 As in the case of rest of South India, majority of the people of this state are also Dravidians. Hinduism is the principal religion with considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians. Christianity has a long history in this state, as it is believed that the first missionary from Europe landed on the coast of Kerala in the first millennium.
Kerala has hundred percent literacy and this has resulted in high health care and health awareness among the people. Here child mortality is lowest among Indian states and is comparable to those of developed countries.
The women in the state enjoys high social status mainly due to the historical matrilineal system where by property etc are transferred to females. Higher education and equal opportunities have further strengthened women's status in kerala's society
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