Var, a dept. in the extreme south-east of France; area, 2349 sq. m.; pop. (1872) 293,757; (1891) 288,336. The dept. receives its name from the river Var, which formerly served as its boundary on the east, but which, since the arrondissement of Grasse was taken from Var and added to the
Alpes Maritimes, now belongs entirely to the latter. Var is well watered by a great number of streams, of which the chief are the Gapau, Argens, and Bianson. In the north and north-east it is mountainous, being traversed by a branch of the Alpes de Provence, called the Monts de l'Esterel. Between the mountains and the watercourses are many very fertile valleys. The climate, tempered by the altitude of the surface, is pleasant. Fruits of all kinds are here cultivated with remarkable success; tobacco is grown, and much wine is produced. The dept. abounds in minerals, and carries on an active commerce. It is divided into the three arrondissements of Draguignan, Brignoles, and Toulon. Capital, Draguignan.