Why is Mizoram one of India’s least densely populated states?

Mizoram is one of India’s most sparsely populated states primarily due to its challenging environmental conditions. The state's population density decreases from north to south, a trend largely attributed to the increasing humidity and temperatures in the southern regions, which render those areas less desirable for human habitation.1

Geographically, the state is characterized by the Mizo Hills, a series of compact, steep, and parallel ridges separated by narrow river valleys. These rugged topographical features, combined with a climate that becomes less hospitable toward the south, have historically limited settlement patterns and contributed to the state's low overall population density.1