felt before the end of April, and even then it ceases after sunset. The nights in the hot season are comparatively cool and pleasant. During the monsoon the climate is very damp, and at times even cold and raw, thick clouds and mist enveloping the sky for many days together. The average annual rainfall is 1080mm. Betul district is rich in forests and biodiversity. The main timber species of Betul Forest is Teak. Many miscellaneous types of trees such as Haldu, Saja , Dhaoda etc. are also found in abundance. Many medicinal plants are also found in the forest areas of Betul. Large amounts of commercially important minor forest produce such as Tendu leaves, chironji, Harra, Amla are also collected from the forests of Betul. Asia's biggest wood depot is in Betul. The major rivers flowing in the district are the Ganjal River, Morand River and the Tawa River (tributaries of the Narmada River). The Tapti river originates from Multai in the Betul district; Multai's Sanskrit name 'Multapi' means 'origin of Tapi or the River Tapti'. Demographics According to the 2011 census Betul district has a population of 1,575,362, roughly equal to the nation of Gabon or the US state of Idaho. This gives it a ranking of 314th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 6.85%. Betul has a sex ratio of 970 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 70.14%. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 10.1% and 42.3% of the population respectively. The district has an area of . Religion Hindus are by far the most numerous with 95.58% and Muslims are 2.39%. The third largest community are the Buddhists who were 6000 in number. Languages At the time of the 2011 Census of India, 44.69% of the population in the district spoke Hindi, 27.69% Gondi, 12.86% Marathi, 11.13% Korku and 1.69% Bengali as their first language. The district is rich in tribal population. Main tribes inhabiting the district are Gonds and Korkus. The remaining population is Marathi including castes like Marathas, Pawars, Kunbis, Brahmins, Chamars, Mali, Pal, Patil and Soni. Administration Betul railway station is located between Bhopal and Nagpur station. The district is divided into 8 tehsils - Bhainsdehi Athner Chicholi Betul Shahpur Multai Ghoradongri Bordehi Amla Economy In 2006 the Ministry of