Salem, Tamil Nadu

Salem
Tamil transcription(s)
 • ISO 15919Cēlam
Nickname: 
Salem
Location in Tamil Nadu
Coordinates: 11°39′N 78°09′E / 11.65°N 78.15°E / 11.65; 78.15
Country India
State Tamil Nadu
DistrictSalem
Government
 • TypeMayor–Council
 • BodySalem City Municipal Corporation
 • MayorA. Ramachandran (DMK)
Area
 • Metropolis
91.34 km2 (35.27 sq mi)
 • Metro
799.59 km2 (308.72 sq mi)
 • Rank5
Elevation
278 m (912 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Metropolis
1,189,000
 • Rank55th
 • Density13,020/km2 (33,710/sq mi)
 • Metro
2,463,367
 • Metro rank
37th
Demonym(s)Salemians, Salethar
Languages
 • OfficialTamil
 • SpokenTamil
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
636xxx
Telephone code+91-427
ISO 3166 codeIN-TN
Vehicle registrationTN-27, TN-30, TN-54, TN-90, TN-52
HDI0.669 Rank - 17 medium
Sex ratio987 / 1000
Literacy84.42 %
GDP(2020)US$10.354 (equivalent to $12.88 in 2025)Billion
Websitesalem.nic.in

Salem (pronounced [seːlam] ) is a major tier II city in Salem district, located on the banks of the Thirumanimutharu river in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu surrounded by mountains. Salem is the fifth largest urban agglomeration in the state, and the third largest metropolitan region. The city is 124 km2 (48 sq mi) large.