Transportation
Roads, though not extensive, are the primary mode of travel,
Ropeways, which are similar to ski lifts, also have been
provided at many points. The capital of Gangtok is nearly 75
miles (120 kms) from the nearest airport, at Baghdogra, and 70
miles (110 kms) from the railhead at Siliguri both in west
Bengal.
HEALTH
Sikkim has several hospitals and, in each district, at least one
community health centre. Rural regions are served by primary
health centres and sub-centres. The state participates in
national programs to control tuberculosis, blindness, and
other diseases. Diarrhoea diseases (including cholera),
respiratory infections of various sorts, hepatitis, and family-
planning issues remain among Sikkim's principal health
concerns.
EDUCATION
Primary and secondary education in Sikkim is offered free of
charge through hundreds of government schools. However,
there also are many private schools operating within the state.
Higher education is available at a number of institutions,
including the Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and
Technological Sciences (1995) in Gangtok, as well as smaller
colleges offering degrees in law, engineering, teaching,
religious studies, and other fields.
FACTS ABOUT SIKKIM
It shares a border with only 1 state - West Bengal in the
south. It also shares an international boundary with 3
countries i.e Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and
China in the north which also happens to be a maximum
number of international borders shared by any Indian State.
There is only one more state which has maximum 3 number
of international borders: Arunachal Pradesh.
This is the 22nd state of the Indian union. As per 2011
census, it is the least populous state f India and second
smallest state by area just after Goa.
Nathu La pass is the key geographical feature of this state.
Nathu La pass is a part of the ancient Silk Route which once
was an important trade route connecting India with the far
reaches of Tibet. This pass was closely followed by the India
China war of 1962.