Goa, the Smallest State in India by area after Sikkim, is known for its scenic beaches, Portuguese heritage, and vibrant tourism. Despite its small size, there are two Districts of Goa: North Goa and South Goa. These districts are crucial for governance, planning, and local administration. Each district is managed by a District Collector and has its own subdivisions and talukas.
Districts of Goa
Goa, located along the southwest coast of India in the Konkan region, is administratively divided into two districts, North Goa and South Goa. Formerly a Portuguese territory, Goa attained statehood on 30 May 1987. There are two Districts of Goa, each with its own administrative framework. Below, candidates can find the names of both districts along with relevant details such as their population and geographical area. Additional information regarding the Districts of Goa is provided in the article below.
List of Districts of Goa
As of 2025, Goa comprises the following two districts, North Goa and South Goa. These districts are further divided into subdivisions and talukas for efficient governance. North Goa is headquartered in Panaji, while Margao serves as the headquarters of South Goa. Although the number of districts is small, each holds significance due to cultural, historical, and administrative relevance.
List of Districts of Goa | |||||
Sl. No | District | Headquarters | Area (km²) | Population (2011) | Density (/km²) |
1 | North Goa | Panaji | 1,736 | 817,761 | 471 |
2 | South Goa | Madgaon | 1,966 | 639,962 | 326 |
Also Read: Districts of West Bengal
North Goa Districts
North Goa is one of the two Districts of Goa and includes the state capital, Panaji. This district is known for its lively beaches like Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna, as well as the historic forts of Aguada and Chapora. It is divided into three subdivisions: Panaji, Mapusa, and Bicholim, and consists of six talukas: Tiswadi, Bardez, Pernem, Bicholim, Sattari, and Ponda (shared with South Goa). North Goa attracts tourists with its nightlife, heritage churches, and flea markets.
North Goa Districts | |
District | North Goa |
Subdivisions | Mapusa, Bicholim and Panaji |
Talukas | Bardez, Tiswadi, Bicholim, Sattari, Pernem |
South Goa Districts
South Goa has its headquarters in Margao, one of the major commercial centers of the state. The District of Goa is known for its serene beaches, such as Colva, Palolem, and Benaulim, and is less crowded compared to North Goa. South Goa comprises five talukas – Mormugao, Salcete, Quepem, Canacona, and Sanguem, while Ponda is administratively shared. The district is more laid-back and offers a rich blend of nature, culture, and religious sites.
South Goa Districts | |
District | South Goa |
Subdivisions | Mormugao, Ponda, Quepem, Margao and Dharbandora |
Talukas | Mormugao, Ponda, Quepem, Salcete, Sanguem, Dharbandora and Canacona |
Also Read: Districts of Punjab
Districts of Goa Importance
Districts of Goa hold varied importance due to tourism, trade, and administration. These districts help in the smooth implementation of government schemes and development activities. Both North and South Goa have unique cultural identities influenced by Indo-Portuguese traditions. From a governance perspective, district divisions help in law enforcement, elections, census, and resource allocation.
Districts of Goa Importance | |
District | Importance |
North Goa | Strategic location, surrounded by the Arabian Sea, neighbouring South Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. |
South Goa | Rich cultural heritage, encompassing subdivisions like Mormugao, Ponda, Quepem, Margao, and Dharbandora. |
Districts of Goa FAQs
Q1. How many districts are there in Goa in 2025?+
Q2. What is the capital of Goa?+
Q3. Which district is Margao located in?+
Q4. Which district has more beaches in Goa?+
Q5. Is Ponda in North or South Goa?+
Tags: Districts of Goa