Daman and Diu was part of the Portuguese empire. It was incorporated into the Republic of India on 19 December 1961. Daman and Diu became a separate union territory after Goa got separated. 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

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 is the smallest union territories of India. The district of Daman is situated on the west coast of India between the parallels 20 degrees 27`58" and 20 degrees 22`00" of latitude north and between the meridians 72 degrees 49`42" and 72 degrees 54`43" of longitude east of Greenwich. The total are of the district is 72sq.km. Daman ganga 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 Project which 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.

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. There is 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 constitutes an area of 112 sq. km. The capital of the territory is Daman. The population of the area is about 242,911. Out of which, there are 150,100 males and 92,811 females. The literacy of the state is 87.07%. Out of which the male literacy rate is 91.48% and the female literacy rate is 79.59%. The main languages spoken by the people are Gujarati, Marathi and English.