Ourense
Ourense (Orense in Castilian) is a province of northwestern Spain, in the southeastern part of the autonomous community of Galicia. It is bordered by the provinces of Pontevedra in the west, Lugo in the north, Leon and Zamora in the east, and by Portugal in the south. With an area of 7,278 square km it is the only landlocked province in Galicia. Ourense is surrounded by mountains on all sides. These mountains have isolated the province from the more populated coast and the fertile lands of the central meseta. Until a modern highway was built in recent years linking Ourense with Vigo in the west and Benavente in the east, the only viable way for people to enter or leave the province was by railroad. Even along the southern border with Portugal, mountains have kept the two cultures relatively separated. Only through the valley of Chaves has there been a historical entryway into Portugal. The principal river system is the Mino-Sil, the fertile valleys of which produce corn (maize) and grapes for wine. Due to the many rapids these rivers are not navegable, but they have been harnessed for hydroelectric power. The Sil flows through a deep canyon and has become a sought-after tourist site for its river cruises and spectacular views. Industries in the Province of Ourense include chemical manufacture, milk production, water bottling near Verín, and clothing manufacture near the capital city of Ourense. One of the largest poultry processing companies is also located in the industrial zone near that city. The provincial capital, Orense, is the only large centre, and the population of the province is predominantly rural. Of the province's population of 343,768 (2002), three-tenths live in the capital Ourense. There are 92 municipalities in Ourense. Other than the capital the most important are Verín, Ribadavia, Allariz, A Rua, Carballino, Viana do Bolo, and Xinzo de Limia.
Source: Wikipedia
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