Kolkata is the capital of the West Bengal state and the former capital of British India. Originally an East India Company trading post and the capital under the British Raj from 1773 to 1911, it is still known for its grand colonial architecture and is the oldest port city in India.
Today Kolkata is the de facto cultural capital of India and a historically and culturally significant city in the historic region of Bengal.
It is one of India’s poorest and most overpopulated regions. Curiously, Kolkata is also home to many industrial units operated by large public- and private-sector corporations. Major sectors include steel, heavy engineering, mining, minerals, cement, pharmaceuticals, food processing, agriculture, electronics, textiles, and jute.
It is the home to Mother House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is on the site.
Three-quarters of Kolkata’s population identify as Hindu, with Islam being the second largest religion. There is a small percentage of Sikhs, Christians, and Buddhists.