Geography
Jorhat is located at 26°45′N 94°13′E / 26.75°N 94.22°E / 26.75; 94.22. It has an average elevation of 116 metres (381 feet).
In the north of the district, the Brahmaputra River forms the largest riverine island of the world, Majuli, which spreads over 924.6 square kilometres with a population of about 150,000. The island, threatened by constant erosion by the mighty and unstable Brahmaputra River, had been the principal place of pilgrimage of Vaishnavites since the age of the Ahom rulers. Several Satras (monasteries) resembling those of medieval times are headed by Satradhikars teaching Vaishnavism which was initiated by Sankardeva (1449–1568). Each Satra has an unknown wealth of Vaishnav Scriptures and extensive revenue-free lands cultivated by the Bhakats (celebated monks) of the Satras.
The district spreads over 2,851 square kilometres (1,101 mi2) and had a population of 870,000 according to a 1991 census. Population density at that time was 306 persons per square kilometre (793/mi2). The sex ratio is 913 (913 females per 1000 males). The district has SC and ST population of 7.61% and 12.09%, respectively, of the total population. However, the Majuli Sub-Division has a tribal population of 70% who are primarily “Misings”. Floods frequent the island every year without any exception. The mean annual rainfall of the district is 2,029 millimetres (79.88 in). There are about 135 tea gardens including "out" gardens. The predominant field crop is rice, with per capita food grain production of 205 kg (450 lb) per annum.
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