The population of Goa is composed of a Hindu majority of around 65% and a Christian minority of around 30%. Muslims and other religions make up the rest. The people of Goa prefer to call themselves Goans and not Goanese. In contrast to other parts of India, Goans have developed a remarkable degree of tolerance towards each other's religious beliefs, and hence religious fundamentalism is completely unknown in the state. The best evidence of this is seen in quite a few places of worship in Goa, where both Hindus and Christians go together. The isolation of Goa from the rest of India for more than four centuries under the Portuguese rule, combined with it's geographical borders in the form of the Sahyadri ranges and the tidal rivers have managed to give the people of Goa a unique identity. By nature, Goans are warm, friendly, easy going and large hearted. They live life in style and at a leisurely pace. They are passionate about dance, music and art which is in their blood and they love their food and feni. They live life wholeheartedly celebrating every moment of their life. Their unique feature is the daily practice of 'Seista' between 1-4 pm when all the shops are shut down. The Goans go by the latest trend and wear fashionable clothes in every social function. The nighlife and rave parties in Goa are quite tantalizing and make the Goans quite vivacious in the evening.

Goa is a food paradise for those who are fond of seafood. The basic cuisines prevalent in Goa are Konkani, Portuguese and Nawabi cuisines. Simple yet Spicy is the speciality of Goan food, which is prepared from sea-fruits. The principal Goan dishes are fish, prawns, mussels, oysters, crabs, chourisso (pickled pig's liver soaked in vinegar with tamarind) & vindalho (spicy pork). Besides seafood, liquors (beer, wines, gin and feni) of Goa are also world famous. The vegetarians are also aptly attended by the hotels and restaurants with a range of vegetarian thalis like Marwari Thali, Jain Thali, South India Thali etc.

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