Goa which was liberated on 19th December, 1961 alongwhh Daman and Diu from 451 years Portuguese Colonial Rule, became the 25th State of the Indian Union when it was conferred Statehood on 30th May, 1987.
The State of Goa has a Legislative Assembly with a strength of 40 elected members. Besides, Goa has three elected representatives in the Central Parliament. The Governor is the Head of the State and is advised by a Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister. Panaji, a small picturesque town on the left bank of river Mandovi, is the seat of the State Administration. However, for administrative purposes, the State has been divided into two districts: North Goa and South Goa with headquarters at Panaji and Margao respectively, and six divisions comprising 11 Talukas.
Ensconced on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges) Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar district of Kamataka and on the West by Arabian Sea. Its rivers, Tiracol,Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpona, which are navigable throughout the year, have their origin in the Sahyadri ranges and flow westward into the Arabian Sea, 60 kms. away, breaking the long coast line covering a length of 105 kms. into enchanting estuaries and bays which mark off idyllic palm-fringed beaches like Arambol, Vagator,Atijuna, Baga and Calangute in the North and Colva. Betui and Palolem in the South.
Goa, a tiny emerald land on the West Coast of India, with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches and temples famous for its architecture, feasts and festivals and above all hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu, has an ideal tourist profile.
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