Sikkim, state in northeastern India, on the southern slopes of the Himalayas. Sikkim is bounded on the north and northeast by Tibet Autonomous Region of China, on the southeast by Bhutan, on the south by the Indian state of West Bengal, and on the west by Nepal.

Sikkim first came under British influence in 1817. Although the British later acquired territory and political control over the region, Sikkim remained an independent buffer between British India and Tibet.

Economy of Sikkim is agriculture. cardamom (an Indian spice), oranges, apples, and potatoes are grown for export. Barley, wheat, maize (corn), and rice are also important.

Major industrial towns are Gangtok and Darjeeling.

Area 2,740 square miles (7,096 square km). Population: (1991) 405,505.

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