Goa fact |
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Goa is India’s smallest state in terms of area and the second smallest in terms of population after Sikkim. It is located on the west coast of India, in the region known as the Konkan, and is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south. The Arabian Sea makes up the state's west coast. Panaji is the state's capital, and Margao its largest town. Tourism is Goa’s primary Industry and has a major share in the economy of Goa. Goa attracted over 2 million tourist last year.
Portuguese merchants first landed in Goa in the 16th Century but soon after, colonised it forcibly, persecuting Hindus and converting the majority of the locals to Christianity. However, not all were persecuted into Christianity, many were converted by choice because of missionaries like St. Francis of the Seven Seas, who is still honored by both present day Hindus as well as Christians. The Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years, until it was annexed as part of India in 1961.
The most popular celebrations in Goa are Christmas, Easter Sunday, Ganesh Chaturthi, New Year’s Day, Shigmo and Carnival. However, since the 1960s, the celebrations of the Shigmo and carnival have shifted to the urban centres, and in recent times these festivals are seen more as a means of attracting tourists. Western English songs have a large following in most parts of Goa. Traditional Konkani folk songs too have a sizable following.
Total Area: 3660 sq km
Population: 2 million
Capital: Panaji
Language Spoken: konkani, marathi, english and portuguese
Religion: hindu, muslim and christian
Climate : Moderate, humid with alternate seasons
Temprature : between 22°c and 36°
Rainfall : Annual 400 cms, monsoons (june to september)
Rivers : Tiracol (23kms), Chapora (29kms), Baga (2kms), Mandovi (34kms), Zuari (77kms), Sal (24kms)
Lakes : Mayem, Santa Cruz, Curchorem, Cacora, Carambolim, Chimbel, Curtorim, Benaulim
Sanctuaries : Bondla, Cotigao And Molem (Wildlife), Chorao (Bird).
Crops : Rice, Cashew, Coconut, Areca, Rubber, Oil Palm, Bamboo, Mangoes And Pineapples.
Minerals : Iron, Manganese, Bauxite, Asbestos, Feldspar, Graphite, Quartz, Talc, Silica Sand, Limestone & Laterite Stone. |
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