Formosa

Former name for Taiwan.

Formosa

The most northerly province in central Argentina, separated from Paraguay in the north by the River Pilcomayo flowing west-to-east into the River Paraguay; area 72,066 sq km/27,825 sq mi; population (1996) 398,413. The capital is the town of Formosa. The province lies wholly in the geographical region of the Gran Chaco, with its flat alluvial plain watered by numerous sluggish and meandering streams, and covered with grass and scrub forest (except in the east, where the forest is dense). Formosa is mainly agricultural; flax, maize, tobacco, sugar cane, sorghum, and cotton are the principal crops. Cattle are also raised and the forests in the east are exploited for quebracho extract (for tanning and dyeing) and timber.

The climate is tropical, with heavy summer rains causing flooding, and a period of winter drought.

Formosa

Capital of the province of the same name in the northeast of Argentina, on the right bank of the River Paraguay; population (1996) 153,855. The city is situated 1,440 km/ 900 mi north of Buenos Aires on level swampland, and is the sole trading centre and river port of the province.

Formosa is known for the annual week-long Fiesta del Río, which features an impressive nocturnal religious procession in which 150 boats from Corrientes sail up the River Paraguay.