The unique charm and culture of the people of Goa is probably due to their mixed descent. The earliest inhabitants were perhaps tribals of Dravidian stock. The Konkan region of which Goa is part of was also mentioned in the Mahabharatha as one of the tribal Aryan states. So these two states would have intermarried by 600 B.C. Then came the traders from Rome and Arabia and period of Muslim domination. It was followed by the Portuguese settlement of 451 years. They encouraged mixed marriages.

The state of Goa gives a strong impression of being predominantly Christian. But that is only because the areas that tourists visit have a large Christian population. Of its million or so inhabitants about 31% are Christians, 64% Hindus and 4% Muslims, but they are all Goans (not Goanese). Warm, friendly, hospitable with a love for music and dance and an unsatiable appetite for good food and drink, which is reflected in every aspect of their easy paced lives. They are a delight to encounter.

The people of Goa speak Konkani. It was given the status of a State Language a few years ago. Marathi, the language of neighbouring Maharashtra state is also used. English and Portuguese are spoken and understood by a large part of the population, although Portuguese is mainly used by the older generation. Hindi, the national language is also widely used.