Yanam is a town, came into existence in era of modern history, when French colonization began in the midst of tyrannical rule of Mughals and the British imperialism. This town in Yanam District of Puducherry is covered with coconut palm trees.

Location of Yanam
Yanam is a town in the Union territory of Puducherry. It is located in Yanam district, along the coastline of Bay of Bengal and Coromondel Coast.

History of Yanam
The charm of its history began when French East India Company began to set up trade here during the rule of Mughal Emperors. Later, Yanam was transferred to India in 1954. Yanam was a Dutch colony before French over took it in the year 1720. In 1723, Yanam became the third French colony established in India though it was officially confirmed in the year1751. Again it was re-established completely in 1742, in the era of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah. British East India Company occupied Yanam from 1793, by defeating French East India Company. But still Yanam remained under French possession till June 13, 1954, when it joined the Republic of India by Indian military action. On November 1st, 1954, after long years of freedom struggle the four enclaves-Puducherry, Mahe, Yanam and Karikal were transferred to the Government of India. The Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had visited Puducherry on 16th January 1955 and after that India and France signed a treaty on August 16th, 1962. In that treaty, the two countries have exchanged the instrument of rectification under which France had handed over to India full sovereignty over the territories it held. Puducherry and other enclaves of Karikal, Mahe and Yanam came to be administered as the Union Territory of Pondicherry from July 1st, 1963.

Geography of Yanam
Yanam forms a 30 square kilometer enclave in the East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh. The latitudinal limit of Yanam is 16 degree 42 minutes north to 16 degree 46 minutes north, while the longitudinal limit is 82 degree 11 minutes East to 82 degree 19 minutes East. The town is situated where the river meets its tributary Koringa river, 9 kilometers from the Bay of Bengal in the Coromandel Coast.

Climate of Yanam
Yanam enjoys oppressive summer with a good rainfall. The climate is always in high humidity over 70 percent and over 60 percent in the evenings through the year. It enjoys the benefit of both southwest and advancing monsoon. In Yanam the rainfall is an average of 1226mm. The temperatures in Yanam range from 27 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius in summer and in winter it is 17 degree Celsius to 28 degree Celsius.

Demography of Yanam
According to the Population Census in the year 2001, Yanam had a population of 31,362. Males constitute 51 percent of the population and females 49 percent. In Yanam 14 percent of the population are less than six years of age. Yanam has an average literacy rate of 64 percent.

Culture of Yanam
Yanam has a mixed culture of French and Dravidian. People of Yanam are more polite, generous and well cultured. The official language of Yanam is Telugu language, French language and Tamil language. Venkanna festival is celebrated in the month of March every year. The festival is observed for a month. Lord Venkateshwara Kalyanam is worshiped mainly in this festival. Ponnabahanam, Rath Yatra and Chakrateertham are the important events of the festival. Catholic festival, Fete De Pondicherry and Brahmotsava are the other important religious festivals.

Administration of Yanam
The local administration of Yanam is ruled under Municipalities Act in the year 1973. Under this Act, Commissioner was appointed as the Chief Executive Heads of the municipalities, in different ranks according to grade of the municipalities.

Economy of Yanam
Yanam is economically dependent on coconut dwelling, rice mills and fishing. Yanam is completely dependent on tourism sector. The lines of activities of the existing industrial units in Yanam region are Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiles, Shrimp Feed, T.V. Deflection Components, Solvent Oil extraction from rice bran, Edible oil from Rice bran oil, SteariAcid, White Ice, Tread Rubber, Medical formulation, Aluminum Extrusions, Alloy steel castings, HDPE Oven Sacks, Lead sub Oxide, Battery cells, Cold storage and Shrimp process White cement, Coir products, Capsules, Printing links, Micrographic Plates, Assembling of generators, biscuits etc.

Tourism in Yanam
Yanam is dotted with many tourism destinations like Lord Satyanarayana Swamy`s temple, Draksharamam, St. Ann`s Catholic Church, Venkanna Babu Temple, Sri Rajarajeswara Temple, Grand Mosque, YSR Indoor Stadium, Pithapuram and Annavaram Temple.