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Knowledge Goa Goa is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. It is India’s smallest state by land size. Goa’s official language, spoken by most Goans, is Konkani. Panaji is the state’s capital, while Vasco da Gama is its largest city. The state is divided into two regions, North and South Goa. Goa has the highest GDP per capita among all Indian states. The city of Margão still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first voyaged to the subcontinent in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon, thereafter, making it a territory of the Portuguese Empire. It remained as such for about 450 years, until it was liberated and annexed by India in 1961. Goa attracts large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year because of its white-sand beaches, nightlife, places of worship, and World Heritage-listed architecture. Around 20% of the land in Goa falls into the Western Ghats of India, a vast mountain range and treasure house of biodiversity. The forests here are teeming with exotic wildlife, including Indian giant squirrels, mongoose, Slender Loris, Indian macaques, and sloth bears. Goa is full of motorcycle taxis and riders, known as pilots, and they’re the state’s most cost-effective form of transport. Goa’s colonial history is apparent wherever you go, from the city of Panjim and its old Portuguese quarter, to the churches, museums and colorful houses dotted across the state. The Dudhsagar Waterfalls in Goa is recognized as the secondhighest waterfall in India, measuring about 603 meters. Read about Rhode Island, USA’s smallest state on pg. 38 Saathee.com
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