Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Département in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France; area 6,944 sq km/2,681 sq mi; population (1999 est) 139,600. It is situated in the Alps, and winter sports are very important to the economy. The main rivers are the Durance and the Verdon. Forestry and livestock farming are the main occupations in the uplands, and the growing of vines, fruit, potatoes, and olives in the valleys. The principal towns are Digne (the administrative centre), Barcelonnette, and Castellane.

The département, previously known as Basses-Alpes (1790–1970), is formed from part of the former province of Provence. The highest mountains are in the north and east, providing spectacular scenery; the main ski resorts are in the Vallé de l'Ubaye, Val d'Allois, Haut Verdon, and Vallé de la Blanche.