States and Capitals are an important part of many examinations. Students should know about the geographical extent and other aspects of India. One of the most important questions is about the smallest state in India.
The correct answer for this is Goa. Merely knowing this won’t help you in the examination and along with this, you should know more about the state which will help you in general awareness.
Edureify has brought all the important information for you. You can also download our app for getting more features with a single click.
The state of Goa is located on India’s southwest coast, in the Konkan area, and is separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. The Arabian Sea forms its western coast, which is sandwiched by the Indian states of Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south. It is India’s smallest state in terms of land area and population.
Goa has the highest per capita GDP of any Indian state two and a half times higher than the country’s overall GDP per capita. Because of its infrastructure, India’s Eleventh Finance Commission deemed Goa the best-placed state, while India’s National Commission on Population assessed it as having the finest quality of life in the country.
The state capital is Panaji, and the largest city is Vasco da Gama. The historic city of Margo in Goa still bears the cultural imprint of the Portuguese, who first arrived on the subcontinent as merchants in the early 16th century and quickly conquered it. Goa then became an overseas territory of the Portuguese Empire, part of what was then known as Portuguese India, and remained as such for nearly 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961. Konkani is the official language of Goa, and it is spoken by the majority of the population.
Because of its white-sand beaches, bustling nightlife, places of religion, and World Heritage-listed architecture, Goa attracts a considerable number of international and local tourists each year. It also features diverse flora and fauna due to its proximity to the North-Western Ghats jungles, one of the world’s unique biodiversity hotspots.
| Facts about Goa |
| Over a third of Goa is covered by forest |
| There are almost 7,000 beaches to choose from |
| Goa is the smallest state in India |
| The state has the highest per capita income in India |
| It’s home to India’s only legitimate two-wheeler taxis |
| Portugal ruled Goa for almost 450 years |
| Goa celebrates two independence days |
| Over 400 species of birds have made Goa their home |
| Goa has one of India’s largest waterfalls |
| Some of India’s oldest rocks are found here |
| Asia’s Only Naval Aviation Museum is at Goa |
| Richest Indian State for per capita |
| Also known as the Sahyadri Hills the picturesque hilly crest runs across the western coast of many states of India from Maharashtra / Gujarat to Kerala |
| One of the highest falls of India – Dudhsagar Falls |
| First Host to International Film Festival of India |
Goa has a total area of 3,702 km2 (1,429 sq mi). It is located between 14°53′54′′ N and 15°40′00′′ N, and between 73°40′33′′ E and 74°20′13′′ E.
Goa is a portion of the Konkan, a coastal nation separated from the Deccan Plateau by an escarpment rising to the Western Ghats range of mountains. The Sponsor, at 1,167 meters above sea level, is the highest point (3,829 ft). Goa has a 160-kilometer coastline (99 mi).
The Zuari, Mandovi, Terekhol, Chapora, Galgibag, Kumbarjua canal, Talpona, and Sal are Goa’s seven major rivers. The most important rivers are the Zuari and the Mandovi, which are separated by the Kumbarjua canal and create a huge estuarine complex.
Along with these, keep a track of the current happenings in Goa. For this, you can read the best daily current affairs here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question No 1:- What is the Area’s geography?
Answer:- A coastal state bordering the Arabian Sea on the western coast of India, Goa’s capital sits by the Mandovi River in Tiswadi taluka.
Question No 2:- What are the Languages spoken?
Answer:- English, Hindi, Konkani, Marathi.
Question No 3:- What are the Time zones in Goa?
Ans:- Time zones in Goa are IST (UTC+5.5 hours).
Question No 4:- What are the major religions in Goa?
Answer:- Christianity, and Hinduism are the major religions in Goa.
