Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands and atolls in the Arabian Sea, India's smallest Union Territory at about 32 sq km, run as a single district. It became a UT in 1956 and took its present name (meaning 'a hundred thousand islands') in 1973, replacing Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands. Ten islands are inhabited; Malayalam is the main language and Mahl (a Dhivehi dialect) is spoken on Minicoy, the southernmost island.
Key facts
- 36 islands, 10 inhabited; area 32.62 sq km, the smallest UT; one district.
- UT since 1956; renamed Lakshadweep in 1973; Minicoy is the southernmost island; Agatti has the only airport.
- Falls under the Kerala High Court; Pitti island is a bird sanctuary; population 64,473 (2011), about 96.6 percent Muslim.
- Literacy rate 97.3 percent (2024), among the highest in India. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Latest
Lakshadweep was declared a fully literate Union Territory under ULLAS on 12 October 2026.
Why exams ask about it
The capital, the number of islands, the High Court and the latest declaration are the usual questions.