Goa: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|State in India}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}

{{Infobox settlement

<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name                           = Goa

| official_name                  =  

| image_skyline                   = {{Photomontage  

| photo1a= Goa beautiful beach.JPG

| photo3a= Our lady panjim.jpg

| caption                        = Clockwise from top: [[Palolem Beach]], [[Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi]], [[Basilica of Bom Jesus]], [[Shanta Durga Temple]], [[Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goa]] and Gallery de Fontainhas

| settlement_type                = [[States and union territories of India|State]]

| motto                           = <br/>Sarve Bhadrāṇi Paśyantu Mā Kaścid Duḥkhamāpnuyāt<br/> (''May everyone see goodness, may none suffer any pain'')

| anthem    =

| song      = <!-- or | hymn = -->

| language  =  

| foundation_day =

| currency  =

| calendar  =

| dance      =

| instrument =  

| mammal    = [[Gaur]] (Bos gauru) [[File:Indian Bison (Gaur) 1 by N. A. Naseer.jpg|50px|left]]

| bird      =[[Flame-throated bulbul]] (Pycnonotus gularis)[[File:Flame-throated bulbul.jpg|50px|left]]

| fish      =[[Grey mullet]]/Shevtto in [[Konkani]] (Mugil cephalus) [[File:Mugil cephalus.jpg|50px|left]]

| butterfly  = <!-- or | insect = -->

| flower    =[[Jasmine]] (Plumeria rubra) [[File:Fleurs de Frangipanier (Île de la Réunion) (4125134278).jpg|50px|left]]

| fruit      =[[Cashew]] [[File:Cashew apples.jpg|50px|left]]

| tree      =[[Terminalia elliptica|Matti Terminalia crenulata]] [[File:Terminalia elliptica NP.JPG|50px|left]]

| plant      =

| vegetable  =

| food      = <!-- or | dish = -->

| drink      =

| sweet      = <!-- or | confectionery = -->

| river      = <!-- or | lake = -->

| fossil    =  

| mineral    =

| sport      = <!-- or | game = -->

| costume    = <!-- or | dress = -->

| colour    = <!-- or | color = -->

'''Goa''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Goa.ogg|ˈ|ɡ|oʊ|ə}}) is a [[States and union territories of India|state]] on the southwestern coast of [[India]] within the [[Konkan]] region, geographically separated from the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan highlands]] by the [[Western Ghats]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Goa - state, India |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Goa |website=Britannica |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cFZ_BAAAQBAJ&q=google+book+Hindu-Catholic+encounters+in+Goa+:+religion,+colonialism,+and+modernity+karnataka&pg=PA5|title=Hindu-Catholic Encounters in Goa: Religion, Colonialism, and Modernity|last=Henn|first=Alexander|date=2014|publisher=Indiana University Press|isbn=9780253013002|location=Bloomington, Ind.|pages=1|oclc=890531126|access-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215160118/https://books.google.com/books?id=cFZ_BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA5&lpg=PA5&dq=google+book+Hindu-Catholic+encounters+in+Goa+:+religion,+colonialism,+and+modernity+karnataka&source=bl&ots=BLS4SQqRFv&sig=ACfU3U15ylxdpquFrc3aItJzKOJZiT1ztg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi-9OLXwL3gAhWRiHAKHWBtCrQQ6AEwC3oECAQQAQ#v=snippet&q=karnataka&f=false|archive-date=15 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It is located between the [[India]]n states of [[Maharashtra]] to the north and [[Karnataka]] to the east and south, with the [[Arabian Sea]] forming its western coast. It is India's smallest state by area and its [[List of states and territories of India by population|fourth-smallest by population]]. Goa has the highest [[GDP per capita]] among all Indian states,<ref name="MOSPI"/><ref>{{Cite book|title=Courts in federal countries : federalists or unitarists?|publisher=University of Toronto Press|author1=Kincaid, John|author1-link=John Kincaid (political scientist)|author2=Aroney, Nicholas|year=2017|isbn=9781487514662|location=Toronto|pages=225|chapter=The Supreme Court of India|oclc=982378193}}</ref> two and a half times as high as the GDP per capita of the country as a whole.<ref name="report" /> The [[Eleventh Finance Commission]] of India named Goa the best-placed state because of its infrastructure, and India's [[National Commission on Population]] rated it as having the best quality of life in India (based on the commission's “12 Indicators”).<ref name="report">{{cite book|others=India. Finance Commission|title=Reports of the finance commissions of India: First Finance Commission to the Twelfth Finance Commission: the complete report|publisher=Academic Foundation |year=2005|page=268|isbn=978-81-7188-474-2}}</ref> It is the [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|third-highest ranking]] among Indian states in the [[human development index]].<ref name="GlobalDataLab" />

[[Panaji]] is the state's capital, while [[Vasco da Gama, Goa|Vasco da Gama]] is its largest city. The historic city of [[Margao|Margão]] in Goa still exhibits the cultural influence of the [[Portuguese culture|Portuguese]], who [[discovery of the sea route to India|first voyaged to the subcontinent]] in the early 16th century as merchants, and [[Portuguese conquest of Goa|conquered]] it soon thereafter, whereupon Goa became an [[List of states of the Portuguese Empire|overseas territory of the Portuguese Empire]], part of what was then known as [[Portuguese India]], and remained as such for about 450 years until it was [[Annexation of Goa|annexed by India]] in 1961.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gpp.nic.in/Liberation.html |title=Liberation of Goa |access-date=17 July 2007 |publisher=Government Polytechnic, Panaji |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928203647/http://gpp.nic.in/Liberation.html |archive-date=28 September 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1960s/Goa01.html |title=The Liberation of Goa: an Overview |access-date=17 July 2007 |last=Pillarisetti |first=Jagan |work=The Liberation of Goa:1961 |publisher=bharat-rakshak.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809202539/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1960s/Goa01.html |archive-date=9 August 2007}}</ref> Goa's official language, which is spoken by a majority of its inhabitants, is [[Konkani]].

After the [[Bahmani Sultanate|Bahmani]]-Bijapuri city of Goa was captured by [[Afonso de Albuquerque]] in 1510, and made the capital of the [[Estado da Índia]], the city gave its name to the contiguous territories.  

The origin of the city name ''Goa'' is unclear. In ancient [[literature]], Goa was known by many names, such as ''Gomanchala'', ''[[Gopakapattana]]'', ''Gopakapattam'', ''Gopakapuri'', ''Govapuri'', ''Govem'', and ''Gomantak''.<ref name="nic1">{{cite web|url=http://www.india.gov.in/knowindia/st_goa.php |title=Goa |publisher=[[National Informatics Centre]](NIC) |access-date=4 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218193633/http://india.gov.in/knowindia/st_goa.php |archive-date=18 December 2008}}</ref> Other historical names for Goa are ''Sindapur'', ''Sandabur'', and ''Mahassapatam''.<ref name="sakname">{{cite book|last1=Sakshena|first1=R.N.|title=Goa: Into the Mainstream|page=5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7kUE7TV3ZWEC&pg=PA5|isbn=9788170170051|date=June 2003|access-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021094358/https://books.google.com/books?id=7kUE7TV3ZWEC&pg=PA5#v=onepage&q&f=false#v=onepage&q&f=false|archive-date=21 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Usgalimal.PNG|left|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Usgalimal rock engravings]]]]

Rock art engravings found in Goa are one of the earliest known traces of human life in India.<ref>{{cite book|title=Purātattva, Issue 36|publisher=Indian Archaeological Society|year=2006|pages=254}}</ref> Goa, situated within the Shimoga-Goa Greenstone Belt in the [[Western Ghats]] (an area composed of metavolcanics, iron formations and ferruginous quartzite), yields evidence for [[Acheulean]] occupation.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The evolution and history of human populations in South Asia : inter-disciplinary studies in archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistics and genetics|date=2007|publisher=Springer|others=Petraglia, M. D. (Michael D.), Allchin, Bridget.|isbn=9781402055621|location=Dordrecht, the Netherlands|pages=85|oclc=187951478}}</ref> [[Rock art]] engravings (petroglyphs) are present on laterite platforms and granite boulders in [[Usgalimal rock engravings|Usgalimal]] near the west flowing [[Kushavathi Reservoir|Kushavati river]] and in Kajur.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Indian rock art and its global context|last=Chakravarty|first=Kalyan Kumar|date=1997|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers|others=Bednarik, Robert G., Indirā Gāndhī Rāshṭrīya Mānava Saṅgrahālaya.|isbn=9788120814646|edition=1st|location=Delhi|pages=34|oclc=38936967}}</ref> In Kajur, the rock engravings of animals, tectiforms and other designs in granite have been associated with what is considered to be a megalithic stone circle with a round granite stone in the centre.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Indian rock art and its global context|last=Chakravarty|first=Kalyan Kumar|date=1997|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers|others=Bednarik, Robert G., Indirā Gāndhī Rāshṭrīya Mānava Saṅgrahālaya.|isbn=9788120814646|edition=1st|location=Delhi|pages=70|oclc=38936967}}</ref> [[Petroglyph]]s, cones, stone-axe, and choppers dating to 10,000 years ago have been found in various locations in Goa, including Kazur, Mauxim, and the [[Mandovi]]-[[Zuari]] basin.<ref name=axe>{{cite book|author1=C. R. Srinivasan |author2=K. V. Ramesh |author3=S. Subramonia Iyer |title=Śrī puṣpāñjali: Recent Researches in Prehistory, Protohistory, Art, Architecture, Numismatics, Iconography, and Epigraphy: Dr. C.R. Srinivasan commemoration volume, Volume 1|year=2004|publisher=Bharatiya Kala Prakashan|isbn= 9788180900563|pages=469 pages (see page4)}}</ref> Evidence of [[Paleolithic|Palaeolithic]] life is visible at Dabolim, Adkon, Shigao, Fatorpa, Arli, Maulinguinim, Diwar, Sanguem, Pilerne, and Aquem-Margaon. Difficulty in carbon dating the laterite rock compounds poses a problem for determining the exact time period.<ref name=NIO>{{cite web|last=Sakhardande|first=Prajal|title=7th National Conference on Marine Archaeology of Indian Ocean Countries: Session V|url=http://www.nio.org/index.php?option=com_eventdisplay&task=view&tid=4&eid=32|work=Heritage and history of Goa|publisher=NIO Goa|access-date=30 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724025433/http://www.nio.org/index.php?option=com_eventdisplay&task=view&tid=4&eid=32|archive-date=24 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the 3rd century BC, Goa was part of the [[Maurya Empire]], ruled by the Buddhist emperor, [[Ashoka]] of [[Magadha]]. Buddhist monks laid the foundation of [[Buddhism]] in Goa. Between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD, Goa was ruled by the [[Bhojas of Goa]]. [[Chutu]]s of [[Karwar]] also ruled some parts as feudatories of the [[Satavahana]]s of [[Kolhapur]] (2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD), [[Western Kshatrapas]] (around 150 AD), the [[Abhira]]s of Western Maharashtra, Bhojas of the [[Yadav caste|Yadav]] clans of [[Gujarat]], and the Konkan Mauryas as feudatories of the [[Kalachuri]]s.<ref>{{harvnb|De Souza|1990|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=dwYDPnEjTb4C&pg=PA9&dq=bhojas+goa&lr=#v=onepage&q=bhojas%20goa&f=false 9]}}</ref> The rule later passed to the Chalukyas of [[Badami]], who controlled it between 578 and 753, and later the [[Rashtrakuta]]s of [[Malkhed]] from 753 to 963. From 765 to 1015, the Southern [[Silhara]]s of [[Konkan]] ruled Goa as the feudatories of the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas.<ref>{{harvnb|De Souza|1990|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=dwYDPnEjTb4C&pg=PA10&dq=bhojas+goa&lr=#v=onepage&q=bhojas%20goa&f=false 10]}}</ref> Over the next few centuries, Goa was successively ruled by the [[Kadambas of Goa|Kadambas]] as the feudatories of the [[Western Chalukya Empire|Chalukyas of Kalyani]]. They patronised [[Jainism in Goa]].<ref>{{harvnb|De Souza|1990|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=dwYDPnEjTb4C&pg=PA11&dq=bhojas+goa&lr=#v=onepage&q=bhojas%20goa&f=false 11]}}</ref>

In 1312, Goa came under the governance of the [[Delhi Sultanate]]. The kingdom's grip on the region was weak, and by 1370 it was forced to surrender it to [[Harihara I]] of the [[Vijayanagara Empire]]. The Vijayanagara monarchs held on to the territory until 1469 when it was appropriated by the [[Bahmani Sultanate|Bahmani sultans]] of [[Gulbarga]]. After that dynasty crumbled, the area fell into the hands of the [[Adil Shahi]]s of [[Bijapur Sultanate|Bijapur]], who established as their auxiliary capital the city known under the Portuguese as [[Velha Goa]] (or Old Goa).<ref name=dobbie>{{cite book|last=Dobbie|first=Aline|title=India: The Elephant's Blessing|year=2006|publisher=Melrose Press|pages=253 pages (see page 220)}}</ref>

Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla (12th century).jpg|The [[Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla|Mahadev Temple]], attributed to the [[Kadambas of Goa]]; in what is today [[Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park]].

Kadamba.PNG|Gold coins issued by the Kadamba king of Goa, Shivachitta Paramadideva. ''Circa'' 1147–1187 CE.

[[File:Se’ Cathedral, Goa.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Se Cathedral]] at [[Old Goa]], built-in 1619, is an example of Portuguese architecture and is one of the largest churches in Asia.]]

In 1510, the Portuguese defeated the ruling Bijapur sultan [[Yusuf Adil Shah]] with the help of a local ally, [[Timoji]], a [[privateer]].<ref>{{cite book|title=[[Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire]]|author=[[Roger Crowley]]|pages=262–264|publisher=Random House|date=1 December 2015|isbn=978-0-571-29090-1}}</ref> They set up a permanent settlement in Velha Goa. This was the beginning of [[Portuguese India|Portuguese colonial rule]] in Goa that would last for four and a half centuries, until its [[Annexation of Goa|annexation by India in 1961]]. The [[Goa Inquisition]], a formal tribunal, was established in 1560, and was finally abolished in 1812.<ref name="Priolkar1961">{{cite book|author=Anant Kakba Priolkar|title=The Goa Inquisition: Being a Quatercentenary Commemoration Study of the Inquisition in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=toz9yHz5XikC|year=1961|publisher=Bombay University Press|page=3}}</ref>

From the latter decades of the eighteenth century, the territory of Goa was composed of two segments: the central nucleus of the Velhas Conquistas (Old Conquests) - Bardez, Ilhas de Tiswadi, and Salsete, which territories had been under Portuguese administration since the sixteenth century; and the Novas Conquistas (New Conquests) - Bicholim, Canacona, Pernem, Quepem, Sattari, Sanguem - territories which had been successively added through the eighteenth century.

In 1843, the Portuguese moved the capital to the ''Cidade da Nova Goa'', today known as [[Panaji]], from Velha Goa. By the mid-18th century, Portuguese expansions lost other possessions in India until their borders stabilised and formed the Goa, Daman and Diu which included [[Silvassa]] prior to the Annexation, it was known as ''Estado da Indìa'' in [[Indo-Portuguese]], that is the "State of Portuguese India".

After [[Indian independence movement|India gained independence]] from [[British Raj|British rule]] in 1947, India requested that Portuguese territories on the Indian subcontinent be ceded to India. Portugal refused to negotiate on the sovereignty of its Indian enclaves. On 19 December 1961, the Indian Army invaded with [[1961 Indian annexation of Goa|Operation Vijay]] resulting in the [[annexation of Goa]], and of [[Daman and Diu]] islands into the Indian union. [[Goa, Daman and Diu|Goa, along with Daman and Diu]], was organised as a centrally administered [[union territory]] of India.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |title=The day India freed Goa |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-42390008 |access-date=1 September 2019 |date=19 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910190732/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-42390008 |archive-date=10 September 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 January 1967 a [[referendum]] was held in Goa, to decide the future of the [[Union Territory]] of [[Goa, Daman and Diu]]. It was the only referendum to have been held in independent India. The referendum offered the people of Goa a choice between continuing as a [[union territory]] or merging with the state of [[Maharashtra]] and the majority chose the former.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-goas-opinion-poll-day-asmitai-dis-5543720/ |title=What is Goa's 'Opinion Poll Day'? |newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=30 April 2021}}</ref><ref name="tgf_Valmiki_Wams">{{cite web|url=http://www.colaco.net/1/ValmikiMonumentalShame.htm|title=What a Monumental Shame !|last=Faleiro|first=Valmiki|publisher=The Goan Forum|access-date=16 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303095040/http://www.colaco.net/1/ValmikiMonumentalShame.htm|archive-date=3 March 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="goanews_opinion">{{cite web|url=http://www.goanews.com/opinion.htm |title=The Historic Opinion Poll |last=Prabhudesai |first=Sandesh |pages=1 |access-date=12 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720140727/http://www.goanews.com/opinion.htm |archive-date=20 July 2008 }}</ref> On 30 May 1987, the union territory was split, and Goa was made India's twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining a union territory.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=peOqBgAAQBAJ&q=Goa+was+made+India's+twenty-fifth+state&pg=PA454|title=Historical Companion to Postcolonial Literatures - Continental Europe and its Empires|last=Poddar|first=Prem|date=2 July 2008|publisher=Edinburgh University Press|isbn=9780748630271|language=en}}</ref>

== Geography and climate ==

[[File:Donna Paula, Goa.jpg|thumb|150px|Goa coastline at [[Dona Paula]]]]

[[File:Picture of GOA taken from an air craft's window.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Picture of coastline of [[Vasco da Gama, Goa]], taken from an aircraft's window.]]

Goa encompasses an area of {{convert|3702|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. It lies between the latitudes 14°53′54″ N and 15°40′00″ N and longitudes 73°40′33″ E and 74°20′13″ E.

Goa is a part of the coastal country known as the [[Konkan]], which is an escarpment rising up to the Western Ghats range of mountains, which separate it from the [[Deccan Plateau]]. The highest point is the [[Sonsogor]], with an altitude of {{convert|1167|m|ft}}. Goa has a coastline of {{convert|160|km|mi|abbr=on}}.

Goa's seven major rivers are the [[Zuari River|Zuari]], [[Mandovi River|Mandovi]], [[Terekhol River|Terekhol]], [[Chapora River|Chapora]], Galgibag, Kumbarjua canal, Talpona and the [[Sal River (India)|Sal]].<ref name="Hiremath">{{Cite book|title=Recent advances in environmental science|last=Hiremath|first=K. G.|publisher=Discovery Pub. House|year=2003|isbn=9788171416790|pages=401|oclc=56390521}}</ref> The Zuari and the Mandovi are the most important rivers, interspaced by the Kumbarjua canal, forming a major estuarine complex.<ref name="Hiremath" /> These rivers are fed by the Southwest monsoon rain and their basin covers 69% of the state's geographical area.<ref name="Hiremath" /> These rivers are some of the busiest in India. Goa has more than 40 estuarine, eight marine, and about 90 riverine islands. The total navigable length of Goa's rivers is {{convert|253|km|mi|abbr=on}}. Goa has more than 300 ancient water tanks built during the rule of the Kadamba dynasty and over 100 medicinal springs.

Mormugao harbour on the mouth of the [[River Zuari]] is considered one of the best natural harbours in South Asia.

Most of Goa's soil cover is made up of [[laterite]]s rich in ferric-aluminum oxides and reddish in colour. Further inland and along the riverbanks, the soil is mostly [[alluvial]] and [[loam]]y. The soil is rich in minerals and humus, thus conducive to agriculture. Some of the oldest rocks in the Indian subcontinent are found in Goa between [[Molem]] and [[Anmod]] on Goa's border with [[Karnataka]]. The rocks are classified as [[Gneiss|Trondjemeitic Gneiss]] estimated to be 3,600 million years old, dated by rubidium isotope dating. A specimen of the rock is exhibited at [[Goa University]].

Doodhsagar Waterfalls.jpg|Dudhsagar Waterfalls in August.

Dudhsagar Falls Triplet.jpg|Train passing next to the Dudhsagar Falls.

Dudhsagar Falls triplet, 2009.JPG|Lower half of Dudhsagar Falls.

Goa features a [[tropical monsoon climate]] under the [[Köppen climate classification]]. Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. The month of May is usually the hottest, seeing daytime temperatures of over {{convert|35|°C|°F|abbr=on}} coupled with high humidity. The state's three seasons are Southwest monsoon period (June–September), post-monsoon period (October–January), and pre-monsoon period (February–May).<ref name="Hiremath" /> Over 90% of the average annual rainfall ({{cvt|120|in|mm|order=flip|disp=or}}) is received during the monsoon season.<ref name="Hiremath" />

[[File:Administrative map of Goa.png|thumb|upright|Talukas of Goa. Talukas in green shades belong to North Goa district, and orange denote South Goa district.]]

{{Main|Districts of Goa}}

The state is divided into two [[List of Indian districts|districts]]&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;[[North Goa]] and [[South Goa]]. Each district is administered by a district collector, appointed by the Indian government.

[[Panaji]] is the headquarters of North Goa district and is also the capital of Goa.

North Goa is further divided into three subdivisions&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;Panaji, [[Mapusa]], and [[Bicholim]]; and five ''[[Tehsil|talukas]]'' (subdistricts)&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;[[Tiswadi|Tiswadi/''Ilhas de Goa'']] (Panaji), [[Bardez]] ([[Mapusa]]), [[Pernem]], [[Bicholim]], and [[Sattari]] ([[Valpoi]]).

 

South Goa is further divided into five subdivisions&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;[[Ponda, Goa|Ponda]], [[Mormugao]]-[[Vasco da Gama, Goa|Vasco]], Margao, [[Quepem]], and [[Dharbandora]]; and seven ''talukas''&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;[[Ponda taluka|Ponda]], [[Mormugao taluka|Mormugao]], [[Salcete]] ([[Margao]]), [[Quepem]], and [[Canacona]] ([[Chaudi]]), [[Sanguem]], and [[Dharbandora]]. (Ponda taluka was shifted from North Goa to South Goa in January 2015).

 

 

 

There are thirteen Municipal Council&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;Margao, Mormugao (including Vasco), Pernem, Mapusa, Bicholim, [[Sanquelim]], Valpoi, Ponda, [[Cuncolim]], Quepem, [[Curchorem]], Sanguem, and Canacona. Goa has a total number of 334 villages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goadpse.gov.in/Goa%20Economy%20in%20Figures%202017.pdf|title=DIRECTORATE OF PLANNING, STATISTICS & EVALUATION|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404073156/http://www.goadpse.gov.in/Goa%20Economy%20in%20Figures%202017.pdf#|archive-date=4 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The politics of Goa are a result of the uniqueness of this region due to 450 years of Portuguese rule, in comparison to three centuries of British rule experienced by the rest of India. The [[Indian National Congress]] was unable to achieve electoral success in the first two decades after the State's incorporation into India.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The construction of a political community : integration and identity in Goa|last=Rubinoff|first=Arthur G.|date=1 January 1998|publisher=Sage Publications|pages=18|oclc=38918113}}</ref> Instead, the state was dominated by the regional political parties like [[Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party]] and the [[United Goans Party]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=The construction of a political community : integration and identity in Goa|last=Rubinoff|first=Arthur G.|date=1 January 1998|publisher=Sage Publications|pages=19|oclc=38918113}}</ref>

Goa has two members of parliament (MP) elected from each district representing the state in the [[Lok Sabha]] (House of the People), the lower house of the national [[Parliament of India]]. It is also has one member of parliament in the [[Rajya Sabha]] (Council of the States), the upper house of the Indian parliament.

Goa's administrative capital is based in ''[[Panaji]]'', often referred as Panjim in English, Pangim in [[Indo-Portuguese|Portuguese]]& Ponjê in Konkani, the official language of the state. It lies on the left bank of the [[Mandovi River|Mandovi]] river. The seat of the [[Goa Legislative Assembly]] is in [[Porvorim]], across the Mandovi from Panaji. The state's highest judiciary is the [[Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court]], a branch of the [[Bombay High Court]] permanently seated at Panjim in Goa. Unlike other states, which follow the model of personal laws framed for individual religions introduced in the days of [[British Raj]], the [[Portuguese Civil Code of Goa and Damaon]], a uniform code based on the [[Napoleonic code]] was retained in Goa as well as the union territory of [[Damaon, Diu& Silvassa]].

Goa has a [[unicameral]] [[legislature]], the [[Goa Legislative Assembly]], of 40 members, headed by a speaker. The Chief Minister heads the executive, which is made up of the party or coalition elected with a majority in the legislature. The Governor, the head of the state, is appointed by the President of India. After having stable governance for nearly thirty years up to 1990, Goa is now notorious for its political instability having seen fourteen governments in the span of the fifteen years between 1990 and 2005.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/31/stories/2005013104051100.htm Odds stacked against Parrikar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313090814/http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/31/stories/2005013104051100.htm# |date=13 March 2007 }}, Anil Sastry, ''[[The Hindu]]'', 31 January 2005, verified 2 April 2005</ref>

In the [[2017 Goa Legislative Assembly election|2017 assembly elections]], the [[Indian National Congress]] gained the most seats, with the BJP coming in second. However, no party was able to gain a majority in the 40 member house. The BJP was invited to form the Government by Governor [[Mridula Sinha]]. The Congress claimed the use of money power on the part of the BJP and took the case to the Supreme Court. However, the Manohar Parikkar led Government was able to prove its majority in the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] mandated "floor test".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/congress-asks-why-is-bjp-invited-to-form-government-in-goa-1669004 |title=Congress Asks Why Is BJP Invited To Form Government in Goa |publisher=ndtv.com |access-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105200/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/congress-asks-why-is-bjp-invited-to-form-government-in-goa-1669004# |archive-date=28 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/goa/news/supreme-court-to-hear-congress-plea-against-goa-governors-invitation-to-bjp/articleshow/57621978.cms |title=Supreme Court to hear Congress plea against Goa governor's invitation to BJP |work=The Times of India |access-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318151748/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/goa/news/supreme-court-to-hear-congress-plea-against-goa-governors-invitation-to-bjp/articleshow/57621978.cms# |archive-date=18 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/goa/news/goas-bjp-led-government-wins-floor-test-with-support-from-22-legislators/articleshow/57665849.cms |title=Goa's BJP-led government wins floor test with support from 22 legislators |work=The Times of India |access-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319040934/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/goa/news/goas-bjp-led-government-wins-floor-test-with-support-from-22-legislators/articleshow/57665849.cms# |archive-date=19 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:GOA Colva Beach - panoramio.jpg|alt=Coconut Palm Tree|thumb|Coconut palm trees are a ubiquitous symbol of Goa]]

[[Equatorial forest]] cover in Goa stands at {{convert|1424|km2|sqmi|2|abbr=on}},<ref name="nic1" /> most of which is owned by the government. Government-owned forest is estimated at {{convert|1224.38|km2|sqmi|2|abbr=on}} whilst private is given as {{convert|200|km2|sqmi|2|abbr=on}}. Most of the forests in the state are located in the interior eastern regions of the state. The [[Western Ghats]], which form most of eastern Goa, have been internationally recognised as one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. In the February 1999 issue of ''National Geographic Magazine'', Goa was compared with the Amazon and the Congo basins for its rich tropical biodiversity.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

Goa's wildlife sanctuaries boast of more than 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 species of birds, over 48 kinds of animals and over 60 genera of reptiles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goahub.com/wildlife-sanctuaries-in-goa/index.html |title=Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa |access-date=18 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720010519/http://www.goahub.com/wildlife-sanctuaries-in-goa/index.html |archive-date=20 July 2008 }}</ref>

Goa is also known for its coconut cultivation. The coconut tree has been reclassified by the government as a palm (like grass), enabling farmers and real estate developers to clear land with fewer restrictions.

The important forest products are bamboo canes, [[Maratha]] barks, chillar barks, and the [[bhirand]]. Coconut trees are ubiquitous and are present in almost all areas of Goa barring the elevated regions. A variety of [[deciduous]] trees, such as teak, Sal tree, cashew, and mango trees are present. Fruits include jackfruit, mango, pineapple, and "blackberry" ("podkoam" in the Konkani language). Goa's forests are rich in medicinal plants.

Foxes, wild boar and migratory birds are found in the jungles of Goa. The avifauna (bird species) includes kingfisher, ''myna'' and parrot. Numerous types of fish are also caught off the coast of Goa and in its rivers. Crab, lobster, shrimp, jellyfish, oysters, and catfish are the basis of the marine fishery. Goa also has a high snake population. Goa has many famous "National Parks", including the renowned [[Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary]] on the island of [[Chorão (Island)|Chorão]]. Other wildlife sanctuaries include the [[Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Molem Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Madei Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary]], and [[Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary]].

Goa has more than 33% of its geographic area under government forests (1224.38&nbsp;km²) of which about 62% has been brought under Protected Areas (PA) of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park. Since there is a substantial area under private forests and a large tract under cashew, mango, coconut, etc. plantations, the total forest and tree cover constitutes 56.6% of the geographic area.

Goa's state domestic product for 2017 is estimated at $11&nbsp;billion at current prices. Goa is India's richest state with the highest GDP per capita&nbsp;– two and a half times that of the country&nbsp;– with one of its fastest growth rates: 8.23% (yearly average 1990–2000).<ref>{{cite web |last=Mohan |first=Vibhor |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chandigarhs_per_capita_income_highest_in_India/articleshow/3487128.cms |title=Chandigarh's per capita income is highest in India |work=The Times of India |date=16 September 2008 |access-date=16 December 2011 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/684W8KCgm?url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-09-16/chandigarh/27901061_1_capita-income-constant-prices-industrial-growth# |archive-date=31 May 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Tourism is Goa's primary industry: it gets 12%<ref>[http://goenkar.com/book/print/112 Economy of Goa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050329161315/http://goenkar.com/book/print/112# |date=29 March 2005 }}, from [http://goenkar.com/ goenkar.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050402083621/http://www.goenkar.com/# |date=2 April 2005 }} verified 2 April 2005.</ref> of foreign tourist arrivals in India. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In winter, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come, and summer (which, in Goa, is the rainy season) sees tourists from across India. Goa's [[State Domestic Product|net state domestic product]] (NSDP) was around US$7.24&nbsp;billion in 2015–16.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibef.org/states/goa.aspx#login-box|title=About Goa: Tourism, Industries, Economy, Growth & Geography Information|website=ibef.org|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129122956/http://www.ibef.org/states/goa.aspx#login-box#login-box|archive-date=29 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The land away from the coast is rich in minerals and ores, and mining forms the second largest industry. Iron, bauxite, manganese, clays, limestone, and silica are mined. The [[Mormugao]] port handled 31.69&nbsp; a million tonnes of cargo in 2007, which was 39% of India's total iron ore exports. [[Sesa Goa]] (now owned by Vedanta Resources) and Dempo are the lead miners. Rampant mining has been depleting the forest cover as well as posing a health hazard to the local population. Corporations are also mining illegally in some areas. During 2015–16, the total traffic handled by Mormugao port was recorded to be 20.78&nbsp;million tonnes.

Agriculture, while of shrinking importance to the economy over the past four decades, offers part-time employment to a sizeable portion of the populace. Rice is the main agricultural crop, followed by [[areca]], [[cashew]], and [[coconut]]. Fishing employs about 40,000 people, though recent official figures indicate a decline in the importance of this sector and also a fall in the catch, due perhaps, to traditional fishing giving way to large-scale mechanised trawling.

Medium-scale industries include the manufacturing of pesticides, fertilizers, tires, tubes, footwear, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, wheat products, steel rolling, fruits and fish canning, cashew nuts, textiles, brewery products.

Goa is also notable for its low-priced beer, wine, and spirits prices due to its very low excise duty on alcohol. Another main source of cash inflow to the state is remittance, from many of its citizens who work abroad, to their families. It is said to have some of the largest bank savings in the country.

In 1976 Goa became the first state in India to legalize some types of gambling. This enabled the state to levy taxes on gambling, thereby strengthening the economy.

Iron Ore Train Goa.jpg|Train carrying iron ore to [[Marmagao]] Port, [[Vasco da Gama, Goa|Vasco]].

Panjim Downtown.JPG|Commercial area in [[Panaji]].

{{See also|Goans}}

{{IndiaCensusPop|state=

|1951= 547000

|1961= 590000

|1971= 795000

|1981= 1008000

|1991= 1170000

|2001= 1347668

|2011= 1458545

}}

A native of Goa is called a '''[[Goans|Goan]]'''. Goa has a population of 1.459&nbsp;million residents as of 2011,<ref name="THReligion">{{cite news

}}</ref> making it the fourth least populated state of India after [[Sikkim]], [[Mizoram]] and [[Arunachal Pradesh]]. Population density of Goa is 394 per km² which is higher than national average 382 per km². Goa is the state with highest proportion of urban population with 62.17% of the population living in urban areas. The [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] is 973 females to 1,000 males. The birth rate was 15.70 per 1,000 people in 2007. Goa also is the state with lowest proportion of [[Scheduled Tribe]]s at 0.04%.<ref name="sched">{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/India_at_glance/scst.aspx |title=Scheduled Casts & Scheduled Tribes Population |publisher=Census Department of India |access-date=5 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118150630/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/India_at_glance/scst.aspx# |archive-date=18 November 2008 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

The migrant, or non-Goan Indian origin, the population is currently over 50% of the resident population, outnumbering the native ethnic Goan population.<ref>{{cite news

{{See also|Konkani language{{!}}Konkani|Marathi language{{!}}Marathi}}

|label3=[[Hindi]]|value3=7.64

|label4=[[Kannada language|Kannada]]|value4=5.65

|color4= skyblue

The Goa, Daman, and Diu Official Language Act, 1987 makes [[Konkani language|Konkani]] in the [[Devanagari]] script the sole official language of Goa, but provides that [[Marathi language|Marathi]] may also be used "for all or any of the official purposes". [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] was the sole official language during [[Portuguese India|Portuguese colonial rule]]. The government also has a policy of replying in Marathi to correspondence received in Marathi.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Commissioner o fLinguistic Minorities |title=42nd report: July 2003&nbsp;– June 2004 |page=para 11.3 |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/35.htm |access-date =6 June 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008113359/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/35.htm |archive-date = 8 October 2007}}</ref> There have been demands for according [[Konkani in the Roman script]] official status in the state. There is widespread support for keeping Konkani as the sole official language of Goa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navhindtimes.com/story.php?story=2008083147|title=Solving the Language Imbroglio|work=[[Navhind Times]]|access-date=15 October 2008|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/65CYoDDnd?url=http://www.navhindtimes.com/story.php?story=2008083147#|archive-date=4 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The entire liturgy and communication of the [[Catholic church]] in Goa is done solely in [[Konkani in the Roman script]].

Konkani is spoken as a first language by about 66.11% of the people in the state, but almost all Goans can speak and understand Konkani. A large population of people can speak and understand English as well. Other linguistic groups in the state per the 2011 census are speakers of [[Marathi language|Marathi]] (10.89%), [[Hindi]] (10.29%), [[Kannada language|Kannada]] (5.66%), [[Urdu]] (2.83%) and [[Portuguese language]] (1%).<ref name="demographics">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/Statement3.htm|title=Census of India – DISTRIBUTION OF 10,000 PERSONS BY LANGUAGE|work=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=17 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011050151/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/Statement3.htm#|archive-date=11 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Historically, Konkani was neither the official nor the administrative language of the many rulers of the State. Under the [[Kadambas]] (c. 960 – 1310), the court language was Kannada. When under Muslim rule (1312 - 1370 and 1469 - 1510), the official and cultural language was [[Persian language|Persian]]. Various stones in the [[Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery]] from the period are inscribed in Kannada and Persian.<ref name="Thomaz 2016">{{cite journal |last1=Thomaz |first1=Luís Filipe F. R. |title=The Socio-Linguistic Paradox of Goa |journal=Human and Social Studies |date=1 October 2016 |volume=5 |issue=3|pages=15–38 |doi=10.1515/hssr-2016-0021|doi-access=free}}</ref> During the period in between the two periods of Muslim rule, the [[Vijayanagara Empire]], which had control of the state, mandated the use of Kannada and [[Telugu language|Telugu]].<ref name="Thomaz 2016" />

| color1 = Orange

[[File:Goa Memorial.JPG|thumb|left|150px|Hindu-Christianity Unity Memorial at [[Miramar, Goa|Miramar Beach]].]]

According to the 2011 census, in a population of 1,458,545 people, 66.1% were [[Hindu]], 25.1% were [[Christians|Christian]], 8.3% were [[Muslim]] and 0.1% were [[Sikh]].<ref name="THReligion"/>

|location=New York}}</ref> Since the 20th century, the Christian population of Goa has been facing continual decline. This is caused by a combination of permanent emigration of Christian Goans from Goa to cosmopolitan Indian cities (e.g. Mumbai, Bangalore) and foreign countries (e.g. Portugal, United Kingdom)<ref>{{cite book

|isbn=978-0-8166-4994-5}}</ref> with the immigration of non-Christians from the rest of India since 1961.<ref name="Rajesh Ghadge 2015">Rajesh Ghadge (2015). ''The story of Goan Migration.''</ref>

{{multiple image|width= 230px|perrow=1|

Goa stands 6th in the Top 10 Nightlife cities in the world in [[National Geographic|National Geographic Travel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/nightlife-cities/|title=Top 10 Nightlife Cities – National Geographic Travel|author=National Geographic Society|work=National Geographic|access-date=12 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812134753/http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/nightlife-cities/#|archive-date=12 August 2016|url-status=live|date=22 January 2015}}</ref> Notable nightclubs in Goa include Chronicle, Mambos and Sinq.

 

Over 450 years of Portuguese rule and the influence of the Portuguese culture presents to visitors to Goa a cultural environment that is not found elsewhere in India. Goa is often described as a fusion between Eastern and Western culture with Portuguese culture having a dominant position in the state be it in its architectural, cultural or social settings. The state of Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, churches, and temples.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://travelfiver.com/5-best-beaches-in-goa/# |title=Archived copy |access-date=6 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406163934/http://travelfiver.com/5-best-beaches-in-goa/ |archive-date=6 April 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Bom Jesus Cathedral, Fort Aguada and a new wax museum on Indian history, culture and heritage in Old Goa are other tourism destinations.

Goa has two [[World Heritage Sites]]: the [[Bom Jesus Basilica]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goajesuits.in/bomjesus |title=Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa &#124; Goa Jesuits |publisher=goajesuits.in |access-date=18 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615151313/http://goajesuits.in/bomjesus/ |archive-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> and [[Old Goa|churches and convents of Old Goa]]. The basilica holds the mortal remains of [[St. Francis Xavier]], regarded by many Catholics as the [[patron saint]] of Goa (the patron of the [[Archdiocese of Goa]] is actually Saint [[Joseph Vaz]]). These are both Portuguese-era monuments and reflect a strong European character. The relics are taken down for veneration and for public viewing, per the prerogative of the Church in Goa, not every ten or twelve years as popularly thought and propagated. The last exposition was held in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30160195 |title=Pilgrims flock to Goa to see Saint Francis Xavier remains |work=BBC News |publisher=bbc.co.uk |access-date=22 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124192921/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30160195# |archive-date=24 November 2014 |url-status=live |date=22 November 2014 }}</ref>

[[File:Our-Lady-of-ImmaculateConception,Goa.JPG|thumb|upright=1.15|[[Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goa|Our Lady of Immaculate Conception]] Church in [[Panaji]]]]

Goa has the Sanctuary of Saint Joseph Vaz in [[Sancoale]]. [[Pilar, Goa|Pilar]] monastery which holds novenas of [[Agnelo de Souza|Venerable Padre Agnelo Gustavo de Souza]] from 10 to 20 November yearly. There is a claimed [[Marian Apparition]] at the Church of [[Saints Simon and Jude]] at [[Apparition of Our Lady at Batim|Batim]], [[Ganxim]], near [[Pilar, Goa|Pilar]], where Goans and non-resident Goans visit. There is the statue of the bleeding [[Jesus]] on the [[Crucifix]] at the [[Santa Monica]] [[Convent]] in [[Velha Goa]]. There are churches (''Igorzo''), like the baroque styled ''Nixkollounk Gorb-Sombhov Saibinnich Igorz'' (Church of the [[Our Lady of Immaculate Conception]]) in [[Panaji]], the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] styled ''Mater Dei'' (''Dêv Matechi Igorz''/ [[Mother of God]]) [[Church (building)|church]] in [[Saligao]] and each church having its own style and heritage, besides ''Kopelam/ Irmidi'' (chapels).

The [[Velhas Conquistas]] regions are known for Goa-Portuguese style architecture. There are many forts in Goa such as [[Terekhol Fort|Tiracol]], [[Chapora Fort|Chapora]], [[Corjuem Fort|Corjuem]], [[Fort Aguada|Aguada]], [[Reis Magos]], [[Fort Nanus|Nanus]], [[Mormugao]], Fort Gaspar Dias and [[Cabo de Rama]].{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

In many parts of Goa, mansions constructed in the Indo-Portuguese style architecture still stand, though, in some villages, most of them are in a dilapidated condition. [[Fontainhas (quarter)|Fontainhas]] in Panaji has been declared a cultural quarter, showcasing the life, architecture and culture of Goa. Influences from the Portuguese era are visible in some of Goa's temples, notably the [[Shanta Durga Temple]], the [[Mangueshi Temple]], the [[Shri Damodar Temple]] and the [[Mahalasa]] Temple. After 1961, many of these were demolished and reconstructed in the indigenous Indian style.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

Goa has three important museums: the [[Goa State Museum]], the [[Naval Aviation Museum (India)|Naval Aviation Museum]] and the [[National Institute of Oceanography, India|National Institute of Oceanography]]. The aviation museum is one of three in India (the others are in [[Indian Air Force Museum, Palam|Delhi]] and [[HAL Aerospace Museum|Bengaluru]]). The [[Goa Science Centre]] is in Miramar, Panaji.<ref name="Goa Science Center location">{{cite web|url=http://www.nehrusciencecentre.org/GSCP/gscp.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203114538/http://www.nehrusciencecentre.org/GSCP/gscp.htm |archive-date=3 December 2009 }}, Nehru Science Centre website. Retrieved 4 August 2010.</ref> The [[National Institute of Oceanography, India]] (NIO) is in Dona Paula.<ref name="NIO Home">[http://www.nio.org/index/title/HOME NIO website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819024218/http://www.nio.org/index/title/HOME# |date=19 August 2010 }}. Retrieved 4 August 2010.</ref> [[Museum of Goa]] is a privately owned contemporary art gallery in Pilerne Industrial Estate, near [[Calangute]].<ref name="HinduRay2015">

[[File:Shantadurga temple.jpg|thumb|[[Shanta Durga temple]] at [[Kavale|Kavlem]].]]

Having been a [[Portuguese India|Portuguese territory]] for over 450 years, Goan culture is an amalgamation of both [[Eastern culture|Eastern]] and [[Western culture|Western]] styles, with the latter having a more dominant role. The tableau of Goa showcases religious harmony by focusing on the Deepastambha, the Cross, and Ghode Modni followed by a chariot. Western royal attire of kings is as much part of Goa's cultural heritage as are regional dances performed depicting a unique blend of different religions and cultures of this State. Prominent local festivals are [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], [[Carnival]], [[Diwali]], [[Shigmo]], [[Ganesh Chaturthi|Chavoth]], [[Gudi Padwa|Samvatsar Padvo]], [[Navratri|Dasara]] etc. The Goan Carnival and Christmas-new year celebrations attract many tourists.

The [[Gomant Vibhushan Award]], the highest civilian honour of the State of Goa, is given annually by [[Government of Goa]] since 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title = R A Mashelkar conferred Gomant Vibhushan award |url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/R-A-Mashelkar-conferred-Gomant-Vibhushan-award/articleshow/20358039.cms |date = 31 May 2013 |access-date = 16 August 2014 |work = The Times of India |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151002163259/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/R-A-Mashelkar-conferred-Gomant-Vibhushan-award/articleshow/20358039.cms# |archive-date = 2 October 2015 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="TimesofIndia">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-19/goa/30533988_1_charles-correa-goa-chief-minister-digambar-kamat |title=Goa's highest civilian award to Charles Correa |date=19 December 2011 |work=The Times of India |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=1 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701155312/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-19/goa/30533988_1_charles-correa-goa-chief-minister-digambar-kamat |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Traditional Goan art forms are [[Dekhnni]], [[Fugdi]], [[Corridinho]], [[Mando (music)|Mando]], [[Dulpod]] and [[Fado]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2012/mar/180312-The-fate-of-Fado.htm|title=The Fate of Fado|publisher=[[Mid-Day]]|access-date=10 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213041639/http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2012/mar/180312-The-fate-of-Fado.htm#|archive-date=13 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Goan Catholics are fond of social gatherings and [[Tiatr]] (Teatro). As part of its Portuguese history, music is an integral part of Goan homes. It is often said that "Goans are born with music and sport". Western musical instruments like the piano, guitars and violins are widely used in most religious and social functions of the Catholics.

"Jagor", the traditional folk dance-drama, is performed by the Hindu Kunbi and Christian Gauda community of Goa, to seek the Divine Grace for protection and prosperity of the crop. The literal meaning of Jagor is "jagran" or wakeful nights. The strong belief is that the night-long performance awakens the deities once a year and they continue to remain awake throughout the year guarding the village.

Perni Jagor is the ancient mask dance – drama of Goa, performed by Perni families, using well crafted and painted wooden masks, depicting various animals, birds, super natural power, deities, demons, and social characters.

Gauda Jagor is an impression of social life, that displays all the existing moods and modes of human characters. It is predominantly based on three main characters, Gharasher, Nikhandar, and Parpati wearing shining dresses and headgears. The performance is accompanied by vibrant tunes of Goan folk instruments like Nagara/Dobe, Ghumat, Madale, and Kansale.

''Tiatr (Teatro)'' and its artists play a major role in keeping the Konkani language and music alive. Tiatrs are conducted solely in the Roman script of Konkani as it is primarily a Christian community-based act. They are played in scenes with music at regular intervals, the scenes are portrayals of daily life and are known to depict social and cultural scenarios. Tiatrs are regularly held especially on weekends mainly at Kala Academy, Panaji, Pai Tiatrist Hall at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao and most recent shows have also started at the new Ravindra Bhavan, Baina, Vasco. Western Musical Instruments such as Drums, Bass, Keyboards, and Trumpets. are part of the show and most of them are played acoustically.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} It is one of Goa's few art forms that is renowned across the world with performances popular among Goans in the Middle-East, Americas and Europe.

The first full-length Konkani film was ''[[Mogacho Anvddo]]'', released on 24 April 1950, and was produced and directed by A. L.Jerry Braganza, a native of [[Mapusa]], under the banner of ETICA Pictures.<ref>[http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=59256&n_tit=Panaji%3A+Konkani+Cinema+-+A+Long+Way+to+Go Panaji Konkani Cinema – A Long Way to Go] {{Webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/6AC5jFC0P?url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=59256# |date=26 August 2012 }}. Daijiworld.com. Retrieved 28 July 2013.</ref><ref>[https://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/31478 Yahoo! Groups]. Yahoo!. Retrieved 28 July 2013.</ref> Hence, 24 April is celebrated as Konkani Film Day.<ref>[http://www.navhindtimes.in/panorama/konkani-cinema-day-some-reflections Konkani Cinema Day – Some Reflections] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610122109/http://www.navhindtimes.in/panorama/konkani-cinema-day-some-reflections |date=10 June 2012 }}. Navhindtimes.in (23 April 2011). Retrieved 28 July 2013</ref>

 

 

Konkani films are eligible for the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Konkani]]. The most commercially successful Konkani film (as of June 2011) is [[O Maria]] directed by Rajendra Talak.<ref>[http://www.navhindtimes.in/iwatch/celebrating-konkani-cinema Celebrating Konkani cinema |iGoa]. Navhindtimes.in (26 April 2011). Retrieved 28 July 2013. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228210554/http://www.navhindtimes.in/iwatch/celebrating-konkani-cinema |date=28 February 2014 }}</ref>

 

In 2012, the whole new change was adopted in Konkani Cinema by introducing Digital Theatrical Film "[[The Victim (2012 film)|The Victim]]" directed by [[Milroy Goes]].<ref>"[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-12/mangalore/33788875_1_konkani-film-karwar-manohar-parikkar Konkani movie 'The Victim' hits screens on September 14] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113024735/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-12/mangalore/33788875_1_konkani-film-karwar-manohar-parikkar |date=13 November 2013 }}" – Times of India. Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com (12 September 2012). Retrieved 28 July 2013.</ref>

 

Some old Konkani films are ''Sukhachem Sopon'', ''[[Amchem Noxib]]'', ''[[Nirmonn]]'', ''Mhoji Ghorkarn'', ''Kortubancho Sonvsar'', ''Jivit Amchem Oxem'', ''Mog ani Moipas'', ''[[Bhuierantlo Munis]]'', ''Suzanne'', ''[[Boglantt]]'', ''[[Padri (film)|Padri]]'' and ''Bhogsonne''. [[Ujwadu]] is a 2011 Konkani film directed by Kasargod Chinna and produced by KJ Dhananjaya and Anuradha Padiyar.

Goan prawn curry.jpg|Goan prawn curry, a popular dish throughout the state.

Vindalho.jpg|Pork ''[[vindaloo]]'' is a popular Goan curry dish in the state and around the world.

Chamuças.jpg|''[[Samosa|Chamuças]]'', Goan samosas

Goan Fish Curry.jpg|Traditional Goan fish curry

Rice with fish [[curry]] (''xit koddi'' in [[Konkani language|Konkani]]) is the staple diet in Goa. [[Goan cuisine]] is famous for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. [[Coconut]] and [[coconut oil]] are widely used in Goan cooking along with [[chili pepper]]s, [[spice]]s, and [[vinegar]], used in the Catholic cuisine, giving the food a unique flavor. Goan cuisine is heavily influenced by [[Portuguese cuisine]].

Goan food may be divided into Goan Catholic and Goan Hindu cuisine with each showing very distinct tastes, characteristics, and cooking styles. [[Pork]] dishes such as [[Vindaloo|Vindalho]], [[Xacuti]], [[chouriço]], and [[Sorpotel]] are cooked for major occasions among the [[Goan Catholics]]. A mixed vegetable stew, known as [[Khatkhate]], is a very popular dish during the celebrations of festivals, Hindu and Christian alike. Khatkhate contains at least five vegetables, fresh coconut, and special Goan spices that add to the aroma.

 

[[Sanna (rice cakes)|Sannas]], ''Hitt'', are local rice cakes and ''Polle'', ''Amboli'', and ''Kailoleo'' are rice pancakes; all are native to Goa. A rich [[egg (food)|egg]]-based, multi-layered baked sweet known as [[bebinca]] is traditional at Christmas.

Costa Residence Margao.jpg|''The House of the Seven Gables'' in [[Margao]].

Galeria_em_Fontainhas.jpg|''Velha Goa Galeria'', in [[Panaji]].

The architecture of Goa is a combination of Goan, [[Islamic architecture|Ottoman]] and [[Portuguese architecture|Portuguese]] styles. Since the Portuguese ruled and governed for four centuries, many churches and houses bear a striking element of the Portuguese style of architecture. Goan Hindu houses do not show any Portuguese influence, though the modern temple architecture is an amalgam of original Goan temple style with [[Dravidian architecture|Dravidian]], [[Hemadpanthi]], Islamic, and Portuguese architecture.<ref name=tempgoa>{{cite book|last=Mankekar|first=Kamla|title=Temples of Goa|year=2004|publisher=Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India|isbn= 9788123011615|pages=99 pages(see pages 1–17)}}</ref> The original Goan temple architecture fell into disuse as the temples were demolished by the Portuguese and the ''[[Sthapati]]'' known as ''Thavayi'' in Konkani were converted to Christianity though the wooden work and the ''[[Kaavi art|Kavi]]'' murals can still be seen.<ref name=kavi>{{cite book|last=Kamat|first=Krishnanand|title=Konkanyali Kavikala|publisher=Goa Konkani Akademi|location=Panaji}}</ref>

DTH ([[Direct To Home]]) TV services are available from [[Dish TV]], [[Videocon D2H]], [[Tata Sky]] & [[DD Direct Plus]]. The [[All India Radio]] is the only [[radio channel]] in the state that broadcasts on both [[Frequency Modulation|FM]] and [[Amplitude Modulation|AM]] bands. Two AM channels are broadcast, the primary channel at 1287&nbsp;kHz and the Vividh Bharati channel at 1539&nbsp;kHz. AIR's FM channel is called FM Rainbow and is broadcast at 105.4&nbsp;MHz. A number of private FM radio channels are available, [[Big FM (Indian radio station)|Big FM]] at 92.7&nbsp;and [[Radio Indigo]] at 91.9&nbsp;MHz. There is also an educational radio channel, [[Gyan Vani]], run by [[IGNOU]] broadcast from Panaji at 107.8&nbsp;MHz. In 2006, St Xavier's College, Mapusa, became the first college in the state to launch a campus community radio station "Voice of Xavier's".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.asiawaves.net/india/goa-radio.htm|title=Goa Radio Stations on FM and mediumwave|website=asiawaves.net|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015239/http://www.asiawaves.net/india/goa-radio.htm#|archive-date=22 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Major cellular service operators include [[Bharti Airtel]], [[Vodafone Essar]], [[Idea Cellular]](merged with Vodafone in 2018), [[Telenor]], [[Reliance Infocomm]], [[Tata DoCoMo]], [[BSNL]] [[CellOne]] and [[Jio]].

Local publications include the [[English language]] ''[[O Heraldo]]'' (Goa's oldest, once a Portuguese language paper), ''The Gomantak Times'' and ''[[The Navhind Times]]''. In addition to these, ''[[The Times of India]]'' and ''[[The Indian Express]]'' are also received from Mumbai and Bangalore in the urban areas. ''The Times of India'' has recently started publication from Goa itself, serving the local population news directly from the state capital. Among the list of officially accredited newspapers are ''O Heraldo'', ''The Navhind Times'' and ''The Gomantak Times'' in English; ''[[Bhaangar Bhuin]]'' in Konkani (Devanagari script); and ''[[Tarun Bharat]]'', ''Gomantak'', ''Navprabha'', ''Goa Times'', ''Sanatan Prabhat'', ''Govadoot'' and ''Lokmat'' (all in Marathi). All are dailies. Other publications in the state include ''Planet Goa'' (English, monthly), ''[[Goa Today]]'' (English, monthly), ''Goan Observer'' (English, weekly), ''[[Vauraddeancho Ixtt]]'' ([[Konkani in the Roman script|Roman-script Konkani]], weekly) ''Goa Messenger'', ''Vasco Watch'', ''Gulab'' (Konkani, monthly), ''Bimb'' (Devanagari-script Konkani).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.w3newspapers.com/india/goa/|title=Goa Newspapers and News Sites|website=w3newspapers.com|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321192743/https://www.w3newspapers.com/india/goa/#|archive-date=21 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

One [[electronic mailing list]] that is based in Goa is [[Goanet]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=10 useful Goa websites {{!}}|url=https://goastreets.com/10-usefull-goa-website/|access-date=16 June 2021|website=goastreets.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Rajan|first=Nalini|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvaHAwAAQBAJ&dq=goanet&pg=PP1|title=21st Century Journalism in India|date=7 March 2007|publisher=SAGE Publications India|isbn=978-81-321-0118-5|language=en}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=June 2021}}

{{Details|Goans in sports}}[[File:Fatorda Stadium.jpg|thumb|left|[[Fatorda Stadium]]]]

Normally other states are fond of cricket but [[association football]] is the most popular sport in Goa and is embedded in Goan culture as a result of the Portuguese influence.<ref name="Mills">{{cite journal |doi= 10.1080/714004840 |last= Mills |first= James|s2cid= 143324581 |date=Summer 2001 |title=Football in Goa: Sport, Politics and the Portuguese in India |journal=Soccer & Society |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=75–88 }}</ref> Its origins in the state are traced back to 1883 when the visiting Irish priest Fr. William Robert Lyons established the sport as part of a "Christian education".<ref name="Mills" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goa-fa.com/node/45 |title= Goan football has little cause to look back|access-date=19 July 2007 |publisher = Goa Football Association |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928191006/http://www.goa-fa.com/node/45 |archive-date = 28 September 2007}}</ref> On 22 December 1959 the ''Associação de Futebol de Goa'' was formed, which continues to administer the game in the state under the new name [[Goa Football Association]].<ref name="Mills" /> Goa, along with [[West Bengal]] and [[Kerala]]<ref name="Mills" /> is the locus of football in India and is home to many football clubs in the national [[I-League]]. The state's football powerhouses include [[Salgaocar F.C.|Salgaocar]], [[Dempo S.C.|Dempo]], [[Churchill Brothers S.C.|Churchill Brothers]], [[Vasco S.C.|Vasco]], [[Sporting Clube de Goa]] and [[FC Goa]]. The first [[Unity World Cup]] was held in Goa in 2014. The state's main football stadium, [[Fatorda Stadium]], is located at [[Margao]] and also hosts cricket matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58301.html |title=Nehru stadium |access-date=19 July 2007 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221025415/http://content-www.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58301.html# |archive-date=21 February 2009 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The state hosted few matches of the [[2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup]] in Fatorda Stadium.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football-fifa-u17-world-cup/fifa-u-17-world-cup-goa-stadium-handed-over-to-fifa-4859596/|title=FIFA U-17 World Cup: Goa stadium handed over to FIFA|date=25 September 2017|work=The Indian Express|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321192703/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football-fifa-u17-world-cup/fifa-u-17-world-cup-goa-stadium-handed-over-to-fifa-4859596/#|archive-date=21 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

A number of Goans have represented India in football and six of them, namely [[Samir Subash Naik|Samir Naik]], [[Climax Lawrence]], [[Brahmanand Sankhwalkar]], [[Bruno Coutinho]], [[Mauricio Afonso]] and Roberto Fernandes have all captained the national team. Goa has its own [[Goa football team|state football team]] and league, the [[Goa Professional League]]. It is probably the only state in India where cricket is not considered the most important of all sports. Goan's are avid football fans, particularly of the football teams from Portugal (Benfica, Sporting), and Brazil especially during major football events such as the 'European Cup' and the 'World Cup' championships. The Portuguese footballer [[Ronaldo (Portuguese footballer)|Ronaldo]] and Brazilian [[Neymar]], are revered superstar football players in Goa.{{Citation-needed|date=February 2022}}

Goa also has its own [[Goa cricket team|cricket team]]. [[Dilip Sardesai]] remains the only Goan to date to play international cricket for [[Indian cricket team|India]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg15601.html |title=[Goanet&#93; Goa Govt. institutes award in memory of Dilip Sardesai |publisher=Mail-archive.com |date=8 August 2007 |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513065907/http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg15601.html# |archive-date=13 May 2013 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Another Goan cricketer, [[Suyash Prabhudessai]] was selected by the [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]] for a base price of {{INR|20 lakh}} in [[Indian Premier League|IPL]] 2021 and for {{INR|30 lakh}} in IPL 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IPLT20.com|url=https://www.iplt20.com/video/247299/shardul-thakur-s-impactful-3-38?tagNames=ipl-magic,indian-premier-league,ipl-magic |access-date=4 May 2022 |website=www.iplt20.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first=Paresh |last=Mokani |date=19 February 2021 |title=RCB pick up Suyash for 20 lakh|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/rcb-pick-up-suyash-for-20-lakh/articleshow/81099932.cms |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

India (Goa) is a member of the 'Lusophony Olympic Games' which are hosted every four years in one of the Portuguese CPLP member countries, with 733 athletes from 11 countries. Most of the countries competing are countries that are members of the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), but some are countries with significant Portuguese communities or have a history with Portugal. This event is similar in concept to the Commonwealth Games (for members of the Commonwealth of Nations) and the Jeux de la Francophonie (for the Francophone community).

Goa University, Goa.jpg|[[Goa University]]

Carmel's College for Women, Nuvem, Goa, India.jpg|Carmel College for Women is affiliated to [[Goa University]]. It was established more than 50 years to aid in closing the education gender gap.

GMC building.jpg|[[Goa Medical College]], previously called ''Escola Médico–Cirúrgica de Goa''.

Goa had India's earliest educational institutions built with European support. The Portuguese set up seminaries for religious education and parish schools for elementary education. Founded circa 1542 by Saint Francis Xavier, [[Saint Paul's College, Goa]] was a Jesuit school in Old Goa, which later became a college. St Paul's was once the main Jesuit institution in the whole of Asia. It housed the first printing press in India and published the first books in 1556.

Medical education began in 1801 with the offering of regular medical courses at the Royal and Military Hospital in the old City of Goa. Built-in 1842 as the Escola Médico-Cirúrgica de (Nova) Goa (Medical-Surgical School of Goa), [[Goa Medical College]] is one of Asia's oldest medical colleges and has one of the oldest medical libraries (since 1845).<ref>{{Cite web|title = MEDICAL EDUCATION CELL-GMC- BAMBOLIM GOA.|url = http://www.gmcmec.gov.in/|website = gmcmec.gov.in|access-date = 1 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160109164022/http://gmcmec.gov.in/#|archive-date = 9 January 2016|url-status = live}}</ref> It houses the largest hospital in Goa and continues to provide medical training to this day.

Some notable schools in Goa include [[Sharada Mandir]] School in [[Miramar, Panaji|Miramar]], [[Loyola High School (Goa)|Loyola High School]] in Margao and [[The King's School, Goa|The King's School]] in [[São José de Areal]]. After ten years of schooling, students join a Higher Secondary school, which offers courses in popular streams such as [[Science]], [[Liberal Arts|Arts]], [[Law]], and [[Commerce]]. A student may also opt for a course in vocational studies. Additionally, they may join three-year [[diploma]] courses. Two years of college is followed by a [[professional degree]] programme. [[Goa University]], the sole [[university]] in Goa, is located in [[Taleigão]] and most Goan colleges are affiliated with it.

There are colleges offering [[pharmacy]], [[architecture]] and [[dentistry]] along with numerous private colleges offering [[law]], [[liberal arts|arts]], [[commerce]] and [[science]]. There are also two National Oceanographic Science related centres: the [[National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research]] in Vasco da Gama and the [[National Institute of Oceanography, India|National Institute of Oceanography]] in [[Dona Paula]].

 

 

Other colleges in Goa include Shri Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, V.V.M's R.M. Salgaocar Higher Secondary School in [[Margao]], G.V.M's S.N.J.A higher secondary school, Don Bosco College, D.M.'s College of Arts, Science and Commerce, St Xavier's College, Carmel College, [[The Parvatibai Chowgule College]], Dhempe College, Damodar College, M. E. S. College of Arts & Commerce, S. S. Samiti's Higher Secondary School of Science and Rosary College of Commerce & Arts. As the result of renewed interest in the Portuguese language and culture, Portuguese at all levels of instruction is offered in many schools in Goa, largely private ones. In some cases, Goan students do student exchange programs in Portugal.

[[File:Goa-Vasco 03-2016 12 Dabolim Airport.jpg|thumb|Goa International Airport, new terminal building]]

[[Goa International Airport]], is a [[civil enclave]] at [[INS Hansa]], a Naval airfield located at [[Dabolim]] near [[Vasco da Gama, Goa|Vasco da Gama]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Goa airport requests shift in Navy's flying sorties to reduce rush|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=7 November 2016|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/goa-airport-requests-shift-in-navys-flying-sorties-to-reduce-rush/articleshow/55289748.cms|access-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328132512/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/goa-airport-requests-shift-in-navys-flying-sorties-to-reduce-rush/articleshow/55289748.cms|archive-date=28 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The airport caters to scheduled domestic and international air services. Goa has scheduled international connections to [[Doha]], [[Dubai]], [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]], [[Sharjah (city)|Sharjah]] and [[Kuwait]] in the [[Middle East]] by airlines like [[Air Arabia]], [[Air India]], [[GoAir]], [[Indigo]], [[Oman Air]], [[SpiceJet]] and [[Qatar Airways]]. Though night operations were not permitted till recently, the military now allows civil airlines to fly during the night.

It is expected to be completed by 2022.<ref>{{cite news|title= Goa's Mopa airport delayed by a year |url= https://www.livemint.com/news/india/goa-s-mopa-airport-delayed-by-a-year-1563248353607.html |access-date=18 May 2020 |work=[[The Indian Express]]|date= 16 July 2019}}</ref>

Goa's [[public transport]] largely consists of privately operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas. Government-run buses, maintained by the [[Kadamba Transport Corporation]], link major routes (like the Panaji–Margao route) and some remote parts of the state. The Corporation owns 15 bus stands, 4 depots and one Central workshop at Porvorim and a Head Office at Porvorim.<ref name="ES">{{cite web |url=http://www.goa.gov.in/pdf/goa-esurvey-2010-2011.pdf |title=Economic Survey 2011–2012 |publisher=Government of Goa |access-date=21 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525135649/http://www.goa.gov.in/pdf/goa-esurvey-2010-2011.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In large towns such as Panaji and Margao, intra-city buses operate. However, public transport in Goa is less developed, and residents depend heavily on their own transportation, usually motorised two-wheelers and small family cars.

Hired forms of transport include unmetered taxis and, in urban areas, [[auto rickshaws]]. Another form of transportation in Goa is the [[motorcycle taxi]], operated by drivers who are locally called "pilots". These vehicles transport a single [[pillion]] rider, at fares that are usually negotiated. Other than buses, "pilots" tend to be the cheapest mode of transport.<ref name="Abram2004">{{cite book|first=David|last=Abram|title=The Rough Guide to Goa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GGZRtj4OnccC&pg=PA35|access-date=16 December 2012|edition=5|date=1 January 2004|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=978-1-84353-081-7|page=35|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527190325/http://books.google.com/books?id=GGZRtj4OnccC&pg=PA35|archive-date=27 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> River crossings in Goa are serviced by flat-bottomed [[ferry]] boats, operated by the river navigation department.

Goa has two [[Rail transport|rail lines]] – one run by the South Western Railway and the other by the [[Konkan Railway]]. The line run by the [[South Western Railway zone|South Western Railway]] was built during the colonial era linking the port town of [[Vasco da Gama, Goa]] with [[Belgaum]], [[Hubli]], [[Karnataka]] via [[Margao]]. The Konkan Railway line, which was built during the 1990s, runs parallel to the coast connecting major cities on the western coast.

The [[Mormugao Port Trust]] near the city of Vasco handles mineral ore, petroleum, coal, and international containers. Much of the shipments consist of minerals and ores from Goa's hinterland. Panaji, which is on the banks of the Mandovi, has a minor port, which used to handle passengers [[Steamboat|steamers]] between Goa and Mumbai till the late 1980s. There was also a short-lived catamaran service linking Mumbai and Panaji operated by Damania Shipping in the 1990s.

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170128023528/https://www.goa.gov.in/index.php Government of Goa]