This state is located on the South-West coast, with the Arabian Sea to the West and the Western Ghats to the East. Its capital is Thiruvananthapuram (previously Trivandrum) where mainly Malayalam and English are spoken. This state has the highest literacy rate in the country and has a left wing tradition with a democratically elected Communist Government. The main religions are Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam; and there is also a Jewish and Orthodox Syrian Christian community. Christianity is said to have arrived at Kodurgallur in AD52 where St. Thomas the Apostle landed. It is also predominantly a matriarchal society.

It has a significant tourism industry with beaches (like Kovalam) and hill stations. It has a rich tradition in the arts, especially classical dance and has a film industry. It is also known for education, healthcare especially ancient Ayurvedic treatments and medicines. There are ayurvedic treatment centres for those wanting to lose weight, detox or have natural beauty treatment in a natural environment. They also have special massage, yoga and meditation centres. There are package tours which combine treatment with visits to the sandy beaches with palm trees for Indian and foreign tourists. Agriculture includes coconut, coffee, tea, rubber, cashew and spice. Cochin is a major port city which is the centre of trade, commerce and shipping in the South.