Goa, having been the meeting point of various races, religions and cultures of east and west over the centuries, has a distinctive style quite different from the rest of India.

Goa, where mystical east meets modern west. There is no place in the world where you will find Christmas being celebrated with as much passion as Diwali or where tradtional Indian fish curry is eaten with Gaon sausages.

For the purpose of revenue administration. Goa has been divided into two districts, North Goa and South Goa with headquaters in Panjim and Margao respectively.

Goa is a state within the Indian Union with a democratically elected government. Goa has a consistent climate throughout the year with just meager fluctuations in the temperature. December and January might require light woolens, but April and May are warm.

Vital Statistics

State : Goa is a state within the Indian Union with a democratically elected government.

Area: 3702 sq.km.

Capital: Panaji

Commercial Capital: Margao

International dialing code: 00 91 832

Domestic dialing code: 0 832

Official state animal: Bison (Gaur)

Official state bird: Ruby-throated Yellow Bulbul

Official state tree: Terminalia crenulata (Matti)

Biggest rivers: Zuari and Mandovi

Highest peak: Sonsogad in Sattari (3,827 feet)

Climate: Goa has a consistent climate throughout the year with just meager fluctuations in the temperature. December and January might require light woolens, but April and May are warm. The period from June to October brings heavy rain, almost up to 320 cm. The temperature during the summers ranges from 24°C to 32.7°C and during the winters it ranges from 21.3°C to 32.2°C.

Goa climate is relaxed and lovely. Beaches are the best in Goa in the winter months between October and March. This is also the time Goa is most frequented by tourists. The weather during this period is amazingly pleasant.

Summers are from April and May, and it can be very hot and humid, though being in the coastal region, the gentle sea breeze is a welcome soother.

Monsoon months are from June to September. This is the season when the weather is really cool and the hill and the countryside are lush green. It is an ideal time to be in Goa if you want to "dance in the rain" or just want to sit and relax.

Population : 13,43,998 (2001 census.) The sex- ratio (number of females per thousand males) is 960 in 2001 compared to 967 in 1991. The sex ratio for India as on March 1,2001 is 933.

The density of population per sq.km. in Goa increased from 316 in 1991 to 363 in 2001. The density in North Goa was much higher (436) compared to South Goa (298). The density of population for the country as a whole is 324 in 2001.

It is estimated that out of a total population of 13,43,998, around 0.15 to 0.2 million are immigrants who have settled down in Goa.

Languages: English, Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and Portuguese.

Religion: Mainly Hinduism, Christianity and Muslim but there are several more.

Rainfall: Average rainfall of 320 cms. from June to September.

Literacy: 82.3 per cent, Males: 88.88 per cent, Females; 75.51 Per cent (census 2001)

Major spots: Fort Aguada & Candolim, Mapusa, Margao,Old Goa, Panjim, Ponda, Vasco-de-Gama

Industries: Goa has a geographical area of around 3200 sq km has around 5500 industrial units and 18 industrial estates. With high literacy, well-educated manpower, peaceful environment, good transport and power facilities, Goa is fast emerging as one of the best industrial locales in the country. Goa is a haven for eco-friendly industrial units. Goa is diversifying into eco-friendly sectors like electronics, software, automobile accessories, pharmaceuticals, tourism etc.

Car/Bike Rentals: In Goa one can hire a variety of cars such as the Santro, Tata Indica, Maruti Esteem, Toyota Qualis, Tata Sumo and many others. One can even hire a Maruti van along with a driver for about Rs 950 (approx.) for 8 hrs /80 kms. After this there is an extra amount charged for every additional km and every extra hour. Another popular and inexpensive option in Goa is to rent a bike. Here one can choose from automatic scooters, lightweight 100 cc bikes or powerful motorcycles like the Enfield Bullet (250 CC bike). The charges for these also are quite reasonable and the best part is that one can move anywhere at anytime and at your own will.