STATE PROFILE

Goa

Smallest state on the Konkan coast·Main language : Konkani ·Capital : Panaji 
Liberation from Portuguese rule19 December 1961Statehood30 May 1987

12.5 Lakh

Total Electors (2024)

40

Assembly Seats

2

Lok Sabha Seats

1

Rajya Sabha Seats

3

Districts

78.94%

Turnout (2022)

~16.5 Lakh

Population (2025 est.)

3,702 sq km

Area

Overview

Goa is India's smallest state by area and one of its most prosperous regions. Located on the western coast along the Arabian Sea, Goa was a Portuguese colony for more than 450 years before being liberated by India through Operation Vijay in December 1961. Goa, along with Daman and Diu, was administered as a Union Territory before attaining full statehood on 30 May 1987.

Konkani is the official language of Goa, while Marathi, Hindi and English are widely spoken. Goa's culture reflects a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, visible in its architecture, cuisine, music, festivals and lifestyle. The state is famous for its beaches, churches, temples and heritage settlements. The Basilica of Bom Jesus and other churches form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tourism remains the backbone of Goa's economy, supported by hospitality, mining, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, shipping and information technology. Despite its small size, Goa consistently ranks among India's highest states in per-capita income, literacy and human development indicators.

Districts of Goa

All 3 districts, clearly delineated. Tap any district to explore its constituencies.

Historical & notable landmarks

Temples, heritage sites, forts and natural wonders across the state. Hover a marker to see its name.

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TempleHeritageFortNatureCity
  • 1Basilica of Bom JesusOld Goa · North Goa district · UNESCO World Heritage church holding the relics of St. Francis Xavier
  • 2Se CathedralOld Goa · North Goa district · One of Asia's largest churches, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 3Church of St. CajetanOld Goa · North Goa district · 17th-century church modelled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
  • 4Fort AguadaCandolim · North Goa district · 17th-century Portuguese sea fort with an iconic lighthouse
  • 5Chapora FortVagator · North Goa district · Hilltop fort overlooking the Chapora river and Vagator beach
  • 6Reis Magos FortReis Magos · North Goa district · Restored riverside fortress on the Mandovi estuary
  • 7Cabo de Rama FortCanacona · Kushavati district · Ancient clifftop fort with sweeping Arabian Sea views
  • 8Shri Mangueshi TempleMardol, Ponda · North Goa district · Famed temple of Lord Manguesh, a form of Shiva
  • 9Shri Shantadurga TempleKavlem, Ponda · North Goa district · 18th-century temple dedicated to goddess Shantadurga
  • 10Mahadeva TempleTambdi Surla · Kushavati district · 12th-century Kadamba-era basalt temple, Goa's oldest
  • 11FontainhasPanaji · North Goa district · Latin Quarter of brightly coloured Portuguese-era houses
  • 12Dudhsagar FallsMollem · Kushavati district · One of India's tallest waterfalls on the Mandovi river
  • 13Bhagwan Mahaveer SanctuaryMollem · Kushavati district · Goa's largest wildlife sanctuary and national park
  • 14Dr. Salim Ali Bird SanctuaryChorao Island · North Goa district · Mangrove sanctuary on the Mandovi rich in birdlife
  • 15Palolem BeachCanacona · Kushavati district · Crescent-shaped beach in south Goa fringed by palms
  • 16Calangute BeachCalangute · The 'Queen of Beaches' on Goa's north coast

Latest election results

2022 Assembly Election

Winning Party
BJP
Seats Won by BJP
20
Seats Won by Congress
11
Seats Won by AAP
2
Seats Won by MGP
2
Seats Won by RGP
1
Independents
3
Voter Turnout
78.94%
Chief Minister
Pramod Sawant

2024 Lok Sabha Election

Total Seats
2
BJP Seats
1 (North Goa)
Congress Seats
1 (South Goa)
North Goa Electors
5,80,577
North Goa Voters
4,51,042
North Goa Turnout
77.69%
South Goa Electors
5,98,767
South Goa Voters
4,45,916
South Goa Turnout
74.47%
Overall Voter Turnout
~75%

Split verdict

Electoral timeline

  1. 2022BJP — 20 seats
  2. 2017Congress (largest party) — 17 seats
  3. 2012BJP — 21 seats

Historical Chief Ministers

  1. 2019–PresentPramod Sawant
  2. 2012–2019Manohar Parrikar

Current state leadership

Chief Minister

Pramod Sawant

Deputy Chief Minister

Vacant

Leader of Opposition

Vacant

Governor

P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju

Speaker

Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar

Legislature composition

Goa Legislative Assembly40 seats · majority mark 21
BJP
28
INC
3
AAP
2
MGP
2
GFP
1
RGP
1
IND
3

Current composition as of 2026: the BJP's strength reached 28 in September 2022 after eight Congress MLAs merged with the party. This differs from the 2022 election results.

Key political facts

Liberation from Portuguese Rule19 December 1961
Statehood30 May 1987
First Assembly Election1963
Current Largest Party (2026)BJP (28 seats)
Current Chief MinisterPramod Sawant
Assembly Constituencies40
Parliamentary Constituencies2
Districts3