The population of Arunachal is 1,091,117 according to 2001 census and is scattered over 12 towns and 3649 villages. The State has the lowest density of 13 persons per sq. km. As against decadal growth rate of 21.34% at the national level, the population of the State has grown by 26.21% over the period 1991-2001. The sex ratio of Arunachal Pradesh at 901 females to 1000 males is lower than the national average of 933.

Total literacy of the State rose to 54.74% from 41.59% in 1991. The number of literates is 487,796. There are 20 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting the area. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived from and original common stock but their geographical isolation from each other has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs.

There are about 66 tribes (though the 1971 census counted as many as 115) ranging from slash and burn animists, to the gentle and cultured Monpas of west Kameng, who came into confluence with Buddhism from Padmasambhava. Most of the tribes in Arunachal are followers of Buddhism. The "Thongi" tribe has reference to about 1000 years back with the powers in the valley.

The patrons of Vaishnava scholars for 30 long generations are the "Hrusso." A paragon to the ancient Indian ideal of the honorable warriors can be visualized in the proud "Bagni-Nishi" and the "Tagin" tribes. The Nishi warriors can be seen in the capital city Itanagar, wearing their hornbill caps, carrying bearskin bags and their knives in money-skin scabbards. The largest groups are however the "Adi". Along are, the "Mishmis" in the ranges northeast of Pasighat, who are very keen to build up academic careers for themselves. The "Apatanis" groups are the people known to work wonders in the field of "Wet-Rice cultivation. The "Khampti" in the east are the Thai people who can be noticed in their extraordinary and prodigious ceremonial robes. The 'Nocte', "Wancho' and "Tangsa" are well known tribes known to live in peace and harmony and with a very progressive bent of mind.

The society of Arunachal Pradesh is patriarchal. Polygamy is a socially legalized practice, very common among the people. The regard and esteem for the older generation forms a sort of timeless culture and tradition, as the final verdict and the decision power rests upon the chief who governs the society.

Like Mahatma Gandhi-the father of the Indian nation, who firmly believed and propagated a society which is unbiased, based on the principle of untouchability and treats all castes at parity, so is the society of the tribes in Arunachal. The people out here are highly democratic and each tribe has its own organized institution, which strictly follows its norms and principles, so as to withhold its identity. To prevent any chaos and lawlessness, all disputes are settled by the community themselves, which makes all efforts to ensure that tranquility and peace is maintained in the environment by all means.

The Arunachali people have a tremendous concern for the state's Buddhist history, which is still vibrant and alive to this day. One can see the age old tradition of memorizing verses pertaining to their historical and cultural past, which is passed down through generations. However, some Buddhist tribes also preserved written records.

The tribal population of the state shows an exorbitant amount of love and respect towards their cultural and traditional heritage. They leave no stone unturned to ameliorate their treasure. The individual tribes also possess a very rich and splendid background and the government is also making all out efforts to keep their heritage intact.