Daman and Diu is a union territory in India. For over 450 years these coastal enclaves on the Arabian Sea coast were part of Portuguese India, along with Goa and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Goa, Daman, and Diu were occupied by the Republic of India on December 19, 1961; Portugal did not recognize Indian rule in these territories until 1974. Goa, Daman, and Diu were administered as part of a single union territory until 1987, when Goa was granted statehood, leaving Daman and Diu as a separate union territory.

Gujarati is the main language; use of Portuguese is declining because it is not official or taught at school (but still spoken by 10% in Daman). There are Portuguese Creoles in Damão (known as Língua da Casa, it means Home Language) and Diu (Língua dos Velhos, Old people's Language). The Creole of Diu is rapidly becoming extinct by the pressure of Gujarati.

Daman

Daman is on the western coast of India surrounded by Gujarat and north of Maharashtra. Daman lies on the river Daman-Ganga. Major industries have factories here. The closest railway station is Vapi (7 km). It is also famous for its beach, Portuguese architecture, and church, and for the scenic beauty in the twin cities of Nani-Daman and Moti-Daman. The chief occupation has been fishing. The nearest biggest city is Mumbai, which was once also a Portuguese colony until being ceded to England on a dynastic arrangement.

Diu

Diu is an island off the south west coast of Gujarat. It is famous for its old Portuguese Cathedral. It is also a fishing town. The Indian Air Force has an air base here.

It is considered one of the most beautiful tourist locations of india. Famous destinations include the nearby Nagoa beach -one of the finest beachs in the country. The old fort, the church and the museum have a strong Portuguese taste.

See also the Battle of Diu.