religion, followed by strong Christian (Catholic) and Muslim minorities, reflecting the region's diverse historical influences. * **Education & Income**: Pondicherry boasts a very high literacy rate of over 89%. The standard of living and per capita income in the Union Territory are generally higher than the national average, supported by the services and industrial sectors.
