# Kochi

> city in Kerala, India

**Wikidata**: [Q1800](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1800)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kochi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kochi

## Summary
Kochi, officially known by its native name കൊച്ചി, is a major city and large human settlement located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. Situated at sea level on the Malabar Coast, it serves as a significant urban center with a population of 677,381 as of 2011. The city has a rich colonial history, having been part of Portuguese India (1503–1530) and the Kingdom of Cochin, and is currently administered by the Cochin Municipal Corporation.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: City (large human settlement), specifically categorized as a "big city."
- **Location**: Ernakulam district, Kerala, India (Coordinates: 9.96°N, 76.28°E).
- **Area**: 94.88 square kilometres.
- **Elevation**: 0 metres (at sea level).
- **Population**: 677,381 (2011 census); 596,473 (2001 census).
- **Time Zone**: UTC+05:30.
- **Native Name**: കൊച്ചി (Kochi).
- **Historical Sovereignty**: Formerly part of the Kingdom of Cochin (until 1949), Travancore-Cochin (1949–1956), and Portuguese India (1503–1530).
- **UN/LOCODE**: INKOC.
- **License Plate Code**: KL 7.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 0484.
- **Postal Code**: 682.
- **Twin Cities**: Pyatigorsk and Fresno.
- **Website**: cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in.

## FAQs
**What are the different names and aliases for Kochi?**
Kochi is multilingual and historically known by several names. Its official native label is കൊച്ചി. Common aliases include Cochin, Kochi (India), Cotchin, and Santa Cruz de Cochim. In Chinese, it is referred to as 戈奇, 柯钦, 柯枝, 国贞, or 科钦, and in Russian as Кочи or Коччи.

**What is the historical timeline of Kochi's political administration?**
Kochi has transitioned through several political entities. It was part of the Kingdom of Cochin until July 1, 1949, when it joined Travancore-Cochin. It remained there until November 1, 1956, before becoming part of the modern state of India. It has been located in the Ernakulam district since April 1, 1958.

**How is Kochi categorized in digital and knowledge systems?**
Kochi is extensively indexed in global knowledge bases. It holds identifiers such as the GND ID (4285343-6), FAST ID (1210898), and VIAF ID (124338524). It is also recognized by the Library of Congress (n80152910) and is the subject of Wikipedia articles in over 100 languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.

## Why It Matters
Kochi serves as a primary urban hub in the state of Kerala, defined by its status as a "big city" and a large human settlement. Its significance is rooted in its continuous habitation and administrative importance, evidenced by its own municipal corporation and distinct civic codes (postal, dialing, and license). The city's identity is preserved through extensive documentation in major historical encyclopedias—such as the *Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary*, *Encyclopædia Britannica*, and the *History of Ming*—highlighting its long-standing relevance in global geography and trade history. Furthermore, its twinning with international cities like Fresno and Pyatigorsk underscores its role in global cultural exchange.

## Notable For
- **Sea-Level Elevation**: The city center is situated exactly at 0 metres elevation, directly interacting with the sea coast.
- **Extensive Global Recognition**: Kochi is documented in a vast array of international linguistic contexts, possessing aliases in Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and Portuguese (Santa Cruz de Cochim).
- **Digital Footprint**: It maintains a significant digital presence with a dedicated subreddit (r/Kochi), Facebook location ID, and presence on Quora and Google Play Store.
- **Encyclopedic History**: It is one of the few cities explicitly described by the *History of Ming* (Volume 326) and the *Gujin Tushu Jicheng*, indicating historical trade or diplomatic relations with China.

## Body

### Geography and Demographics
Kochi is geographically positioned at latitude 9.9666°N and longitude 76.2833°E. The city covers a total area of 94.88 square kilometres. It is unique for having an elevation of 0 metres above sea level. According to the 2011 census, the population is 677,381, an increase from 596,473 recorded in the 2001 census. The city operates in the UTC+05:30 time zone.

### Administrative and Civic Structure
The city is governed by the Cochin Municipal Corporation. Administratively, it falls under the Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India. For logistical and civic purposes, the city uses the postal code 682, the local dialing code 0484, and the license plate code KL 7. Its official website is hosted at cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in. The UN/LOCODE for the city is INKOC.

### Historical Context
Kochi has a layered political history. It was historically the seat of the Kingdom of Cochin until mid-1949. Following that, it was integrated into Travancore-Cochin from July 1, 1949, to November 1, 1956. Historically, it was also a site of Portuguese interest, classified as part of Portuguese India starting in 1503 and ending in 1530. The city is also twinned with Pyatigorsk and Fresno.

### Knowledge Graph and Identifiers
Kochi is extensively catalogued across global databases:
- **Library Identifiers**: Library of Congress Authority ID (n80152910), National Library of Israel ID (987007564201905171), and Bibliothèque nationale de France ID.
- **Academic References**: It is indexed in the *Great Russian Encyclopedia* (2104630), *Encyclopædia Britannica* (place/Kochi-India), and *Treccani's Dizionario di Storia* (cochin).
- **Digital IDs**: The city has a Facebook Location ID (107514862611377), a BBC Things ID (2a8a4f1b-a3be-4f9c-8c65-966d0eb83386), and a MusicBrainz Area ID (bfca2ef9-4ecc-40a0-b544-7dce3f648148).
- **Open Data**: It is listed on OpenStreetMap (Node ID: 3862624198) and has a Freebase ID (/m/0fl2s).

### Cultural and Online Presence
The city is known natively as കൊച്ചി. It has a strong presence on social platforms, including a dedicated subreddit ("Kochi") active since February 2011 and a Quora topic presence. The Wikipedia page for Kochi exists in over 100 languages, reflecting its global recognition. The city's visual representation is maintained through a Commons gallery and specific categories for maps and people associated with the city (Births in Kochi, Deaths in Kochi).

## References

1. [Kochi (Cochin),India](https://www.tripadvisor.in/Tourism-g297633-Kochi_Cochin_Kerala-Vacations.html)
2. [COCHIN](http://www.transindiaholidays.com/city-descriptions/city-descriptions-cochin.html)
3. [More about Cochin/Ernakulam](http://www.keralatravels.com/pages/cochin-ernakulam-kerala)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Cochin, India Ernākulam, Kerala](https://www.zeitverschiebung.net/en/city/1273874)
6. [Latitude and Longitude of Kochi, Kerala](https://www.mapsofindia.com/lat_long/kerala/kochi.html)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Source](https://cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in/)
9. MusicBrainz
10. [Source](https://cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in/web/guest/poverty-reduction)
11. GeoNames
12. BBC Things
13. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/in.htm)
14. [Kochi City Map](https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/kerala/kochi.htm)