http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/15/stories/2005081500020400.htm
Goa: A factfile Anil Sastry A view of the Sinqualim beach. THOUGH geographically small, Goa has developed as a full-fledged and vibrant economy, thanks to its abundant resources. Right from rich natural resources and human resources, the State is blessed with a pleasant climate and a well-developed infrastructure. It is one of the fastest growing industrial and commercial centres in the country. Some facts about Goa are as follows: * Total geographical area - 3,702 sq km. * Number of districts - Two North Goa, with State capital Panaji as its headquarters, and South Goa with Margao as its headquarters divided into 11 talukas. The number of towns has increased to 44 in 2001-02 from 31 in 2000-01. * Total population - 13.44 lakh (2001 Census), with a decennial growth rate of 14.89 per cent. The sex ratio is 960 females for 1,000 males. Population density is 363/sq km. * Highest literacy rate at 82 per cent. * The State is administered by a Legislative Assembly comprising 40 members. It is also represented in Parliament by two Lok Sabha members and one Rajya Sabha member. Other interesting facts * Census 2001 revealed Goa as a highly urbanised State with 49.77 per cent of the population residing in urban areas. * Highest per capita income of Rs 26,106 (at constant prices) and Rs 45,105 (at current prices). * Primary languages spoken - Konkani, Marathi, English and Portuguese. * Some of the major crops cultivated here are rice, areca nut, cashew, coconut and sugarcane. * Industries thriving here include mining, tourism, cement, electronics and pharmaceuticals. * The State has more than 2,000 km of road per 1,000 sq km of area (the national average is 650 km). The State also enjoys a superb network of road, rail, air and sea routes 225 km of National Highway NH-17, 17A and 4; the Konkan Railway connecting Mumbai-Kerala runs through Goa; Dabolim International Airport and a major port facility by the Mormugao Port Trust. * There is also a good communication network the entire State is covered by optical cable network for telephonic connectivity, and broadband connection for Internet has been launched too. Tele-density - 12 telephones per 100 persons, next only to Delhi. Tourism - over 2,000 hotels/lodging houses. Tourist arrival stood at more than 2.5 million last season. * There are 23 general colleges and 22 professional colleges in the State. * The State has 32 government hospitals and 106 private hospitals. It has the highest doctor-to-patient and hospital bed-to-population ratio. * There is an abundant supply of power and water in the State. * The State receives an average annual rainfall of 277 cm; its temperature ranges between 26 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius. It has an exceptional blend of rural and urban life. Advantage Goa The State receives Pleasant environment to live, an average annual rainfall of 277 cm; its temperature ranges Cms, temperature ranging between 26 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius. It has an exceptional Exceptional blend of rural and urban life. Homogeneous culture. The State also enjoys a superb Superb network of road, rail, air and sea routes networks 225 km of National Highway NH-17, 17A and 4; the Konkan Railway connecting Mumbai-Kerala runs through Goa; Dabolim International Airport and a major port facility by the Mormugao Port Trust. There is an assured and abundant supply of power and water. There is also a good communication network the entire State is covered by optical cable network for telephonic connectivity, and broadband connection for Internet has been launched too. The highest doctor-to-patient and hospital bed-to-population ratio. The lowest crime rate and harmonious industrial relations.
