Goa

Goa is India's smallest state by area, located on the Konkan coast of the Arabian Sea. It was a Portuguese territory until 1961 and became a full state in 1987.

The churches and convents of Old Goa are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the state's beaches, cuisine and festivals make it one of India's most visited destinations.

Goa was ruled by the Kadambas, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bijapur Sultanate before the Portuguese captured it in 1510. It remained a Portuguese colony for more than 450 years, until Indian forces took control in December 1961. Goa then became part of the union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, and achieved full statehood on 30 May 1987.

Goa lies on the Konkan coast between Maharashtra and Karnataka. A coastline of beaches and estuaries gives way to the forested Western Ghats, where the Dudhsagar Falls plunge down near the Karnataka border. The Mandovi and Zuari are the main rivers.

Tourism is the main industry, along with mining, fisheries, cashew processing and pharmaceuticals. Goa has one of the highest per-capita incomes among Indian states.

Konkani is the official language, and Marathi is also widely used. Goa's culture blends Indian and Portuguese influences – seen in its whitewashed churches, Hindu temples, Carnival, Shigmo festival, fado-influenced music and cuisine of seafood curries, xacuti and bebinca. The Churches and Convents of Old Goa, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.