Goa was a Portuguese territory
from 1510 onwards. It became a Union Territory of India in 1961, and
Statehood was conferred on it in 1987. Almost half the State has a rich
forest cover and the Western Ghats form its eastern boundary. The total
land area under irrigation is 43,000 hectares. Rice, coconut, cashewnut,
sugarcane and fruits like pineapple, mango and banana are grown. It has
substantial deposits of ferro manganese, bauxite and iron ore. There are
several industries located in the State and a number of ports handle
cargo exports. Tourism is a major industry, owing to its world famous
beaches and unique sub-culture. All villages have been electrified. The
climate is temperate with warm summers, cool winters and average annual
rainfall is 287 cm.