Araea : 172 Sq. Km.
Population : 4.3 million (1987)
The origin of the city's name has been conclusively established,but is probably linked to the names of a amall 17th century settlement,Madraspattnam and of a weaver colony, Chennapattnam which later merged into what was formerly called as as Madras & now called as Chennai(Tamil).The founding of the city proper is largely due to the establishment of the Fort St.George by the British during their occupation in India.The same Fort St.George today houses the secretriat of the State Government Of Tamil Nadu and its administrative offices. Chennai,the capital city of Tamil Nadu,is the gateway of South India and is major trade center being well-linked by road,rail adn air to important cities besides being a sea port. The climate is tropical with two monsoons(June-Aug & Sep-Nov). The official language is Tamil but English is the common language & the currency name is"Rupees".