General Information About Goa, India

Goa, the youngest state of the country, lying on the Western coast of India is known for its scenic beauty and the architectural splendorous in its temples and churches.

The confident march towards socio-economic progress has been note worthy, since Goa gained statehood in 1987.

With the socio-economic growth, big potential for industries and the touristic splendor, Goa has carved a niche for itself in the country and has also received an acclaim internationally. Goa has a chequered history and a rich cultural ethos. This name of Goa figures even in mythology as Gomanchal and also in ancient history and literature.

Legend says that Lord Parshurama created this land (Gomantak). Various dynasties that ruled Goan (Gomantak) land included Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and later the Portuguese. Goa was liberated from Portuguese on December 19, 1961 and continued to be an Union Territory alongwith Daman and Diu, till May 30, 1987 when Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state in the Indian Union .

Goa receives rains from the south west monsoons between the months of June and September. The average annual rainfall is 3200 mm. The range of temperature is 15;7C to 35;6C. Temperate weather prevails during the rest of the year.

Goa today has become a major destination on the itinerary of international and domestic tourists.

The abundance of water is the gracious gift of the rugged Sahayadri range. The sea and rivers abound in fish-mackerels, Sardines, Prawns being most favourite. The broad and deep bottomed waterways, besides adding beauty and romance to the land, make commercial transport faster and cheaper.

The most important rivers are Terekhol, Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona. The navigable length of these rivers is 53kms, which form the waterways to transport. Goa’s main export commodity Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour.

Major communities of Goa are Hindu and Catholic, Goa has for many centuries been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West. Out of these diverse strains, a harmonious pattern of life has emerged in Goa – a pattern which is rich and distinctive.

The mutual respect shown by all the communities towards one another, their participation in the freedom struggle and their secular outlook is an eloquent testimony to the much desired sense of communal harmony, so essential for a healthy society today.

A Goan is warm by nature and is tolerant. Though keenly religious, he sincerely respects the neighbours creed. That is why this territory has long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The festivals of lord Ganesh, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Id are celebrated with enthusiasm by all.

Goa state has been, for administrative purposes, divided into two districts; North Goa and South Goa, since 15th August 1987, with two separate headquarters and 6 subdivisions.

The state comprises of 11 talukas with 15 towns and 429 revenue villages. Panaji, the capital of Goa, is a picturesque town on the left bank of the historic Mandovi river. Goa has an Assembly of 40 members. The Government is headed by the Chief Minister Shri Digambar Kamat.

Goa is represented by two Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha.Goa being one of the prime destination for tourists around the world, tourism has become a major business hub in Goa.

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