After 450 years of Portuguese rule, Goa was liberated on 19th December 1961, and along with Daman and Diu, Goa became the Indian union territory.On 30th May 1987, Goa was declared as India’s twenty-fifth state.
Goa is the smallest state situated in Konkan west region of India. It is bounded by two neighboring states of Maharashtra in the North and Karnataka in East and South, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Goa lies between the latitudes 14°53′54″ N and 15°40′00″ N and longitudes 73°40′33″ E and 74°20′13″ E, which encompasses an area of 3,702 km2 (1,429 sq mi) and coastline of 101 km (63 mi). Throughout the year Goa’s climate remains hot and humid. It has the shortest winter and monsoon starts from June. Goa has seven major rivers Mandovi, Zuari, Terekhol, Chapora, Kushavati, Betul, Talpon and the Sal.The Mormugao harbor situated on the mouth of the River Zuari is the best natural harbors in South Asia. Most of the cities of Goa are situated on the banks of rivers and are connected with ferry boats and bridges. Goa has one International Airport at Dabolim near Vasco-da-Gama in Marmugao Taluka.
Goa has two districts: North Goa and South Goa. Each district is governed by a District Collector and an Administrator.
The forest cover of Goa is about 1424 sq.kms.(549.81 sq.miles). Part of one of the Biodiversity Hotspots of the world namely the Western Ghats lies in Goa.
Goa’s main horticulture produce includes coconut, cashew, mango, jackfruit and pineapples.
Rice is the main crop of Goa. Along with Rice, Ragi and pulses are also grown in Goa.
Goa’s State animal is the Gaur (Indian bison) and state bird is the Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul (aka Black Crested Bulbul). The state tree of Goa is the Matti (Terminalia eliptica). The state of Goa has one National Park namely Molem National park and six Wildlife Sanctuaries which include Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, one bird Sanctuary namely the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located on the island of Chorao.
