According to the Statistical Handbook of Tamil Nadu 2020-21, the population of the state is 7,21,47,030. Tamil Nadu boasts the highest number of factory workers in the country, at 26.6 lakh. The worker population ratio of the state in 2021-22 was 56.6%, as per the Directorate of Government Examinations. Out of the total population of Tamil Nadu, 48.40% of people live in urban regions.

The literacy rate, as per the 2011 Census, stood at 80.09%, of which the male literacy rate stood at 86.77% and the female at 73.14%. And the sex ratio is 996 females per 1,000 males, which is above the national average of 940.

The state has a dense network of healthcare facilities with 366 hospitals, over 2,200 primary health centres, and more than 8,700 sub-health centres providing healthcare facilities to the population of the state.

Tamil Nadu is home to more than 400 manufacturing companies specialising in bulk drugs, APIs, formulations, healthcare equipment, and medical devices. It is the 4th largest medical device manufacturing and 5th largest pharmaceutical manufacturing state in the country.

Approximately 88,000 registered pharmacists are there in the state, and over 70 institutes provide a range of pharma and biotech degrees and diplomas.

According to the Statistical Hand Book of Tamil Nadu 2021-22, the state has 60 universities, 1,553 arts and science colleges, 573 engineering and technology institutions, 497 polytechnic colleges, 44 agriculture institutions, 109 schools for professional education, 112 schools for special education, 1,109 institutions for other professional education, and 60,619 6 schools for general education. As of August 2023, there are 74 Medical Colleges along with 11,600 available seats for MBBS. Tamil Nadu is among the top 6 states in terms of the number of students enrolled, and it is one of the 8 states in terms of the number of colleges in India.

As per the Economic Survey 2022-23, the gross enrolment ratio of Tamil Nadu for elementary school is 95.7%, for secondary schools is 95.6%, for senior secondary schools is 81.5%, and for higher education is 46.9%.

Home to 940 AICTE-approved engineering and technology institutions in 2023-24 with a total intake of 4,68,014 students. The state was one of the first states in India to formulate policies for the IT & ITeS sector and has an 11% share of total IT investments in India. Chennai, Tamil Nadu's capital, is the SaaS Capital of India and a leading outsourcing hub. The IT and ITeS sector of the state provides direct employment to ~661,000 people.

Telecom instruments, electronic instruments, and electronic components are the top three exported commodities from Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is India's largest electronics exporter, clocking in at $9.6 Bn in FY 2023-24. The state is also referred to as the EMS Capital of India. It is home to 8 out of 10 global EMS players, and 21% of India's white goods are produced here. As per fDI Intelligence, Chennai is the world’s most economical FDI location for electronics R&D activities.

Tamil Nadu has a strong infrastructure base with four international and two domestic airports, four major and 18 minor seaports, and a road network of 253,510 km.

The state has 24 state-owned SIPCOT parks, 57 operational SEZs, 30 private industrial parks, and over 120 SIDCO parks for small-scale industries. It is first in India in industrial land availability.

Tamil Nadu is a leading state in India's renewable energy sector with over 11,317 MW in wind capacity and significant solar installations, contributing to 50% of its energy from renewables. Home to 46% of India’s total renewable manufacturing capacity of 18,350 MW, the state also excels in renewable energy manufacturing, holding 46% of India's capacity, supported by progressive policies and partnerships with organisations like the United Nations Environment Programme.

These efforts underscore Tamil Nadu's commitment to expanding its green energy infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities. Tamil Nadu accounts for 10% of electric vehicles sold in India, has emerged as the manufacturing hub for electric two-wheelers in India, and accounts for 35% of India’s auto component production.