Major religions are Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam; Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, and Buddhism have smaller followings. Though 47% practice Hinduism, Christianity's large following (35%) altogether it makes Cochin a city with one of the largest Christian populations in India. The majority of residents are Malayalis; however, there are significant ethnic minority communities including Tamils, Gujaratis, Jews, Sikkimese, Anglo-Indians, Konkanis, and Tulus. Malayalam is the main language of communication and medium of instruction, although English is more commonly used in business circles. Hindi and Tamil are widely understood albeit rarely spoken.
Like in other large cities of India, Cochin has a growing slum population. Hundreds of people, mostly comprising migrant labourers who come to the city seeking job prospects, reside in such shabby areas. Like other fast-growing cities in the developing world, Cochin suffers from major urbanization problems, poor sanitation, and unemployment. However, a survey conducted in 2007 considered Cochin to be the best city to live in India.
Cochin experienced decades of economic stagnation from independence until 2003, when it entered a period of economic growth, leading to a spurt in the city's development. A growing centre of information technology, tourism and international trade, Cochin is the commercial hub of Kerala, and one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India. Like other large cities in the developing world, Cochin continues to struggle with urbanization problems such as traffic congestion and environmental degradation. With the development of private property ownership, Cochin Real Estate has become a major area of business. Purchasing real estate requires a significant investment, and each parcel of land has unique characteristics, so the real estate industry has evolved into several distinct fields. Specialists are often called on to valuate real estate and facilitate transactions.
Successive waves of migration over the course of several millennia have made Cochin a cultural melting pot. Despite the risk of overdevelopment, the city retains its distinct colonial heritage and a blend of tradition and modernity.
Like in other large cities of India, Cochin has a growing slum population. Hundreds of people, mostly comprising migrant labourers who come to the city seeking job prospects, reside in such shabby areas. Like other fast-growing cities in the developing world, Cochin suffers from major urbanization problems, poor sanitation, and unemployment. However, a survey conducted in 2007 considered Cochin to be the best city to live in India.
Cochin experienced decades of economic stagnation from independence until 2003, when it entered a period of economic growth, leading to a spurt in the city's development. A growing centre of information technology, tourism and international trade, Cochin is the commercial hub of Kerala, and one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India. Like other large cities in the developing world, Cochin continues to struggle with urbanization problems such as traffic congestion and environmental degradation. With the development of private property ownership, Cochin Real Estate has become a major area of business. Purchasing real estate requires a significant investment, and each parcel of land has unique characteristics, so the real estate industry has evolved into several distinct fields. Specialists are often called on to valuate real estate and facilitate transactions.
Successive waves of migration over the course of several millennia have made Cochin a cultural melting pot. Despite the risk of overdevelopment, the city retains its distinct colonial heritage and a blend of tradition and modernity.