Nestled on the southwestern edge of the Indian subcontinent, Goa stands as a coastal jewel, distinct from the Deccan highlands due to the imposing Western Ghats. It borders Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea gently laps its western coastline. Despite being India’s smallest state by area and fourth smallest by population, Goa boasts remarkable economic success, with the highest GDP per capita in the country, over twice the national average. The Eleventh Finance Commission of India has recognized Goa as the top state for infrastructure.

The National Commission on Population has awarded Goa the highest quality of life in India, based on “12 Indicators.” Additionally, it holds the second-highest rank in India’s human development index. Panaji, also known as Panjim, serves as the state capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. Margão, with its historic streets, showcases the enduring Portuguese influence from their early 16th-century settlement.

Goa was a significant outpost of the Portuguese Empire for nearly 456 years until it was annexed by India in 1961. The primary language spoken by most of its inhabitants is Konkani.

Beyond its rich history, Goa attracts a diverse array of tourists annually, drawn by its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, sacred sites, and World Heritage-listed architectural wonders. Its proximity to the lush rainforests of the North Western Ghats makes it a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wealth of flora and fauna, and one of the world’s rare biodiversity havens.