Geographic coordinates
Latitudinal parallels: 12 degree 8' N Longitudinal meridians: 77 degree 37' E
Population
Around 7.2 million which is about 10710 people per sq km, making it the third most populous city in India and the 27th in the world.
Linguistic groups
42 per cent of Bangalore's population comprises of Kannadigas; 20 per cent are Tamilians, 13 per cent Telugus, 10 per cent Malayalees, 8 per cent are of European origin and 7 per cent are from other parts of India.
Religions
Hindu 80 per cent, Muslim 15 per cent, Christian 5 per cent (approximate figures)
Languages
The regional language is Kannada; English, Hindi, Telugu and Tamil are also widely spoken.
History
Based on stone implements found at Jalahalli, Siddapura and Jadigenahalli, Bangalore's origins go back to 4000 BC or the Old Stone Age. Kempe Gowda I designed the city in 1537. It was captured by the Maratha chief Shahaji Bhonsle in 1638. It passed to the Mughals in 1686 who in turn sold it to Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar for Rs 300000 in 1689. In 1759, Hyder Ali, the commander-in-chief of Krishna Raja Wodeyar II made himself the de facto ruler of the Mysore kingdom which included Bangalore. After Haider Ali’s death, his son Tipu Sultan declared himself the ruler. When Tipu died in 1799 in the Fourth Mysore War, the British gave the kingdom back to Krishna Raja Wodeyar III. The British took over its administration in 1831 until India achieved Independence on August 15, 1947.
Governing body
The City is administered by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), a democratically elected municipal corporation. It is in charge of the civic and infrastructural assets of the city.
Major political parties
Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (secular).
Eminent industrialists
N. R. Narayan Murthy (Infosys), Azim Premji (Wipro), Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Biocon), Vijay Mallya (UB Group), and Captain Gopinath (Deccan Aviation)
Environmental issues
Bangalore is the fastest growing city in Asia in the past decade. Trees and some lakes have yielded to buildings and roads. The water table has dried up in many parts of the city. Pollution levels are on the rise especially from the couple of million automobiles and two wheelers that choke the roads.
Natural resources
None
Natural hazards
Bangalore sits on a potential seismic fault and has experienced several minor earthquakes in the 20th century.
Climate
Bangalore has a temperate climate, which makes it one of the best cities to live in.
March to May (warmest months); December to January (coldest months)
June to September (Monsoon); November to December (intermittent rains)
Temperatures: 20°C-35°C(Summers), 14°C - 28°C (Winters)
Clothing
Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city and fashion ranges from ethnic to Western to fusion - jeans, formal trousers and shirts, skirts, saris and salwar kameez.
Business days
All private and public sectors are closed on Sunday. State Government and some private companies work half day on Saturdays while Central Government and most corporates are closed. Nationalised banks have different weekly off and half days. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week. ATMs are open 24x7.
Local time
IST. Bangalore is five and a half hours ahead of GMT.
Country dialing code
+91 80
Internet Code
.in
Currency
1 US Dollar(s) = 49.652 Indian Rupee(s) (as of November 2008)
Electricity
220 or 240 volts AC 50 HZ
Annual events
January
The Annual Feast, Infant Jesus Church
Rath Yatra, ISKCON temple
Lal Bagh Flower Show
April
Bangalore Karaga
Ram Navami
July
The Kingfisher Derby, The Bangalore Turf Club
August-September
St Mary's Feast, St Mary's Basilica
November
Kannada Rajyotsava
Bangalore IT.com
December
Bangalore Habba
Kadelekai Parishe (Peanut fair), The Bull Temple