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Goa was a Portuguese Colony for over 450 years. In that space of time the British also occupied Goa. Goa then became a British protectorate under Portuguese civil authority. The British left India in 1947 and in 1961 the Indian Army moved into Goa, encountering little resistance.
Owing to the British presence in Goa, many Goan's left Goa for other British colonies as well as other parts of India. This was known as the Goan Dispora.
Goa lies approximately 400 km's south of Mumbai, which puts it @ approximately the same latitude as Hawaii, Acapulco and the Barbados. Goa occupies a territory of approximately 3700 sq. km's. Its west coast of 105 km's, is flanked by the Indian Ocean. Goa is cleaner than most other Indian States. It is rich in culture, tantalising cuisine, fun loving people, inexpensive accommodation and food and has a total of 16 beaches.
Goa's top industry is that of mining. Iron ore is the main mineral extracted. Other industries include: fisheries, food canning, shipping services, cashews, coconuts and liquor.
The tourism and related services industry is growing rapidly. It is the top local tourist destination. 10% of India's international tourists, do not leave without a stopover in Goa. Being India' most prosperous state, Goa has an estimated literacy rate of between 75 and 80% and it scores very well on the social development index. The birth rate is very low, and the population would be declining, but this is not reflected in data as many immigrants who come into Goa tend to distort the figures. Infant mortality is said to be lower than that of Washington D.C.
Goa's population is estimated at 1.6 million (1996). Originally, Goa was a predominantly Catholic state. Due to the influx of Indian immigrants the religious majority are now Hindu's (60%) followed by Catholics (35%) and the remainder are Muslim. The main state language is Konkani, followed by Hindi, Marathi and English. Portuguese is still spoken, but by a small minority (10%). This is an indication that the Portuguese influence has not been forgotten.
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