Capital of Goa - An Overview

Panaji is the capital of Goa. Panaji is also the headquarters of the North Goa district. Area-wise, Goa is the smallest state in India. This article will provide you with brief information about Panaji and Goa.

Panaji – A Brief Overview

• Panaji is the largest Urban Agglomeration in Goa.
• Panaji is located on the banks of the Mandovi river.
• Under the smart cities mission of the Government of India, Panaji has been selected as one of the cities to be developed as a smart city.
• Panaji was the capital of Portuguese India.
• In 1961, India liberated Panaji and the rest of Goa from Portuguese occupation.
• Panaji was the capital of the union territories of Goa, and Daman and Diu from 1961 to 1981.
• Out of the total population of Panaji, males constitute 52% and females constitute 48% of the population.
• The three major religions followed in Goa are Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.
• The National Institute of Oceanography is located in Panaji.
• Panaji and Lisbon in Portugal are twin towns – sister cities.

Goa – A Brief Overview of the Smallest State in India

• Goa is located between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
• To the west of Goa is the Arabian Sea.
• Among all the Indian states, Goa has the highest GDP per capita.
• Among the Indian states, in the Human Development Index, Goa is ranked in 3rd position.
• Konkani is the official language of Goa.
• Goa attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists every year due to its white-sand beaches, world heritage listed architecture, places of worship, north western ghats rainforests and active nightlife.
• On the mouth of the River Zuari, is the Mormugao harbour. It is considered one of the best natural harbours in South Asia.

Goa – Economy and Industries

• Goa has achieved 100 per cent rural electrification.
• Mining is the second largest industry in Goa. Goa is rich in minerals and ores. Silica, clay, limestone, manganese, bauxite, and iron are mined in Goa.
• A large chunk of India’s iron ore exports takes place from Goa.
• Vedanta and Dempo are the leading mining companies in Goa.
• Agriculture is also an important component of Goa’s economy, but its importance has been reducing over the last few decades.
• The main agricultural crop in Goa is rice. The other important crops in Goa are coconut, cashew, and areca.
• Due to the very low excise duty on alcohol, Goa is known for its low priced beer, wine, and spirits.
• Remittance is another important source of cash inflow into the state of Goa.
• Some types of gambling were legalised by Goa in 1976, making it the first state in India to legalise it.

Goa – Tourism

• The main industry of Goa is tourism.
• The tourism activity inland is low, but the tourism activity along the coastal areas of Goa is very high.
• Goa is very famous for its nightclubs.
• Goa is very popular among tourists from Russia and Britain.
• Water sports is another very popular tourist attraction in Goa.