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Goa

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Goa is a state located on the southwestern coast of India.

Picture of GOA taken from an air craft's window
Picture of GOA taken from an air craft's window

It sits within the Konkan region. The Western Ghats mountain range separates the state from the Deccan highlands. To the north, Goa borders the state of Maharashtra. To the east and south, it meets Karnataka. The Arabian Sea forms its western coastline.

Donna Paula, Goa
Donna Paula, Goa

Goa is India's smallest state by land area. It is also the fourth-smallest state by population.

The geography of Goa is shaped by water and mountains. The state contains seven major rivers. These are the Mandovi, Zuari, Terekhol, Chapora, Galgibag, Cumbarjua canal, Talpona, and the Sal. The Mandovi and Zuari are the most important. They form a large estuarine complex with the Cumbarjua canal.

Talukas of Goa
Talukas of Goa

These rivers are among the busiest in India. They are fed by the Southwest monsoon rains. This rainfall covers 69% of the state's area. Goa also has over 190 islands, including marine and riverine types.

Goa's environment is a global biodiversity hotspot. This means it contains a very high variety of life. The Western Ghats area is especially rich. Some experts compare its tropical biodiversity to the Amazon or Congo basins. The state has over 1,512 documented plant species. It also hosts more than 275 bird species and 48 kinds of animals.

Usgalimal
Usgalimal

The forests cover a large part of the state. Most of this forest is owned by the government. Coconut palms are also a common sight throughout the land.

GOA Colva Beach - panoramio
GOA Colva Beach - panoramio

The history of Goa shows many different cultures. Ancient rock art engravings, called petroglyphs, exist in places like Usgalimal.

Usgalimal
Usgalimal

Some of these carvings are 10,000 years old. Later, the Maurya Empire ruled the area in the 3rd century BC. Many dynasties followed, including the Kadambas and the Vijayanagara Empire. The Portuguese arrived as merchants in the early 16th century. They conquered Goa in 1510 with help from a local ally named Timoji.

Se’ Cathedral, Goa
Se’ Cathedral, Goa

Portuguese rule lasted for approximately 451 years. During this time, Goa was the capital of the eastern Portuguese empire. This empire was known as the Estado da Índia. The Portuguese divided the territory into two main parts. The Velhas Conquistas, or Old Conquests, were the central areas. The Novas Conquistas, or New Conquests, were added later during the 18th century. In 1843, the capital moved from Old Goa to Panaji.

Panaji, nostra signora dell'immacolata concezione, esterno 04
Panaji, nostra signora dell'immacolata concezione, esterno 04

Goa eventually became part of India in December 1961. This happened through an Indian Army operation called Operation Vijay. After this, Goa was briefly a union territory. In 1967, a referendum was held to decide its future.

India Goa Assembly
India Goa Assembly

Residents chose to remain a union territory rather than merge with Maharashtra. Finally, on May 30, 1987, Goa became India's twenty-fifth state. Today, it is one of the most developed small states in India.

Districts of Goa
Districts of Goa

Modern Goa is known for its high quality of life. It ranks highest among Indian states in the Human Development Index. The state has the second-highest GDP per capita in India. This amount is more than twice the national average. Panaji serves as the state capital. Vasco da Gama is the largest city by population.

Margao railwaystation
Margao railwaystation

The official language is Konkani. The state also has a very strong tourism sector. Much of this is driven by its beautiful coastline and history.

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🖼️ Images & Media (24)
File:Talukas of Goa.png
Talukas of Goa.png
File:Usgalimal.PNG
Usgalimal.PNG
File:Se’ Cathedral, Goa.jpg
Se’ Cathedral, Goa.jpg
File:Pinto Arms.jpg
Pinto Arms.jpg
File:Donna Paula, Goa.jpg
Donna Paula, Goa.jpg
File:Picture of GOA taken from an air craft's window.jpg
Picture of GOA taken from an air craft's...
File:GOA Colva Beach - panoramio.jpg
GOA Colva Beach - panoramio.jpg
File:Goa Fields.JPG
Goa Fields.JPG
File:Goa Memorial.JPG
Goa Memorial.JPG
File:Portrait of Dr. Jack de Sequeira.jpg
Portrait of Dr. Jack de Sequeira.jpg
File:India Goa Assembly.jpg
India Goa Assembly.jpg
File:Districts of Goa.png
Districts of Goa.png

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