Regular censuses have been held regularly in Goa since 1881. The first one was held in 1850. The latest one was held after 10 years in 2001. A brief summary of the 2001 census:

Goa's population is 13,47,668 with 6,87,248 Males and 6,60,420 Females. The growth of 14.8 per cent, during 1991 to 2000, is lower than the 16.08 per cent recorded during 1981 to 1990.

The sex-ratio (number of females per thousand males) in Goa is 961 in 2001 compared to 967 in 1991 and the national ratio of 933.

The density of population per sq.km. in Goa is 364 in 2001 as compared to 316 in 1991. North Goa has a much higher density (437) as compared to South Goa (300). The national figure is 324.

As of 2001, there are 44 classified urban areas in Goa where there has been an increase in population.

The literacy rate of 82 per cent is far higher than the national rate pf 65.38 per cent. 88.4 per cent of the male and 75.4 per cent of the female population is literate.

64.68 per cent of the population is Hindu, 29.86 per cent is Christian and Muslims are a minority of 5.25 per cent.

Around 0.15 to 0.2 million of the total population of 13,43,998 are immigrants from around India who have settled down in Goa.