Gujarat

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A.

General Information
I. Gujarat
Location
Geographic Location:
Gujarat is a state located in the western part of India.
It has an area of 196,024 sq km, making it the fifth-largest
Indian state by area.
Borders:
Gujarat is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west.
It shares borders with the states of Rajasthan to the northeast,
Madhya Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra and the Union
Territories of Daman and Diu to the south.
It also shares an international border with the Pakistani
province of Sindh to the northwest.
Coastline:
Gujarat has a vast coastline of about 1,600 km, dotted with ports, bays, and gulfs.
The Gulf of Khambhat and the Gulf of Kutch constitute major gulfs.
Geographic Divisions:
Geographically, Gujarat is divided into three major regions - the Kutch peninsula, central semi-
arid Gujarat, and south Gujarat.
Major rivers flowing through the state include the Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Sabarmati.

So in essence, Gujarat occupies a strategic location in western India, with a long Arabian Sea
coastline and borders with both Indian states and Pakistan. Its diverse geography spans from the
Rann of Kutch to river valleys.

Demographics
Population:
Gujarat has a population of around 60.4 million as of 2011, making it India's 9th most populous
state.
It has a population density of around 308 people per square km.
The sex ratio is around 919 females per 1000 males.
Religion:
Around 88.6% of Gujarat's population is Hindu.
Muslims make up around 9.7% of the population.
Other minority religions include Jains (0.96%), Christians (0.52%), and Sikhs (0.09%).
Language:
The main languages spoken are Gujarati (around 86.6% speakers) and Hindi (around 5.9%).
Other languages include Sindhi, Punjabi, Marathi, and Urdu among minorities.
Urbanization:
Around 42.6% of Gujarat's population lives in urban areas.
Major cities include Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar.
Literacy:
Gujarat has a literacy rate of around 79.3% as per the 2011 census.
Male literacy is 87.2% while female literacy is 70.7%.

In summary, Gujarat has a predominantly Hindu population speaking Gujarati, with sizeable
urban centers and literacy levels slightly above the national average.

Economy
Overview:
Gujarat has a highly industrialized economy and
is one of the most prosperous states in India.
It accounts for around 7.6% of India's GDP and
over 20% of the country's industrial output.
Key sectors driving Gujarat's economy are
petrochemicals, textiles, pharmaceuticals,
automotive, dairy, and diamonds.
Industries:
Gujarat has a strong industrial base with major industries like chemicals, petrochemicals, drugs
and pharmaceuticals, dairy products, cement, and engineering.
It houses the world's largest shipbreaking yard in Alang and is a leader in automobile
manufacturing.
The state is a powerhouse in sectors like gems and jewelry (especially diamond processing in
Surat), textiles, and ceramics.
Agriculture:
Though industrialized, agriculture still employs around 52% of Gujarat's workforce.
Major crops include cotton, groundnuts, dates, bananas, and milk production.
Gujarat is the largest producer of cotton and groundnuts in India.
The dairy industry is a major contributor, with the state being the largest producer of milk in India.
Services:
The services sector contributes around 47% to Gujarat's GDP.
Key service industries include finance, information technology, construction, and tourism.
Gujarat hosts many software and IT companies in cities like Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, and
Vadodara.
Trade and Investment:
Gujarat has managed to attract substantial industrial investment, both domestic and foreign.
It is one of the most industrialized states and a manufacturing hub for many industries.
The state's well-developed ports like Kandla and Mundra facilitate international trade.

In summary, Gujarat has a diversified economy led by industries like petrochemicals,


engineering, pharmaceuticals, and a thriving agricultural/dairy sector - all supported by investor-
friendly policies.

Average income
Per Capita Income:
According to the Government of Gujarat's Economic Survey 2021-22, the state's per capita
income (at current prices) for the year 2020-21 was around $2,750.
Household Income:
A 2019 report by PRICE estimated the annual average household income in urban Gujarat to be
around $7,300.
For rural households in Gujarat, the average annual income was estimated to be around $2,250.
Income Distribution:
According to some estimates, around 20-25% of Gujarat's population falls in the high-income
bracket earning over $13,300 annually.
Around 40% are considered middle-income, earning between $4,000-13,300 annually.
The remaining 35-40% have relatively lower annual incomes below $4,000.

Shopping and Expenditure Culture


Shopping Culture:
Gujarat has a vibrant shopping culture influenced by its entrepreneurial spirit and affluent middle
class.
Major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot are renowned for their Shopping hubs
and markets.
Traditional markets like Lal Darwaja in Ahmedabad and Gaurav Path in Surat draw huge crowds
for clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Malls and modern retail formats have also gained popularity, especially among the urban youth.
Gujaratis love to shop for festivals, weddings, and auspicious occasions, driving demand for
ethnic wear, jewelry, and gifts.
Expenditure Distribution:
Gujaratis are known to have a relatively high propensity to spend and consume.
A significant portion of income is spent on food, clothing, jewelry, and personal care products.
Expenditure on education and healthcare is also substantially high, reflecting the community's
emphasis on quality of life.
The affluent business class has a penchant for luxury goods, designer wear, and premium
products.
However, thrift and value-consciousness are also deeply ingrained traits among many
households.
Influences:
The entrepreneurial mindset and a culture of trading influence spending habits in Gujarat.
Social status and aspirations play a role, with visible consumption serving as a status symbol.
Festivals like Navratri, Diwali, and weddings trigger spikes in expenditure on traditional clothing,
jewelry, and gifts.
Increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and exposure to global brands are reshaping
consumption patterns.

Overall, Gujarat exhibits a vibrant shopping culture intertwined with traditional values, social
aspirations, and an affinity for quality products – striking a balance between indulgence and
prudence in expenditure.

Consumer behavior among the 25-65 age group in Gujarat:


1. Influence of Traditions and Cultural Values:
Gujaratis in this age bracket still hold traditional values close while being open to modern
influences. Brand loyalty, quality consciousness, and value for money are important factors
driving purchase decisions. However, urban consumers are more open to experimentation.
2. Rising Affluence and Aspirations:
With increasing disposable incomes, this consumer segment is exhibiting aspirational spending
on branded products, electronics, vehicles, home improvement, and lifestyle experiences. The
desire to upgrade the quality of life is prominent, especially among the urban middle class.
3. Significance of Festivals and Occasions:
Major festivals like Navratri, Diwali, and wedding seasons trigger substantial spending on ethnic
clothing, jewelry, home decor, sweets, and gifts. Conspicuous consumption is common to
showcase social status.
4. Preference for Value Proposition:
While affluent, this age group is still value-conscious and pragmatic. They look for quality,
durability, and after-sales service rather than just brand names, especially for high-value
purchases.
5. Growing Digital Adoption:
Consumers aged 25-45 are increasingly adopting e-commerce, digital payments, and the
influence of social media. However, older consumers still prefer traditional shopping experiences.

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