Ghazipur is a city in Ghazipur district of the northern state of India, Uttar Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of the Ghazipur district. It is located on the banks of the Ganges. The NH 29 passes through Ghazipur and therefore it is well connected by road to Varanasi, Allahabad, Lucknow and Gorakhpur. The nearest railway station is the Ghazipur Railway Station, which links it with New Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and major towns nearby. The nearest airport is at Varanasi, which is in the northeast of Ghazipur at a distance of 70 km. The geographical location of the place is between 25.58° North latitude and 83.57° East longitude at a height of 62 metres (203 feet) above mean sea level.
Historical accounts say that the town was named after Ghazi Malik, a Muslim ruler of 14th century. During the British Raj, Ghazipur developed as an important port town. Lord Cornwalis the governor General of India from 1738 to 1805 died here and there is a Mausoleum in his memory. Sayyeid Masood `Ghazi` founded the city during the Tuglaq period.
According to the 2001 census report, Ghazipur had a population of 95,243 inhabitants. Males constitute 53% of the population and females constitute 47% of the population. In Ghazipur, 13% of the population is less than six years of age. Ghazipur has an average literacy rate of 69%, which is higher than the national average literacy rate of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 76% and the female literacy rate is 62%.
Ghazipur is an important agricultural market in the district and has a flourishing handloom and perfume industry. It is also famous for its opium factory.
