Shillong (;
Khasi:
Shillong) is the capital and
hill station of
Meghalaya, also known as "The Abode of Clouds", one of the smallest states in
India. It is the headquarters of the
East Khasi Hills district and is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet (1,496 m) above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449 feet (1,966 m). Shillong is the
330th most populous city in India with population of 143,007 according to the 2011 census. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of
Scotland. Hence, they would also refer to it as the "Scotland of the East". The population density of the state of Meghalaya in the
2000s was 342 people per sq mile.