The Portuguese language has been used in Goa since the early 16th century, following the establishment of Portuguese rule, and continues to be spoken today, although by a small minority of the population. Portuguese administration in Goa continued from 1510 until 1961, when the region was annexed into the Indian Republic. While it retains a role in certain religious contexts, the language is still studied, with around 1,500 students learning Portuguese in Goa in 2015; totaling a number of 10,000 – 12,000 Portuguese speakers in the state. Another informal estimate cites the number at about 8,000 speakers, however there is no formal trustworthy source for the number of Portuguese speakers in Goa.