Goa

Goa

geographical name \ˈgō-ə\

Definition of GOA

state W India on Malabar Coast; before 1962 belonged to Portugal; with Daman & Diu constituted a union territory 1962–87; ∗ Panaji area 1404 square miles (3636 square kilometers), pop 1,343,998 — see portuguese india

— Go·an \ˈgō-ən\ adjective or noun

— Goa·nese \ˌgō-ə-ˈnēz, -ˈnēs\ adjective or noun

Variants of GOA

Goa or Portuguese Gôa \ˈgō-ə\

Rhymes with GOA

boa, koa, moa, Noah, Shoah, stoa

Goa

   (Concise Encyclopedia)

State (pop., 2008 est.: 1,628,000), southwestern India. Located on the western coast, it is bordered by Maharashtra and Karnataka states and has a 65-mi (105-km) coastline on the Arabian Sea. It has an area of 1,429 sq mi (3,702 sq km), which includes the offshore island of Goa. The capital is Panaji. It was ruled by Hindu dynasties and Muslim sultanates until the late 15th century and came under Portuguese control in 1510. Their settlement of Old Goa became the capital of Portuguese India. After India attained independence in 1947, it demanded that Portugal cede Goa. Indian troops finally occupied Goa in 1961; it was subsequently incorporated into India as part of the territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu. It became a state in 1987. Goa is predominantly agricultural; its distinctive architecture and fine beaches also make it a popular tourist destination.