Demographic Advantage

With an estimated population of 1.5 Mn in 2023, Goa has witnessed rapid urbanisation since 2018, with approximately 75.86% of the population settled in urban settlements as per the population census estimates. The male-female ratio is 947 females per 1000 males in the state. 

According to the PLFS 2022-23 Annual Report, for 15-59 years of age, the worker population ratio has been recorded at 52.6%, and the labour force participation rate is recorded at 58.5% for the same age group.

Healthcare Facilities

With extensive healthcare infrastructure, Goa has been engaged in developing affordable and equitable health services for all. There are 2 district hospitals, 4 urban health centres, 6 community health centres, and 24 primary health centres catering to the healthcare needs of the Goan people.

Additionally, the state government has launched the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana to provide health coverage to the residents of Goa who have been living in the state for at least 5 years. For dental care, patients are provided treatment free of cost, and due to these efforts, Goa has won 2nd prize at the national level for the National Oral Healthcare Programme for the year 2021-22.

Furthermore, the Government of Goa, in collaboration with Tricog Health Services, Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, launched the ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction project to help reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third with the adoption of modern technology.

Educational Facilities

With one of the highest literacy rates in India, standing at 88.7% according to the 2011 Census, education has emerged as a key driver of human development in the state. With an enrollment of more than 2.7 lakh students in 2022–23 in various government, aided, and unaided schools, the state government has also rolled out various schemes, like the incentive scholarship scheme for students studying in Class VI, to encourage education among all sections of students. 

Goa is also the first state to establish the Goa State Research Foundation to inculcate and promote the research and innovation culture among students in higher education. With the presence of prestigious institutions like BITS, Goa College of Engineering, and Goa Institute of Management, the state offers diverse courses to students from across and beyond the country.

Technology & Advancement

To power the state's economic and digital growth, innovation and technology are playing an important role in dispensing the potential of the IT ecosystem. With the development of the electronic manufacturing cluster at Tuem, Goa aims to become one of the preferred destinations for investment in high-end software products, service capabilities, etc.

Further, the Goa State Innovation Council has established a rapid prototyping lab that helps build the prototype using the latest FDM 3D printers and offers expert knowledge to drive the innovative capabilities of the people of the state. According to the Smart City Digital Payment Report, Goa ranks second in India with 93% of payments received through digital mode.

Infrastructure

Goa has a robust physical infrastructure, and the state is connected to all major cities of India, like Mumbai, Pune, Belgaum, and Mangalore, via the national highways NH4A, NH17, and NH17A through bus services. To enhance the transportation connections, the country's second-longest cable bridge, the Zuari Bridge, is also being built in the state. The state boasts two operational international airports that welcome a large influx of both domestic and international tourists.

Sustaining the transportation in the state, Goa has two major railway stations—Margao and Vasco-da-Gama. Konkan Railway has trains that ply between Mumbai and Goa and other destinations. Located in the coastal area, Goa also has Panaji Port and Mormugao Port to aid in the transit to and from the state.

Goa provides adequate infrastructure to tourists and offers accommodation facilities for all budgets. Budget hotels cater to backpackers, while 5-star luxury resorts such as Oberoi, Taj, Hotels, Hilton, and others, along with mid-range hotels, comprise the majority of Goa's accommodation options. The state also offers long-term rental houses, rooms, and resorts for as long as six months to allow foreign tourists to enjoy their stay in the state.

Goa takes immense pride in the port of Mormugao—a major, modern, and thriving port, the highest exporter of iron ore in the country.

Additionally, plans are underway to construct a new, massive outer harbour. New projects on the agenda include the Software Technology Park, the Integrated Infrastructure Development Scheme, and growth centres.

Sustainability Initiatives

Aiming to become an achiever in SDGs by 2029, the state has developed the Goa-State Indicator Framework with 132 identified targets with a focus on safeguarding the ecosystem, and due to these efforts, Goa has been ranked 3rd among all states in the Environment category in States' Ratings 2023 by Care Edge. The state government has introduced initiatives aiming at sustainable fishing practices for the conservation of biodiversity and the ecosystem.

Furthermore, the state has a total renewable installed capacity of 51.85 MW, and the solar energy policy of the state also targets to increase energy generation through renewable means, enhancing the holistic vision of India towards a greener future.