Goa is India's smallest state in terms of area and the
fourth smallest in terms of population after Sikkim, Mizoram
and Arunachal Pradesh. It is located on the west coast of
India, in the region known as the Konkan, and is bounded
by the state of Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to
the east and south. The Arabian Sea makes up the state's
west coast. Panaji is the state's capital, and Vasco-da-Gama
(Vasco) its largest town. Portuguese merchants first landed
in Goa in the 16th century but soon after colonised it.
The Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years, until
it was annexed as part of India in 1961.
Internationally renowned for its beaches, Goa is visited
by hundreds of thousands of foreign and domestic tourists
each year.
Visitors should be aware of the rare availability of emergency
response. A swimming tourist who apparently stepped on a
Stingray received a wound 1 inch wide in his stomach. He
died later in the absence of qualified medical help (anonymous
2005).
Besides beaches, Goa is also known for its world heritage
architecture including the Bom Jesus Basilica. Goa also
has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western
Ghats range, which are classified as a biodiversity hotspot.
|
