Small yet an important union territory of India, Daman and Diu, is located in the Vibrant state of Gujarat. The lands are blessed with nature`s gifts as sun, sand and palm-fringed beaches. The greenery, tranquility and serenity of the place attract tourists. The beginning of September and end of May is the ideal period for exploration and fascination. The place evokes a great deal of mirth and excitement. It`s a perfect destination for tourists.

History of Daman and Diu
During the early stage, i.e. from 8th to 13th century, Daman and Diu was part of Goa and during that time Goa was a stronghold of the Chowda Rajputs who were later expelled by Waghalas who in turn were expelled by Muslims in1330. The Portuguese ruled Goa for 451 years (1510-1961). Albuquerque entrenched himself in the Island of Tiswadi in1510. When Bahadur Shah was attacked by Humayun he entered into an alliance with the Portuguese and allowed them to construct a fortress on the Island and keep up a fort there.

Later many attempts were made by the rulers of Gujarat to oust the Portuguese from the Fort of Diu. But their attempts never did succeed. The Treaty of 1543 finally confirmed the termination of Diu to the Portuguese. The other most important event that occurred in the history of Daman and Diu is the `Operation Vijay`, which happened before the midnight of December 16, 1961, ending the colonial rule.

Geography of Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu are the smallest union territories of India. The district of Daman is situated on the west coast of India between the parallels 20o27`58" and 20o22`00" of latitude north and between the meridians 72o49`42" and 72o54`43" of longitude east of Greenwich. The total are of the district is 72sq.km. Damanganga River divides Daman into two parts.

Economy of Daman and Diu
Agriculture is an important economy of Daman. The important crops grown here are paddy, ragi, groundnut, pulses and beans, wheat, banana, sapota and mango. Through the provision of irrigation facilities double cropping has been introduced. The Damanganga Projectwhich is located in the Dadra and Nagar Haveli, is a joint venture of the state of Gujarat and Goa and the Union Territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Fishing is also a main economic activity here. Cattle, buffaloes, sheep`s and goats are the main livestock.

Government and Politics of Daman and Diu
Being a Union Territory, Daman - Diu is ruled by the Central Government and all officials are treated as the employee of the Central Government.

Culture of Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu has a rich multi faceted cultural heritage. The people of Daman and Diu follow the same customs and traditions as that of the people in Gujarat. The people live according to the Hindu system prevailing in the adjoining Gujarat territory. They observe sacredly the customs of birth, marriage, sacred thread and other ceremonies. Dance and Music are a part and parcel of their life. We find an amalgamation of cultures i.e. tribal, urban, European and Indian. This amalgamation is reflected in the people`s dances. Various Portuguese dances are still in vogue.

Demographics of Daman and Diu
The territory constitute an area of 112 sq. km. The capital of the territory is Daman. The population of the area is about 1,58,059. Out of which, there are 92,478 males and 65,581 females. The literacy of the state is 81.09%. Out of which the male literacy rate is 88.40% and the female literacy rate is 70.37%. The sex ratio is 709 females per 1000 males. The main languages spoken by the people are Gujarati and Marathi.

Division of Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu are the second smallest union territory of India. The territory has two districts namely, Daman, Diu. Daman and Diu are actually two parts, both on the seaside and both enclosed by Gujarat. Daman is near Surat in the South of Gujarat while Diu is near Junagadh in the Saurashtra Peninsula of Gujarat. Daman is a small part in the Gulf of Khambhat (cambay) while Diu is an island joined to the mainland of Gujarat by a creek.

Education of Daman and Diu
About 6.94% of the children under the age group 6-14 are dropouts. Education sector is facing a major set back here. The Education Department does not have an independent director and an in charge officer. Those appointed are from Delhi or some other places who do not have knowledge about the proceedings in the UT. They are unaware of the different educational schemes and rules and often mislead the parents. At the school level, things are going from bad to worse. The illiterate parents are unaware of the importance of education. Some of the schools are Coast Guard School, Machhi Mahajan School etc. The government sanctions grants to the schools only for Std V to X, therefore Std I to IV is under the management`s responsibility. They are free to recruit anybody for these posts. No qualified teachers are appointed because recruitment is preferred only for the UT candidates. The children do not have much knowledge of computer. The schools follow an outdated syllabus.

Transport of Daman and Diu
Taxi service is available between Daman and Vapi. The nearest railway station is Vapi, which is just 12 kms. All major local trains are accessible at Vapi. Other near by railway station is at Valsad junction. The Mumbai Ahmedabad National Highway connects Daman via Vapi. The nearest airport is at Mumbai. Here, international and domestic flights facilities are available.

More on Daman and Diu
Temples of Daman and Diu