Google Map Of Goa

• Official Website: http://www.goa.gov.in/
• Established: 30 May 1987
• Capital: Panaji
• Largest City: Vasco da Gama
• Districts: 2
• Government Body: - Governor - Shivinder Singh Sidhu, Chief Minister -Digambar Kamat
• Legislature: Unicameral (40 seats)
• Parliamentary Constituency: 2
• High Court: NA
• Area Total: 3,702 km2 (1,429.4 sq mi)
• Area Rank: 28th
• Population 2011: 1,457,723
• Population Density: 393.8/km2 (1,019.9/sq mi)
• Time Zone: IST (UTC+05:30)
• UN/LOCODE: NA
• ISO 3166 code: IN-GA
• Vehicle Registration: NA
• HDI: 0.779 (medium)
• HDI Rank: 3rd (2005)
• Literacy: 87% (3rd)
• Official Languages: Konkani

History of the name:

Goa, the beach capital of India has its historical origins in the mythological tales of India. Legend has it that Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu was threatened with being banished from the lands he once conquered. Due to this, he shot seven arrows into the sea from the Sahyadris so that he could push back the sea and create land that he could claim as his own. This land formed the Konkan region, whose southern part is know as Govarashtra, present day Goa.

Population:

A native of Goa - generally known as a Goan - resides in what is currently India’s fourth smallest state. Goa.

• With a population of 1.34 million residents has a growth rate of 14.9% per decade.
• Having a literacy rate of over 87% Goa has the highest proportion of urban population and the lowest proportion of Scheduled tribes.

Geography:

Located in the Western Ghat mountains, most of Goa falls within the coastal region known as the Konkan, Although Goa is famous for its natural beaches, rivers such as the Zuari and the Mandovi are its lifeline and some of the busiest rivers in India.

Climate:

For most of the year Goa has a tropically hot and humid climate. May, being the hottest month of the year with high humidity and temperatures soaring to over 35 degrees C.

• Much needed respite from the heat comes during the monsoons which usually arrive in early June and last till late September.
• The short winter season from mid-December to February brings temperatures to a comfortable 28 degrees C. during the day and about 21 degrees C. at night.

History of the State:

Although a very small state, Goa has always been an important trade center of India and has always attracted influential dynasties, traders, seafarers and missionaries of all types. The earliest history of Goa can be tracked down to the Indo-Aryan and Sumerian migrations of 2200 BC. This was followed by the empires of the Mauryas, Shatavahanas, Bhojas Kadamabas and then the Mughals. Then came the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510.    

Demographics:

In terms of education and social infrastructure Goa is considered one if the most advanced states. Although tourism is the states primary industry, due to its richness in minerals, several large production and manufacturing companies have units in the state. Located at sea level, Goa has a literacy rate of 82. 32%.

Economy:

Goan economy is sustained by the tourism, agriculture, mining and industrial sectors.

• The cashew nut is a very important cash crop as it is used in the production of the famous Goan intoxicating drink knows as Feni.
• The industrial sector is involved in the manufacture of chemicals, fertilizers, wheat products, fish and fruit canning etc.
• After tourism, mining is considered to be the second biggest industry in the state.

Culture:

Goa is famous for its easy-going and relaxed culture. It blends people of different religions coexisting in a peaceful and harmonious manner. Unlike other parts of India, Goans rarely argue over religion or dress code matters. The stereotypical image of Goans is that they are born with music and football in their blood.

Cuisine:

Being a coastal state, Goa is renowned for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes.

• Rice and fish curry are considered to be the staple diet of Goans.
• Coconut and coconut oil are very liberally used in most dishes. Khatkhate, a very popular vegetable stew is usually prepared by Hindus and Christians alike during festival time.

Festivals:

Similar to other Indian states, Goans celebrate Diwali, Christmas, Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi. But festivals such as the Goa Carnival and St. Francis Day are unique to Goa. The Goa Carnival is an integral part of the Portuguese heritage of the state. It is basically a 3 day festival of non-stop dance, music, color and food. St. Francis Day on the other hand is a much somber and quiet festival celebrated to mark the death anniversary of the saint. It is celebrated every year on December 3rd.

Religion:

During the Portuguese rule, several people converted to Christianity, but yet today Diwali and Easter are celebrated with equal zest and fervor.  Along with Portuguese churches, one finds ancients Hindu temples as well as mosques, all within close proximity to each other.