Beira

Beira, a Portuguese province, bounded N. by the provinces of Minho and Tras-os-Montes, S. by Estremadura and Alentejo, E. by Spain, and W. by the Atlantic Ocean. It has an area of about 9222 sq. m., and a pop. (1890) of 1,461,834. The surface is mountainous, and the soil on the plains sandy, and generally far from fertile. The mountain-slopes afford good pasturage for sheep and cattle, and from the hogs of Beira are made the well-known Lisbon hams. The products are corn, wine, honey, oil, flax, and various kinds of fruit. Sea-salt is obtained at the coast. The river Douro waters the whole of its northern, and the Tagus a portion of its southern boundary. Iron, coal, and marble are wrought in small quantity, and mineral springs are numerous. The province embraces the districts of Aveiro, Castello Branco, Coimbra, Guarda, and Vizeu. The capital is Coimbra.