Geography and Population
If you plan on setting your sights on Thailand, it is best if you learn more about the island. To get the most out of your tour, make sure to brush up on these helpful facts about Phuket geography and Phuket population.
Phuket Geography
Formerly known as Jung Ceylon, this large island is located along the west coast of Andaman Sea. It measures 48 kilometers long and 21 kilometers wide.
It is the largest island of Thailand, with land space of 570 kilometers. This does not include the 39 small islands that contribute an additional 70 kilometers to Phuket geography.
Located approximately 890 kilometers from Bangkok, it is separated from mainland Thailand by the Chong Pak Phra channel.
Although most of the Phuket population treats the island as a beach destination, majority of Phuket geography is mountainous. Several summits – mostly covered with trees – go over the 500-meter mark, with the highest being Sipsong at 529 meters. The lowlands of Phuket geography, on the other hand, are covered with plantations and rice paddies.
Phuket geography is widely known for its western coast, where some of the world’s finest beaches can be seen.
Phuket Population
As of 2007, Phuket Geography and Population was slated at almost 314,000. However, this figure does not include non-residents who work in the island. With the tourism industry attracting more and more workers and new residents, Phuket population (as of 2013) is pegged at 503,000. According to statistics, approximately 20% of these residents are foreigners.
71% of the Phuket population is comprised of Thais, with 35% of these being of Chinese descent. Malays comprise 24%, while Chao-Leh or sea-gypsies take 4%. Most of the residents live in Phuket City or along Patong Beach.
As for religion, about 70% of the residents are comprised Buddhists, followed by Muslims at 30%.
Geography and Population