Diu

Diu, India

Diu, formerly Dio, town, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu union territory, western India. It is situated on an island in the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay) of the Arabian Sea, off the southern tip of the Kathiawar Peninsula in southwestern Gujarat state.

Diu Island is about 7 miles (11 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide. It is known for its magnificent Cathedral of Sé Matriz and its idyllic beauty. Diu fell to the Portuguese in 1535 and remained a Portuguese colony until 1961. Bitter fighting then broke out at Diu before India asserted control of the island. Diu was part of Goa, Daman, and Diu union territory until 1987, when Goa became a separate state of India. Bajra (pearl millet) and coconuts are the major crops. Other economic activities include fishing, tapping of the toddy palm for its juice, and salt processing. The island has an airport. Pop. (2001) 21,578; (2011) 23,991.