Key Facts
- Location: Goa is a state located on the southwestern coast of India.
- Geography: It is situated in the region known as the Konkan and is geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats.
- Borders: Goa is surrounded by the Indian states of Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south. The Arabian Sea forms its western coast.
- Size: It is the smallest state in India by area and the fourth-smallest by population.
- Major Harbor: The Marmagao harbor is virtually at the confluence of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers.
- Highest Peak: Sonsogor is the highest peak in Goa, located in the Western Ghats.
- Bird Sanctuary: Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on Chorao Island in Goa. It is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in India and is named after Dr. Salim Ali, a renowned ornithologist.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| State Animal | Gaur |
| State Bird | Flame-throated bulbul |
| State Tree | Matti (Asna) |
| Ethnic Group | Dhodia, Dubla, Naikda, Siddi, Varli, Kunbi, Gawda, Velip |
| Climate | Tropical monsoon climate (Köppen classification) |
| Protected Areas | – Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary – Mollem National Park – Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary<br> – Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Rivers | Zuari, Mandovi, Terekhol, Chapora, Galgibag, Kumbarjua canal, Talpona, Sal |
| Dance Forms | Shigmo dance, Manddo, Durpod, Dhangar, Fugdi, Ghodemodni, Goff, Kunbi, Mando, Muslam Khel, Perni Jagar, Dhalo-Dhalo |
| Theatre | Natak, Tiatr, Jagor |
| Festivals | Carnival, Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Shigmotsav, Bonderam Festival |
| World Heritage Sites | Churches and convents of Old Goa |
| Lakes | Mayem, Carambolim, Netravali, Kesarval |
| Sea Ports | Marmugao, Dona Paula, Panjim |
| Dams | Salaulim Dam, Cumbarjua Canal |
| GI Tags | Moira banana, Harmal chili, Feni, Khola chili, Khajem (kaddio boddio) |
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