Goa is India's smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population.
Located on the west coast of India in the region known as the Konkan,
it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south,
while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.
The history of Goa stretches way back to the 3rd Century BC,
followed by the arrival of the Portugese in the year 1498, who were to rule over Goa
until 1961 which makes it the longest held Colonial possessions in the world.
Goa is situated on the west coast of India.
It was the one of largest trading centres in India.
When the Portugese arrived as merchants, they had the intention of setting up a
colony and therefore gaining control of the spice trade from other European powers
after all other land routes to India had been closed by the Ottoman Turks.
As one makes their way around Goa you cannot help but notice the
Portugese influence in the culture and traditions of the Goan people.
Panaji (also referred to as Panjim) is the state's capital.
Vasco da Gama (sometimes shortened to Vasco) is the largest city.
The historic city of Margao still exhibits the influence of Portuguese culture.
The Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years
(one of the longest held colonial possessions in the world),
until it was taken over by India in 1961.
Renowned for its beaches, temples and world heritage architecture,
Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year.
It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range,
which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.
One of the most developed states in India, Goa enjoys a high standard of living.
read full wikipedia reference about Goa, India
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